Crazy On You...

Yesterday I worked my first event with Columbia Hospitality, and it was amazing. It was a celebration of Farmers Insurance's centennial, and it was a fantastic party. It was a gorgeous Seattle day, which was nice for all the out of town guests that Farmers flew in for the event. They booked most of the Bell Harbor Conference Center, including the Elliot Bay Room, which was decorated to the hilt by several companies including Creative Ice. I was bartending on the outside deck overlooking Elliot Bay, so when the fireworks show started, I had a front row view. Possibly the best part of the night was when Nancy Wilson (the lead singer of Heart) walked over to my bar during the fireworks and started making small talk. The only thing I remember telling her was that Heart was my first cassette tape when I was little and she thought that was funny. They performed live and were amazing... she can still belt it out like she could 25 years ago. The guests were great and a lot of fun, as was my partner Peter who has been bartending for 12 years, so it was great to talk to him. I was amazed at the fluidity with which this company put on this event. The bar staff worked like a well oiled machine, and I definitely noted some stuff that will be great for my business and working events like this one... only smaller for now;)

Oh that's right....

I've never tried to blog before because I was sure I would forget about it and go months without looking at it... it's only been like 2 weeks, but that's still pretty bad. So... stuff that has been happening with BB... my official business license came in the mail, I got my business bank accounts all set up, and I got my food handlers permit for working catering events... More specifically catering events with Columbia Hospitality which has hired me as an on-call bartender. They are a HUGE company and I am super stoked about this opportunity. Check out their website www.ColumbiaHospitality.com. It's one of John Oppenheimer's companies and they are in charge of all events at the World Trade Center, Bell Harbor Conference Center, The Salish Lodge and a bunch of other really great venues. My first gig with them is this Saturday and it's a 2000 guest event on the waterfront. I'm really excited. This week I'm hoping to get some more little things done like finally going in to Kinko's to work on my new business cards and ordering some equipment. I'm looking forward to the end of this quarter and Spring Break in a few weeks, hopefully they will go by fast!

And the winner is...

My dear friend Sharalyn Kniseley from lo those years ago (and a fantastic photographer, already reserved for my wedding someday). She gets 3 free hours of bartending service from BB. Thanks to all of the fans on facebook, it really means a lot! Today the package options were finalized I am offering two choices that are customizable to the event. The Gold Package comes with customized suggested inventory list, complimentary liquor store pick up, 40 minute set up/tear down, portable bar, coolers and a full bar kit (napkins, straws, tins, strainers, etc). The Platinum Package comes with everything in the Gold Package, as well as, all non-alcoholic mixers, garnishes, ice and a customized cocktail menu (when applicable). Prices are on a case by case basis, depending on the number of guests, so email or call for a quote. I also had an interview to get on the "on-call" list with Columbia Events, which would be awesome. I find out next week after my background check if I made it. This weekend should be a good opportunity to get a lot done! All while watching the Olympics of course;)

Hockey and Beer....

Two of God's greatest gifts to mankind.... and my plans for the rest of the evening. Well today ended up being productive. I got my new business bank accounts set up at Sam's bank (Yay for actually being helped at a bank). The bank manager, who was helping me, wants me to bartend his wedding this year, so congrats to them and me;) I also scored my 100th fan on facebook after only 2 days, so I am going to give back by doing a raffle for 3 free hours of bartending service.... results to come soon;) If you were in the first 100, then you are in... assuming you are of legal age and in WA state... if not I will figure something out, maybe a fifth of your favorite liquor (legal ones) or a gift card (youngins)... but I guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Quite a bit more work to do this week, but everything is still going swimmingly... enjoy your Mardi Gras night!

Let's Get It Started...

It is a rare occasion when something falls into place exactly how it should, but I am thrilled to say that the inception of Butler Bartending is doing just that. Just one week after I decided to undertake starting my own business, every little detail seems to be coming together perfectly (knock on wood). I applied for my Small Business License last Thursday and all that paperwork has gone through without a hitch; my Aunt's Sister-in-law, Mary Ann, made me a beautiful website in a matter of days; and I have experienced an amazing influx of support from my awesome friends and family. Tomorrow I am headed to [evil megabank] to get a new bank account started with the help of my lovely friend (and said bank's lead teller), Sam. After that's all set up, I am going to set up some advertising with google AdWords and good 'ol Facebook, and of course the UW Daily student newspaper. As soon as my tax return comes, a brand new bar kit and traveling full bar set up will be mine (really looking forward to that). I really can't thank everyone enough for the support I have received thus far in this process, and I look forward to sharing the rest of the start up and execution of Butler Bartending with you...