40 Under 40 Spotlight: Ricky Ramirez
Who: Ricky Ramirez
What: Owner and bartender
Where: The Mothership in Milwaukee, WI
Age: 38
First Industry Job: Busboy and bar back at a steakhouse in Milwaukee
Favorite Drink: Unstirred Boulevardier with at least a 92-proof bourbon and Cinzano Rosso vermouth
The Mothership is a bold and unapologetic cocktail bar that is redefining what a cocktail experience can be. With Ricky Ramirez at the helm, the bar has gained well-deserved national recognition for its irreverent, no-nonsense approach, delivering world-class cocktails without the pretentious frills typically associated with high-end bars.
Ramirez combines intricate, nerdy techniques with an eclectic selection of forgotten and exotic spirits for a bar program that can stand up to any nationally recognized spot. His philosophy of inclusivity and accessibility, however, sets The Mothership apart and reflects the spirit of Milwaukee itself — cool, humble and unbothered by clout.
What’s more, The Mothership offers the best bartender training and R&D in the city. Ramirez has significantly lowered staff turnover compared to the industry average for both paying a living wage and investing significantly in his team’s skills and professional growth.
His biggest challenge would be a tie between opening a bar 10 months before the pandemic shutdowns and surviving, “and trying to bring the flavors of dishes/beverages of my Guatemalan/Dominican background to a Midwest secondary market with more limited sources of ingredients,” Ramirez says.
“I set personal goals by always keeping a competitive mindset and knowing that there are examples of bars that are more successful financially, with menus that may be a little better presented and a happier staff than mine,” he says. “I set myself up for success by only tackling these goals one at a time or however many I can healthily and always trying to communicate with anyone I feel can help me stay levelheaded in times of adversity.”
For all of year’s 40 Under 40, which represent every tier and channel of the beverage alcohol industry, check out our special supplement.
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