Life Beyond the Bar with Garvey Alexander

Garvey Alexander’s journey in the hospitality industry began over a decade ago as a busboy, eventually rising to general manager position.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in many aspects of restaurant operations, from designing cafés and bars to leading front and back-of-house teams. Garvey took charge of his future by creating something deeply personal and meaningful: The Brunch God comic book. “It’s my way of giving people who support me a tangible piece of myself they can have at home.” We ask Garvey about cultivating a unique style that sets him apart and how to engage with an audience.

Inspiration behind The Brunch God

I merged two passions, anime and crafting cocktails, into one creative endeavor. The title “Brunch God” stems from my dedication to the brunch scene, where I gained a reputation for innovative cocktail creations. Over the years, customers would follow me from job to job just to have my cocktails, often requesting customized creations on the spot. This comic book is a culmination of my love for anime, cocktails, and the brunch culture that earned me the nickname “Brunch God.”

Cocktail Comic Book

The Brunch God comic book features cocktails I’ve crafted for customers at various bars and restaurants, including original recipes and twists on classics. It reflects my love for the industry and a way to share my expertise with others.

Position on The Today Show

Currently, I curate and present lists of my favorite alcoholic beverages and sometimes food on The Today Show. This opportunity came after years of hard work and networking, allowing me to share my prowess with a wider audience. This esteemed platform allows me to share my expertise, insights, and recommendations with a wide audience of viewers. Through engaging segments and discussions, I aim to showcase the latest trends and products and educate and inspire viewers to explore the world of cocktails and culinary delights.

Advice for bartenders

To make a name for yourself in the industry, showcase your personality through branding, and don’t be afraid to stand out. Embrace the universe’s synchronicities and stay focused on your goals. Cultivate an air of animal ambition when it comes to your goals. That means having a relentless pursuit of what you want. Also, add a bit of love energy into every shake, stir, and pour.

Three key tips for becoming influential

Build Strong Relationships—Cultivate genuine connections with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and industry professionals. Networking is crucial in this industry, and fostering meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorships.

Continuously Improve Skills—Stay curious and committed to ongoing learning and skill development. Attend workshops, seminars, and tastings to enhance your knowledge of spirits, cocktail techniques, and industry trends. Investing in your education demonstrates dedication and sets you apart as a knowledgeable and skilled bartender.

Maximize presence—Maximizing the benefits of being in certain rooms involves more than just physically occupying a space; it’s about being intentional with your presence and actions to extract the most value from the environment and the people within it. Whether you’re attending industry events, networking mixers, educational seminars, or social gatherings, each room presents unique opportunities for learning, connection, and advancement.

Opportunities in bartending

Bartending can open doors to various opportunities, from traveling the world to making a competitive income without a formal education. It’s a versatile career that rewards creativity and hard work. Most bars have a similar setup, and bartenders can earn great money by mastering the top cocktails.