Bartenders in New Orleans, a Photo Essay
L. Paul Gustings
Bartender, Broussard’s Restaurant
“Anybody can make a drink, but you have to make people feel comfortable, at home, at ease—all of the things that make you feel welcome. That is the main thing about hospitality.”
“Sometimes people ask me why I’m not smiling … At least when I smile I mean it. If you want an inane, stupid smile, go to McDonald’s.”
Travis Sanders
Bartender, Hotel Monteleone Instructor, Crescent School of Gaming and Bartending
“I’m on a mission to civilize. I’m on a mission to show my parents and the people of the world that I show up to work and engage in my profession. I don’t just show up to work. Yeah, I make drinks, but shit, I make ’em good. I believe people would respect what we do as service professionals if we all acted like professionals … I intend to be a part of the movement that restores that respect to bartenders.”
Tyler Chauvin
General Manager, Trèo
“I’m a bartender because I love this industry. I’m kind of an introvert, so the aspect of having to speak to new people in a social setting is really exciting and terrifying in the same breath.”
Kimberly Patton-Bragg
General Manager and Head Barkeep, Three Muses
“No matter how long you’re in this business there is always something to learn. There seems to be a trend of folks wanting to run before they crawl. Doesn’t end well. Trust me.”
Nicholas Jarrett
Bartender, The Saint and Cure
“New Orleans is way more rock ’n’ roll [than Brooklyn].”
