Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Alvarado.
Hi Brian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I decided to educate myself more about mixology by enrolling in a brief course at Houston’s ABC School of Bartending. It was an enjoyable atmosphere as the “classroom” was staged as a bar with empty liquor bottles filled with colored water. I already had a basic comprehension of making drinks as my interest began while hosting house parties during high school.
I learned all the classic cocktails, shots , etiquette, safety and laws of the industry. Once I passed their standardized test, I received my TABC.
I was ready to take on the world with my new certification and began walking in to every establishment I could find, eager to inquire if they were hiring and filled out countless applications. Once the staff members asked me “how much experience do you have?”, I responded “this would be my 1st bar”, they would turn me away do to “lack of experience”.
It was demotivating, but I continued to seek that golden opportunity. One day after working out at my local gym in Katy, I noticed a bar outside the window that had a Now Hiring sign. I finished my workout, rushed home to shower, and hurried back to the bar. I walked in with my head held high and noticed a sweet older woman painting a mural on the wall. She greated me and said her name was Shirley. I introduced myself and asked if they were hiring, so she called for the general manager. Dave came out from the back and asked that nerve-wracking question of how much experience I had. I replied with confidence “I just completed bartending school”. He stated that they needed someone with “experience”, and Shirley interrupted by saying, “Dave give the boy a chance!”. Dave looked at me with a smile and asked “when can you start Brian?”. I responded “I’m ready to start now Dave!”. He handed me a stain bucket and a rag and said “help me stain this counter top kid, you’re hired”. And there was my golden opportunity. I ran up to Shirley, hugged her, and thanked her for vouching for me!
I started at 20 Below Sports Lounge in 2008 as a barback for the 1st week, became lead bartender by the 2nd week, and by the 3rd, became a manager. All at the age of 18.
After a year I was ready to seek a more fast paced environment. I began working in Houston at different locations. Sports bars, night clubs, lounges, etc and enjoyed the hell out of it! After some personal situations, I decided to take a pause from working in the industry. I took on sales positions and ended up working in the apartment industry for several years.
I felt like something was missing though. I realized what was missing was “passion”. I knew I had the knowledge, drive, and experience to open my own business and decided to dive head first in to mobile bartending and founded “Drinkx Events”!
Through my real estate and mutual connections, my brand and I began to flourish! I began booking birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, open houses, corporate events, and private events all around the greater Houston area! But the initial spark I had began to dwindle. I went through personal and lifestyle changes that caused me to lose focus of my goals to succeed.
Fast forward to 2024. I decided to go out for a night with friends at a local bar in Katy. There they introduced me to the most beautiful bartender I had ever seen! We locked eyes and there was immediate chemistry! I introduced myself by saying “Hi I Brian and this is my passion!”. She giggled and responded “Oh yea..? I’m Renee and I just do this for money.”. And this began our relationship.
I realized how much experience and wisdom Renee had of the service and hospitality industry, in life, and how many things in common we had. Our attraction couldn’t help but grow stronger. She pointed out things that I could improve on in my personal life and in business. So I decided to rebrand Drinkx Events and take it to the next level together!
There’s nothing more gratifying than working and succeeding together with the person that you love! I found my passion once again!
Here we are in 2025, with 17 years of experience under my belt and Drinkx Events is becoming stronger and more relevant through word of mouth and social media.
Everyone deserves to have someone believe in their dreams and potential. That sweet older lady named Shirley at 20 Below Sports Lounge still holds a very special place in my heart and I proudly share that story with anyone who asks me how I got started in the industry. As for my girlfriend and business partner Renee, let’s just say I wouldn’t be the man or businessman I am without her by my side!
I sit here with passion once again as I write my introduction and proudly say, “When you’re looking for a mobile bar service in Houston, there’s no one better and more experienced in craft mixology than Drinkx Events!” You can book us by calling 832-664-1492 or at Events@drinkxevents.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a business owner has it’s challenges. But when you apply yourself, network, market, and increase your visibility, you have no other option than to succeed!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Drinkx Events is mobile bar service that specializes in craft cocktails, beverage catering, cocktail menu creations, and event planning for all forms of industries.
What sets us apart is the dedication to creating delicious and visually appealing craft cocktails. Our customer service and attention to detail in portion control guarantees a perfectly balanced cocktail every time!
When you are seeking to host an event or gathering, Drinkx Events is the perfect service to create and capture a memorable experience for you, your family, and guests!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Desire and passion. Every event and every interaction with our guests is an opportunity to expose why we are the best mobile bar service in the industry!
Pricing:
- Pricing is determined by the number of hours, number of guests, and additional services they may be interested in including.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drinkxevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkx.events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551016287344&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/drinkx-events-katy
- Other: https://g.page/r/CRSuF8VOruh8EBM/review
