RICKY RAMIREZ
Owner and Bartender The Mothership , Milwaukee
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 lower ed 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 .”
RUBY HONERKAMP
Founder & CEO Talkhouse Encore
Age : 33 First Industry Job : Helping at her family ’ s dive bar in Long Island Favorite Drink : Talkhouse Encore Grapefruit Tequila Soda
Living with celiac disease , Ruby Honerkamp often found it difficult to find gluten-free drink options that didn ’ t have artificial flavoring or added sugar . This influenced her to launch her own line of spirits-based canned seltzers that are gluten-free , made with real fruit juice and have no added sugar : Talkhouse Encore .
Prior to launching Talkhouse Encore , Honerkamp served as the executive assistant to model Karlie Kloss before moving on to Away , where she served as associate director in the Creative Integration department .
Working with a well-known public figure and a renowned brand helped Honerkamp gain integral experience that ultimately helped her launch her own company . Honerkamp also helped at her family ’ s East-End Long Island venue , The Stephen Talkhouse . “ I grew up in Stephen Talkhouse , so it ’ s a special place for me because of its old rockand-roll institution that ’ s been around for many decades , as well as the values that are instilled in it ,” says Honerkamp . “ When we were closed during the pandemic , we were thinking of ways for customers to bring that summer experience home with them .”
Launching a new beverage during the pandemic was a tough venture , and not just because of all the government shutdowns .
“ One of the biggest challenges I ’ ve faced in my career was navigating New York State ' s Tide House laws , which initially posed significant barriers to the growth of my business ,” Honerkamp explains . These laws , originally established to prevent vertical integration in the alcohol industry , inadvertently restricted her ability to bring Talkhouse Encore to life .
“ To successfully pass a bill to lift these restrictions , I worked tirelessly with Assemblyman Fred W . Thiele , Jr . and Senator Anthony Palumbo and their respective offices to pass legislation exempting Talkhouse Encore and The Stephen Talkhouse from Tied House Law ,” she continues . “ This legislative victory ultimately set a precedent allowing for greater innovation and flexibility in how our businesses operate within the alcohol sector .”
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