Bailey Dolce
Colorado native Bailey began his hospitality career at 18 and has spent nearly two decades in the industry, building experience in serving, bartending, bar management, and creating original cocktails and zero-proof drinks for menus. His hospitality journey has taken him throughout Colorado, from the heart of Denver to the foothills. Creativity and genuine connection are […]
Ben Strobel
Ben Strobel is the lead bartender at Nora’s, a speakeasy in Louisville, CO. There he brings warm and personal hospitality to a bar program that prides itself on unorthodox and inventive cocktailing. Beyond the bar, Ben was born and raised in Colorado and went to Northern Arizona University for an undergraduate degree in geology. He […]
Dustin Tran
Dustin Tran has been bartending in the greater Denver area for over 12 years and currently works with Intoxicology Mobile Mixology, doing events all over Colorado. Born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota, he has lived on the Front Range since 2008. He currently resides in Aurora with his husband, dog, and their backyard […]
Reeves Brown
Greetings, fellow germs. As a backwoods kid, I am honored to be a part of Denver’s Food & Wine cocktail competition. Having grown up in Tennessee, I took inspiration from the Georgia peach for my presented cocktail. With Blackland rye whiskey as my base spirit, I created a peaches-&-cream themed cocktail, substituting marshmallow root for cream. Similar […]
Scott Ruggerio
Scott Ruggiero has over a decade of restaurant and bar experience starting from a neighborhood bistro, advancing to running prestigious bar programs in Kansas City and Colorado. His focus on education led him to become a Certified Sommelier, earn a Certified Spirit Specialist Certificate, and complete the Bar 5 program. In addition to his certifications, […]
Allen Allen | African Caribbean Palate
African Caribbean Palate is a family tradition rooted in the legacy of my grandmother, Evelyn “Evo” Martin, from Trinidad and Tobago. Known for her delicious food, desserts, and sauces, she passed down her cherished recipes through generations. While studying in university, I traveled to West Africa and was inspired by the rich culinary traditions that […]
Sebastian Zydek
Sebastian Zydek has been bartending for 14 years and still loves everything about the craft. He currently works at Rosalee’s Pizzeria in Longmont, home to what he considers some of Colorado’s best pizza. Sebastian is no stranger to the Shake + Brake Showdown, having competed in 2018, placed third in 2019, returned in 2022, and […]
James Cordova | Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Born and raised in Colorado, I’ve spent the last 20 years in professional kitchens across Longmont and Denver. Culinary lineage runs deep in my family my father was a chef, and the kitchen has always felt like home. My path has taken me through local culinary staples like Sugarbeet and the refined sushi counters of Uchi, […]
Casey Taylor | Westbound & Down
As Culinary Director at Westbound & Down Brewing, Chef Casey Taylor blends global corporate experience with Denver fine dining. Having launched 68 restaurants worldwide, he now drives flavor innovation at the brewery, creating unique dishes, working with local farms and leading the culinary program for Westbound & Down’s four locations. Learn more: Westbound & Down […]
Brett Gard | TStreet Roadhouse
Brett Gard is a classically trained French chef with more than 12 years of culinary experience and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences through technique, creativity, and collaboration. Born in Canton, South Dakota, Brett discovered his love for the culinary arts while attending culinary school, where the intensity of the kitchen—the pace, the fire, […]
