You can spot Joel Garay, bartender and Bartenders Academy Graduate,  working at Babaloo’s in Norwalk on a busy Saturday night serving the trendiest cocktails with blazing speed and pin point accuracy.  His smile, style, and flair keeps a steady stream of customers ordering and tipping from the bar opens until last call.What does Joel enjoy about bartending?When asked what he love’s about bartending, Joel doesn’t hesitate to let you know that it’s the people, the energy, and money.  And while grinning from ear to ear about the financial rewards of slinging drinks with excellent customer service, he’s the first to tell you that its the people that make this job fun.  The crazy patrons, from all over the state of Connecticut, and all over the country, bring an energy of excitement and fun that makes his job feel like he’s not even at work.  The positive relationships, the ability to help people forget all of their troubles (if only for a moment), the great memories…they’re all connected by great people sharing great experiencesWhat’s a night like for Joel?Joel works like a champ but the energy he exerts is more like that of an athletic high you get during a big sports game.  It’s you against the clock.  How many people can you serve and serve well?  How many Martinis, how many Long Island Iced Teas, how many Cosmopolitans can you make without missing a drop or an order?  How much can you make that register ring? How many plays (recipes) have you mastered?  At the end of the game, your scoreboard (the cash register) is filled with points (bar sales and tips), and your fans (your customers) adore you.  Your coach (the bar manager) says job well done and you walk off the field (behind the bar) with your game-winning trophy (a pocket full of cash).Straight From the Bartenders Mouth:
Favorite Drink: I’m a red wine kind of guy
Favorite Drink to make: Long Island Ice Tea:  There’s nothing like grabbing all the bottles
Most important bartender quality: Professionalism.How did he get his start?

Back in 2009 when Joel started taking the course he traveled over an hour to get to his Bartending Classes at the Bartenders Academy in Waterbury.  At the time he didn’t have a car and was working as a physical trainer.  Shortly after graduating the class, Joel went on to work for Cedar Brooke Cafe in Westport.  While working there he went on to bartend at Red Lobster, Van Dome Night Club and Center St Lounge in New Haven.  He’s currently tending bar at Babaloo’s in Norwalk and has made a name for himself in the New Haven and Fairfield County.

What’s Next?

Now he’s riding in a nice whip and pursuing his life long dream of making it on the big screen!  We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours and for you the readers, we wish you the opportunity to Joel.  Not only is he a really good bartender, but he’s a pretty awesome guy too.  If you are looking for top notch service, an amazing drink, and a memorable night out stop by and visit Joel or as he likes to be called “Joe Bartendere”

Bartenders Academy provides professional Bartender Training and National Job Placement Assistance.  For more information, please call (203)754-6000 or visit submit your contact information into the form on this page or the form on our home page at Bartending School