Meet Our Members ~ Bartending by Mallard

Name: Scott Mallard

Business Name: Bartending by Mallard

Website: http://tacomabartender.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bartending-by-Mallard/218194674921075

Blog: http://tacomabartender.com/blog.html

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/101333569245165099187/posts/p/pub

How is your business different from your competitors?

My only real competitors are caterers who offer bar service. I focus strictly on the bartending side of service. Many caterers will give a quote for food service and tell clients "bar service is included". That alone should send up a big red flag. I strongly urge asking for a cost breakdown of all services to be provided.

Bartenders are the life of any restaurant and or bar. Shouldn’t they being sought for their personality behind the bar at a wedding? Identifying bartenders who are engaging and charismatic offers an added touch for anyone’s next wedding, party, corporate event or fundraiser.

What are some of the pitfalls a bride can expect if they don’t hire a professional like yourself?

Reasons to Go with a Professional Bartender:

Many brides to be might know a friend who has a Class 12 MAST permit.

* Can they tell the bride everything you need to make sure you have on hand and in what quantities?

* Will they be offered customized cocktail menus and signature cocktail drinks?

* When they show up and find cases of liquor, coolers of ice and tables strewn about the bar area, will they be able to get it organized, chilled and be up and serving efficiently in one hour?

* Can they manage a thirsty horde of crowds up to 300 or will the line back up while they're chatting with their friends?

* Will they want to work all night while all of their other friends get to party?

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned, and would pass along to other new wedding (planners, florists, Officiants, etc) just getting started?

SEO (search engine optimization) and customer service reputation are everything. Skip the social networking to start. Anyone can put his or her name on Facebook. You need to get your name in front of people like event venue managers- People who, because of your reputation, are willing to recommend you.

What is your favorite venue and why?

Tough call. The Pioneer Park Pavilion and Foss Waterway Seaport. Why? The managers there are absolutely terrific to work with!