The subject of todays Bartender Interview is Mark "TikiTender" Woods, who currently tends bar at the Golden Lion Cafe, a beachside resort in Florida. He describes it as his own "version of Margaritaville." As his nickname may imply, Mark is a disciple of the legendary Trader Vic and really likes exotic Tiki-style drinks. You can find out more about Mark and his love for all things tiki at the Tikitender website.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

I decided to go back to college and needed a job with flexible hours that I could make decent money.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

I used to be the operation/ front office manager at a local resort. I went to the resort to get a banquets job. The bar manager said come work for me. I told her that I had NO experience. She knew I could take care of the customers and hired me on the spot.

What is your favorite drink to make?

The Tiki Cooler, of course, my signature drink.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

Frozen drinks in general

What is your bartender pet peeve?

Bloody marys at night..c’mon people. Also, when they wave you down, then don’t know what they want to drink

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

I have had couples invite me home with them.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

I really need a drink and my spouse has cut me off, can you make me something real quick and not put it on our bill?(while the husband/wife is in the bathroom)

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

I would love to drink with Victor Bergeron (Trader Vic) because he inspires me.

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

Making drinks is the easy part.

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