"Just Call Me Ben"

Benjamin Richardson, GM Whiskey Bar

 "Just Call Me Ben"

When asked to level on the great mixologist vs. bartender debate, Benjamin Richardson (the new GM of Whiskey Bar) proves his upstanding, personable character with his simple answer of call him by his first name. With ten plus years of experience under his belt, he is more than happy to share his vast knowledge of scotch, bourbons, and whiskeys and has tasted over 300 varieties! He also enjoys giving his input on creating the finest craft cocktail; his favorite customer line is “make me whatever you'd like – bartenders choice”. However, don't expect him to chat your ear off – this reserved man behind the bar is the ultimate professional and tends to share a great insight or story only at the appropriate time.

It all began for Ben when he was asked to temp bartend at the annual EAA in his hometown of Oshkosh. His passion for cocktails took flight and he began mixing on the side while he professionally balanced upscale restaurant & resort management and a personal training business. Eventually, people started to notice how good his drinks tasted and his career in the industry began.

Ben is familiar with how hard work pays off - he shared a personal memory of being the shortest and smallest kid on the 8^th grade basketball team who trained hard and succeeded at becoming the fastest and the strongest player. As a businessman, he is results driven and conscientious with an entrepreneurial twist, as proven by launching his own personal training business. He takes the same approach when creating a quality cocktail – the best ingredients, the right proportions, and the perfect presentation.

This Milwaukee-minded man loves his city and the hundreds of great bars and bartenders. He has set his own personal city limits and typically stays within the downtown boundaries of Bayview to the East Side. When he's not busy working, Ben is usually out enjoying a new restaurant with friends or re-creating favorite dishes in his home kitchen. “Milwaukee is way ahead of the game for a smaller big city” and Whiskey Bar will continue to be the beautiful, quality high-energy downtown bar perfect for the best Milwaukee night out.

Interview by #showmetheway