Bartenders have to perform so many task. They make the drinks, listen to customers, prepare drinks for waitstaff and sometimes be an entertainer. It is great that annually we vote on the bartender of the year for the State of Alabama.

The Bartender of the Year Competition is an annual event organized by the Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association in partnership with Old Forester and United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama. This competition aims to showcase and celebrate the professional bartenders across the state.

The competition begins with regional contests held in various cities. In each regional event, six contestants are selected to compete. Winners from each regional competition advance to the state finals, which are held during the annual Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner. The state competition is a highlight of the evening where regional champions compete for the title of Alabama's Bartender of the Year.

Regional winners will compete at the state competition on November 3 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center. The state winner will be crowned Alabama’s “2025 Bartender of the Year” and take home the $1,500 grand prize and trophy! Go online to arhaonline.com for this year’s rules and contest format. Deadline to apply is August 31.

Make sure to visit Zeke's Restaurant on October 20 at 5PM to support your favorite bartender!