The Houston bar community has seen a lot of growth and maturity in the last ten years. What is interesting about that is the people who have endured many changes. Sometimes turbulent, sometimes trifling, sometimes significant. What may deter a person from taking part in the process of a growing maturing community will turn some away.

In this episode, Mike Raymond talks about his start in the hospitality industry in the late 80s and his trajectory into becoming a bar owner of a well recognized and acclaimed whiskey bar, Reserve 101. This is a conversation that gives some context into what the hospitality industry used to be and what it is now. He and Michael Neff have opened a bar in the 100 block of downtown Houston called The Cottonmouth which is a throwback to a true refuge.

Also, he gives me some sage advice for my upcoming concept bar at Bravery Chef Hall in downtown Houston. Lockwood Stn. will be a cocktail bar focused on elaborating every aspect of hospitality, technique, and passion, an absolute labor of love.