Todays episode features Laura Newman @LauraFallsDown from Birmingham Alabama! We talk about what it’s like opening a bar in a smaller market, winning big competitions and being a thought leader in our industry. We had a sporadic technical issue during recording but really wanted to bring you this interview, so please pardon the unusual format.

A Brooklyn native, Laura worked at NYC bars and restaurants such as Bacchanal, Dover, Cienfuegos, Mother of Pearl, and Sweet Polly before moving to Birmingham, Alabama. In June of 2018 she became the first woman to win Diageo World Class US (@Diageo @WorldClassUS ) and went on to place second globally. In January of 2019 she opened Queen’s Park @QueensParkBham , a classic cocktail bar, in Birmingham’s downtown Loft District, and she is currently working on a yet unnamed bar number two, set to open in early 2020. When Laura is not working as the bar manager of Queen’s Park, she gets to travel around the country speaking to people about booze. As for the future, Laura doesn’t look too far ahead - she’s looking forward to turning 30 this summer and spending some quality time with her two pugs.

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to help ensure a bright future for food radio. Help us keep broadcasting the most thought provoking, entertaining, and educational conversations happening in the world of food and beverage. Become a member today! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we have brand new member gifts available. So snag your favorite new pizza - themed tee shirt or enamel pin today and show the world how much you love HRN, just go to heritageradionetwork.org/donate.

The Speakeasy is powered by Simplecast.