I think that the camaraderie, and the unity, and that community we have formed as women in the service industry is what has helped us prevail throughout the years. And to a more modern time where we can actually be seen as champions of the industry like we are." Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Chelsea Carter was already passionate about the food and beverage industry when she was drawn to Austin, Texas, in the spring of 2015. She started as a hostess at 19 and worked her way across every front of house position, with her heart firmly planted in the
service aspect of the business. When it came time to train in bar and beverage, she was unsure she would love it as much as she loved serving tables, but that doubt quickly transformed to passion. From craft beer and pizzeria restaurants to rum bars, Chelsa’s talents did not go unnoticed. For over five years, she honed her skills as a food and beverage professional until she heard about Apis Restaurant and Apiary. Eager to join the crew and unafraid of learning all aspects of Apis, Chelsea was not deterred when the only position available at the time she applied was hostess. She worked her way up to server and as soon as a spot became available behind the bar, that’s where she settled in. She bartended alongside Jose Luis Sapien — who was the beverage director at the time — for about a year, learning his signature cocktails, plus contributing and collaborating on some creative concoctions of her own. When Jose was offered the general manager position in the summer of 2016, Chelsea knew she had the opportunity to grow and challenge herself as Jose’s replacement as beverage director. With her Apis family behind her, Chelsea flourished at managing the bar — and did her best at bringing attention to Apis through her craft cocktail creations and by winning the Official Drink of Austin competition in 2019. |
Featured DrinkPeaches & Bees |