Photo Credit: Arizona Trending Instagram
We all know that Scottsdale is a haven for tourism, and along with the weather and the golf, a measure reason for that is the city’s hospitality industry. The hotels, the restaurants, clubs and bars all make for an exemplary destination for those from around the country. But as with any place that is focused on hospitality, it’s the people that truly make the experience special.
That said, those individuals who make an experience unique very rarely get their due, so when they do stand out to such a degree they deserve the attention. And a Scottsdale bartender has recently gotten that attention on a national scale.
Scottsdale bartender Barrymore “Bud” Shaw was one of 950 bartenders who competed in the Coramino Cup 2024 bartender competition in Las Vegas this month, and his skills and demeanor were enough to win the competition. As a result of this victory, Shaw not only won $10,000, but also earned a contract to be the bartender for actor Kevin Hart’s events for an entire year, with events ranging from exclusive parties to red carpet events. Aside from being able to mingle with stars, the tips are likely to be very good!
However, being the best out of 950 competitors was in reality just the final stage of the competition. To get to that point, Shaw was one of hundreds of bartenders who applied to the competition at the start of the summer. From that original talent screen, he was picked as one of 10 semi-finalists to compete in their own bars, allowing locals to choose their favorites..
Competitors were judged on “their hustle, accuracy, charisma, and overall presence, showcasing why they are the hardest working bartenders in the industry.” Shaw has been the lead bartender at the Montauk at 4360 N. Scottsdale Road for two years, and has helped curate the bar’s lineup of cocktails.
While we shouldn’t be too surprised, to be ranked at the top of 950 competitors is still an extremely impressive feat. And for a city whose success is dependent on giving memorable experiences to people from around the country and around the world, this fits in perfectly with the narrative of the city of Scottsdale as a world-class tourist destination that doesn’t need the flash of Vegas or the fame of Hollywood to stand out in its own right.