Rising Stars: Meet Jacob Pike of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Pike.

Hi Jacob, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Houston and have been in the service industry for 20+ years. I went to culinary school (and can still make a mean crawfish boil) but bartended my way through and realized that was the path that really spoke to me. I started with TAG Restaurant Group in 2015 and worked every position in the restaurants. In the last 5 years my focus has been on creating memorable cocktails. While Guard and Grace is my home base, I oversee cocktail development and ideation across the group.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone in the hospitality industry would tell you the road is smooth. The biggest struggle has finding my purpose in this industry. I have such a love for BOH and want to create but feel particularly called to be guest-facing and use my personality to engage and really create experiences for them.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My “title” at TAG is Bar Liason but that means something different every day. I focus on creating a culture in the bar program in our restaurant group to maintain relevancy and think outside the box. I take inspiration from a lot of unexpected places and my speciality is in using flavors you wouldn’t expect and making them work as a cocktail. I’m really interested creating nostalgia for people when they drink one of my cocktails. How can I take them back to a memory? I’d say I’m most known for a lot of my savory & whimsical cocktail profiles around the city–roasted shishitos with sesame and soy, peanut butter and jelly, fried chicken sandwich.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I grew up watching Food Network and that’s remained influential–Anthony Bourdain and Emeril Lagasse specifically. Every Saturday night my mom and I would watch Emeril Live. Book-wise I like The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***. But given the choice, I’m usually listening to and getting inspired by music. 9 out of 10 times, I’m listening to 90s hip hop, or Gospel music.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drinkdonedeal.com/will-it-cocktail/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pike_the_spirit_guide

Image Credits
Jason Sinn and Peak Headshots