Hard Rock International has announced Dan Good of Hard Rock Cafe Seattle as the winner of its 2018 global BARocker Championship.
Good impressed judges during the final bartending showdown at Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. As the brand’s 2018 BARocker champion, Good won an all-expenses paid trip for two to one of Hard Rock’s luxurious, all-inclusive resort properties.
“I’ve been behind the bar for 16 years, so to say bartending is my passion is an understatement,” says Good. “This is my third time competing in Hard Rock’s BARocker competition and I’m so excited to be crowned 2018 BARocker champion. The third time is definitely the charm!”
Based out of Seattle, Washington, Good’s bartending knowledge and accuracy made him a top competitor throughout the competition. It was his flair tricks and showmanship that won the judges over during the final, live battle.
Additional honors were awarded to William Benites from Hard Rock Cafe Santiago for Best Knowledge, and Cristian Balta from Hard Rock Cafe Madrid for Best Entertainment.
“This year’s finalists each brought their own personal flair and mixology skills to the competition, but Dan stood out with his brilliant showmanship, personable nature and intense creativity,” says Brittany DeLoach, director of beverage operations for Hard Rock International. “He’s truly a rock star behind the bar and we’re honored to have him as part of the Hard Rock family.”
Hard Rock’s fifth annual global BARocker Championship called on the brand’s best bartenders from around the world to showcase their mixology skills for the chance to be named Hard Rock’s best BARocker. Throughout each stage, competitors were evaluated on several elements, including recipe knowledge, pour testing, accuracy, speed and showmanship.
Hard Rock Cafe’s drinks menu includes Hurricanes, margaritas, signature cocktails and Alternative Rock (alcohol-free) beverages, all available in Hard Rock souvenir glassware. Hard Rock continues to remix its drink lineup and has developed more than 150 drinks in categories including tiki, coffee, dessert, mojitos, margaritas, lemonades and more.
