November 28, 2008
by Hank Russell, Patchogue Medford News

During these tough economic times, it’s not enough to have just a job; it’s to have a job that pays well enough to make a living. Believe it or not, if there is one job that can weather this economic storm, it is becoming a bartender. Those who would like to learn how to be a bartender could do so at Allstar Bartender Training.

Allstar Bartender Training has been teaching people to become bartenders and placed them at numerous bars, restaurants, Nightclubs and even catered affairs after completing their 40-hour course. The Medford location (other locations in Rego Park and Farmingdale) has been operating since October 1989, according to its instructor and owner, Greg Lewis (pictured). The idea came, he said, when there was “a need for continuing classes” for bartenders to learn the latest drinks being served at bars and nightclubs.

With the current economic situation that people are facing today, Lewis said the bartending business flies in the face of economic reality. “We found, in a lot of conversations, that [bartending] goes back to [the] Prohibition [Era] during the Great Depression,” he said.

The Great Depression began in October 1929, approximately the same time as the stock market crash. During that time, the U.S. government had in place the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the sale and manufacture of alcohol. To get around the law, many people operated illegal bars called “speakeasies” in which patrons were given passwords in order to enter these illicit establishments.

“Although serving alcohol was illegal at the time,” Lewis said, “it was the number one occupation.”

Today, a bartender can make between $18 and $35 an hour, according to Lewis. “Here we are in a similar financial struggle, and bartending is not only the last horizon of a good lucrative career, but also the last horizon for those who want a drink at the end of the workday,” he said.

The hospitality industry acts as “a release” for people, Lewis said. “You get to smile for eight hours. When it gets busy, the people are happy.” The busier the bar gets, “the more money you make,” he said. “Here, with the economic state, the [job] options are pizza delivery, telemarketing and retail. All these jobs [stink]. They pay at a maximum of $8 an hour. There’s no way you can survive [on that salary].” In some of the more corporate establishments, some bartenders are also receive health benefits and 401(k)s, according to Lewis. “Some are also in unions,” he said.

In addition to teaching at and running the school, Lewis also bartends at Danford’s Inn in Port Jefferson. “It’s one day a week, but just enough to supplement my income,” he said, adding he has been bartending “forever.” His wife also operates the school as well. His 19-year-old son is also working as a bartender while attending St. Joseph’s College. “We are the perfect example of a family business,” he said.

Allstar Bartending is licensed by the New York State Department of Education — a requirement for all schools. “That’s a great thing,” Lewis said. “We make sure the curriculum is on par with what the student needs.”

Students undergo 40 hours of training, in which they receive a workbook and learn how to make mixed drinks and cocktails, and accurately measure the ingredients for each drink. After completing the course, they receive certification as a professional bartender. Lewis said graduating students can come back to take refresher courses for free on how to make some of the newer and more popular mixed drinks out there.

“Before the students graduate,” Lewis said, “they have an opportunity to work in a real nightclub or bar to gain real experience. They serve real alcohol and work at a real cash register. They are paid for the night through tips.”

They work with other students as well during the on-the-job training period, according to Lewis. “That way, they get the confidence and the experience before they graduate,” he said.

Allstar Bartending offers 100% free job placement to students upon completion of the course. “The school is a great vehicle for owners to hire qualified people,” Lewis said. “The owner knows how to run a restaurant, but doesn’t know how to train each employee … On the first day, if [the owner] asks, ‘Do you have any experience?,’ [the student] can say, ‘Yes, I do.’” Lewis also said this method is “more effective” for bar and restaurant owners to hire employees directly from the school than “running an ad through the paper, or Craigslist.”

As a way to entice new students, Lewis announced he is rolling back its tuition to $300 — the same amount it cost 20 years ago. For more information, call 1-800-BARTEND or visit www.allstarbartending.com.

Allstar Bartender Training
2690 Route 112
Medford, NY 11763
1-800-BARTEND (227-8363)
www.allstarbartending.com