Over seven and a half years ago, Gary Ozuna started Bartenders On The Go when he realized there was a need for a professional, serious yet enthusiastic bartending and beverage specialization service in Milwaukee. Having lived and worked in the industry on the East Coast, as well as Houston and Austin, Texas, Gary was given insight to the latest hot trends, creative cocktails and newest themes, Gary wanted to bring that inventive flair to the Midwest.

“I have an extensive background working within the food and beverage industry in high-end restaurants and bars from Texas to Washington D.C. but I love the catering aspect the best because each event is like opening a new restaurant or bar.” Gary says.  He loves to give wine tasting seminars and continues to attend seminars himself to keep informed and up to date.  Europe is an extensive research and informational guide, and Gary travels there often to sample the foods, wines and cocktail trends that are hitting the market there as well as here.  Bringing that sophisticated flair and personal background to the table is part of why Milwaukee has embraced this bartending and catering enthusiast.

When he first arrived in Milwaukee, Gary noticed that many couples ended up using a bartending service as an afterthought instead of treating the vendor that brings the cocktails and the martinis as an integral part of the event. With lots of time and patience, he’s begun to see an extremely positive response in stylish bartending. Complete with martini luges, ice bars, specialty cocktails with infused liquors and fresh ingredients, Bartenders On The Go has taken off and weddings here have benefited.
“I like working as a team with the bridal couple – meeting them face to face instead of just emailing.  This gives me a better idea of who they really are, so that I can have some of their personality come through at the bar. I also custom create food menus to fit every theme and collaborate with local caterers to create a food and beverage menu that you won’t see any place else.”    By incorporating a couples’ favorite drinks, or cultural liquors, a wedding can really mirror a heritage, a memory or simply be entirely unique.

While Gary does his extensive research and works hard to ensure his bartenders are professional, sophisticated and educated, he loves to attend the events and watch the couple and their guests having a great time. “My favorite part of running this company is definitely being at as many events as possible so I can see the final result of months of hard work,” he enthuses. “Plus, I love working with my awesome staff who I receive so many compliments about.”

While providing high style service is certainly a gigantic piece of the bartending experience, Gary reminds couples that it can still be entertaining too. “Recently, while working a huge event in Door County, this couple ran behind the bar to give me a hug. It took me a second to realize that I had organized their daughter’s wedding three years ago and they were still complimenting my company on the great food, beverage, and service we provided. That’s when I know that what I do is all worthwhile to me and my clients.”

With memories such as these piled up in his mind, Gary reminisces on how fulfilling catering for a wedding can be.  As the bridal couple and their guests have a great time, he watches, knowing his service, and the fabulous food and drinks that go along with it, are a piece of the evening that is essential, delicious, and frankly, a whole lot of fun.