One may say that Alba Huerta, a Mexican-American Houstonian and a previous Imbibe 75 Bartender of the 12 months, was born to be a bar proprietor. “From a younger age, I used to be drawn to the concept of making an area the place individuals may collect, have fun, and share tales,” she says. Over time, her personal experiences, equivalent to managing Bobby Heugel’s Anvil Bar & Refuge, and her love of hospitality and native flavors helped form her dream bar idea. “I used to be able to create one thing that really resonated with me and was distinct in its method to cocktails in my group.”

Julep, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in November, not solely grew to become that place however a tribute to Houston’s meals tradition and traditions. “It was important for me to have fun and protect these traditions inclusively and respectfully—from our cocktails to our decor—whereas serving to to raise Houston’s culinary business.”

Right here, Huerta shares the origin and evolution of Julep, from first strolling into the empty bar house to successful Houston’s first James Beard Award, and what’s subsequent.

Alba Huerta:

Once I first stepped into Julep’s present house, I felt an instantaneous connection. The constructing, over 110 years outdated on the time, had a timeless attraction and a wealthy historical past that I knew would deliver depth and character to the bar. It felt heat, inviting, and crammed with potential. I may immediately envision a spot the place Houston’s spirit and hospitality would shine—a bar that felt each elevated and approachable, a spot the place each cocktail is crafted with care and company really feel like they’re moving into an area they love. I wished to concentrate on high-quality substances and real hospitality, bringing Houston a bar expertise that’s actually one in every of a form and inclusive.

Having the ability to serve and be a part of this group has been one of the significant elements of Julep’s journey.

What I didn’t envision was the deep sense of group that will develop round Julep. Over time, it grew to become greater than only a bar. It’s a gathering place that brings individuals collectively and fosters connection. Having the ability to serve and be a part of this group has been one of the significant elements of Julep’s journey. We wholeheartedly love our group, and it loves us again.

These early years have been an actual check. I used to be juggling too many roles and needed to study the distinction between bartending and working the bar to the very best of my potential, then regularly moving into the function of a real enterprise operator. Constructing the correct group, sustaining consistency in service, and navigating the unpredictable elements of working a brand new enterprise all got here with steep studying curves. It was about discovering our rhythm, discovering what resonated with company, and adapting shortly.

Being a decade youthful definitely helped. I had the vitality and drive to sort out each problem head-on. There was unimaginable pleasure within the air, with individuals interested by what we have been bringing to the scene. Each night time was all hands-on deck, buzzing with the vitality of studying, adjusting, and refining. I are inclined to tuck it away in reminiscence. However it took us two additional months to get our license by way of allowing. That ready interval was brutal. It felt like every single day was a brand new check of endurance and perseverance, but it surely additionally taught me resilience. As soon as that hurdle was cleared, it was exhilarating to look at Julep’s persona take form and join with these first company, a lot of whom grew to become our regulars and proceed to hitch us at each occasion.

Julep has actually grown into its id, changing into a significant a part of the group. As we speak, we’re lucky to have a vibrant mixture of regulars and newcomers who have fun milestones, unwind, and join with each other right here. None of this may be potential with out my administration group and unimaginable employees, whose dedication and expertise deliver the bar to life every day. They create a heat, welcoming environment that makes company really feel at house and are the center of the shared historical past and particular connections we’ve constructed.

[The James Beard Award] wasn’t simply my win; it was ours and likewise our group’s.

A number of the most standout moments with the Julep employees come from the deep bonds we’ve constructed over time, like how the group got here collectively to assist one another throughout a number of hurricanes and the pandemic. Even whereas navigating private challenges, everybody confirmed as much as assist, whether or not it was volunteering, offering meals, or simply being there for each other. One other particular second was celebrating Houston’s and Julep’s first James Beard Award win collectively. Watching the employees mild up with pleasure as we shared that accomplishment was unimaginable. It wasn’t simply my win; it was ours and likewise our group’s.

I additionally cherish the smaller, on a regular basis victories—the nights when the group is completely in sync, with service for our company on the forefront, or when a brand new employees member masters the service properly. These shared successes and private progress moments make all of the arduous work worthwhile.

We’re persevering with to evolve our choices and deepen our group roots. We now have plans for a number of distinctive collaborations and exploring new methods to share tales by way of our cocktails. Personally, I’m excited to continue to learn and discovering methods to develop Julep’s impression whereas perhaps pursuing a brand new inventive enterprise. Additionally, we’re engaged on a brand new bar idea referred to as Parlor within the coronary heart of Houston. Extra to come back on that entrance. However we couldn’t be extra enthusiastic about making an excellent mark within the mixology space.

I would like individuals to know that Julep is about extra than simply cocktails. It’s about fostering group, and making a heat, welcoming house for everybody who walks by way of the door. Our program relies on inclusivity the place every worker will get to create a cocktail impressed by their experiences and cultures. Our aim has at all times been to make individuals really feel linked—to the flavors, the tales, and one another.

—As advised to Caroline Pardilla