Who | Chandler Vanous
Where | Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Current Bar | Copper Spoon
Past Bar(s) | True Love (Waco, Texas), Barnetts (Waco), Marquee
Favourite Spirit | Rum
Favourite Juice | Pineapple
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Gibson
First Classic Cocktail you ever had | Old Fashioned
Favourite Part of the Job | My teammates and the hospitality community.
Favourite After Work Drink | Whiskey neat
Favourite bar in the world | True Love (Waco, Texas)
Best known for | Spirits knowledge and team building.
Favourite “at work” memory | We did a pop up this year where almost all the guests in attendance were industry workers. I got to spend the night with my team and my hospitality community pouring laybacks and witnessing my city really showing up for my bar.
What’s the most popular cocktail in your city? Old Fashioned
Favourite thing about your city | My city is smaller in population than a lot of larger cocktail or bar hubs, but our hospitality community and bar and restaurant scene continues to show up on the same stages. I love that my community isn’t bogged down by the thought of competing with bigger markets and instead takes inspiration from all of those places and brings it home to our guests.
Favourite drinking song | Pink Pony Club
What was the last photo that you took? A picture of a half & half shot for a marketing campaign for a brand.
What is your dream travel destination and why? Greece. The art, history, museums, food, bars, and beaches. What’s not to love?
Any claims to fame? Our bar was awarded a Pinnacle Pin in 2025. Personally I have been a resident at heard house, have taught educational courses in bars and to the public, and have competed in both national and international cocktail competitions. I have been World Class Top 100 for 3 years, have competed in Speed Rack regionals for 3 years, and have placed top 3 or won in several regional or Midwest competitions.
Soda or Tonic? Soda
Gibson or Gimlet? Gibson
Naked & Famous or Last Word? Naked & Famous
Dog person or cat person? Cat
Are you available for freelance gigs? Yes
Find them: Instagram
Media: Pinnacle Guide
