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It doesn’t take much digging through any Canadian spirits or bartending website before you find reference to Alex Black. He has worked at award winning bars and presented at many industry conferences but what we think truly sets Alex apart is his undying dedication to education, both for himself and for anyone interested in digging deep.
Bartender Atlas: What’s your name?
Alex Black: Alex Black.
BA: Alex Black, where were you born?
AB: Winnipeg, Manitoba.
BA: What city do you work in now?
AB: Toronto, Ontario, and I guess technically Fort Erie, Ontario.
BA: Any stops in between?
AB: Nothing professionally, but there’s some good spots the wrong way.
BA: Oh no, I mean between Winnipeg and Toronto.
AB: Between Winnipeg, Toronto? Vancouver I spent 13 years in Vancouver.
BA: What’s your job title now or how would you describe your role in the hospitality industry?
AB: My current job title is Director of Bars for Our House Hospitality. I oversee five properties’ bar programming that have all different variables of styles from QSR to high-end fine dining. My role in the industry is a little bit educator, a little bit labourer, a little bit event producer. I think at some point in time I called myself a social entrepreneur and a fundraiser.
BA: Where do you go to eat and drink on your days off?
AB: I spend a lot of time at our properties, heavy amount of time at Cà Phê Rang. Outside of that I really enjoy Monarch Tavern, Wide Open, Motel and Hoof Cocktail Bar. If I’m getting up early to watch some sports, I go to Hugs and Sarcasm for a good English fry-up which is always a good time. Plus you’ll find me at Bar Mordecai probably more often than I’d like to admit. And we’ll round off the list with Black Dice.
BA: Very much a high-low situation as far as taste.
AB: Full gamut.
BA: What do you do outside of work on your days off?
AB: I am a competitive rugby player and I box, so a lot of time is spent at the gym working out my aggression in that way. It’s also a great way to keep me out of trouble. Aside from that, like reading, listening to podcasts, trying to find as much space in nature to do some forest bathing as the Scottish people call it.
BA: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
AB: Life’s not supposed to be fair.
BA: And what’s something that you’re excited about?
AB: I am excited about the end of the era in hospitality where we’re chasing awards and accolades and we just return to the fundamentals of authenticity and hospitality.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted April 21st, 2025