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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, we at Bartender Atlas LOVE Mexico. Recently we found ourselves just outside Playa Del Carmen so we reached out to Franco Bongiorno. Franco signed up to be on Bartender Atlas a long time ago and since then we have seen him grow in his career to the point where now he is the Yucatan Peninsula’s Lost Explorer Brand Ambassador. He is also the co-founder of the Caribbean Bartender Society, who work in and around the Caribbean and Yucatan to draw attention to some of the more exciting and creative drinks and bars and bartenders in that area of the world. Timing was great for us in that when we were at a destination wedding, there was a night that Franco was hosting a pop-up in Playa Del Carmen, so we went and sat at his bar, then we realized he is a true Hospitality Gem.
Bartender Atlas: Franco, where were you born?
Franco Bongiorno: I was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
BA: Where do you work now?
FB: I have been living in Playa del Carmen for 7 years. Now I’m working as a brand ambassador and sales executive for The Lost Explorer spirits.
BA: What’s the area that you have to cover?
FB: Well, I’m in all Quintana Row and Yucatan from Bacalar to Merida.
BA: Just a small area?
FB: Yeah, right! Jaja!
BA: So, how would you describe your role in the hospitality industry? What do you do as a brand ambassador for Lost Explorer?
FB: Well, not only for Los Explorer, but also I’m co-founder of Caribbean Bartender Society, the CBS. It’s a bartender community in all the Riviera Maya too. What we do in the community is try to make spaces for new generations, show what’s happening in the area and other activities. We show off the mixology in the area. You can come to Riviera Maya and not only drink frozen margaritas or piña coladas – we do excellent mixology too.
BA: That’s great. When you go out, say you don’t have to work, where do you go out to eat and drink?
FB: I like to go to La Perla Pixan, it’s definitely a must in Playa del Carmen. Also Marmorata Tasting Room. It’s a place where you can go to taste a new Mexican distillate that you probably had no idea even existed and to also learn about it. I mean that educational part is very important too and Marmorata do it really well.
BA: What do you do on your days off that doesn’t involve eating or drinking or work at all? What do you do for fun?
FB: I like to stay at home, do gardening. Also I like to spend time in the pool. I’m on the road a lot and traveling – I don’t get a lot of down time – so when I have some days off I want to spend it at home.
BA: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
FB: Well, definitely one of them is do the best you can, right? I mean, it doesn’t matter if it’s too much or it’s not enough, but if you do your best, you will sleep in peace.
BA: What’s something that you are excited about?
FB: My soccer team! I’m dying saying soccer… but my football team in Argentina – I’m a fan of River Plate. That’s something that I’m excited about. I mean, not the last months because we’re not having the best season, but definitely watching football. Spending time with my family also. I am fortunate that they come to Mexico every six or seven months. My sister also lives here in Caribe, so we have our family visiting us constantly.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted April 21st, 2025