We launched Bartender Atlas on May 28th, 2016. Kaitlyn Stewart was the 78th bartender that we added to the website on May 30th. Six months later, we hosted our first Bartender Atlas events which took place over the course of three days in Toronto and included a black box cocktail competition. Kaitlyn applied to compete and we told her that while we would love for her to compete, we didn’t have a budget to fly her from Vancouver to Toronto. No problem, she said, she would pay her own way. She placed second. Less than a year later, Kaitlyn was crowned 2017 World Class Bartender of the Year. Kaitlyn is one of those humans who understands the importance of opportunities. She knows how to go for what she wants and she knows how to get it. It has been an absolute joy to watch her career grow over these past 9 years and we cannot wait to have her forthcoming book, Three Cheers, in our hands.
Bartender Atlas: Where were you born?
Kaitlyn Stewart: I was born in the Scarborough General Hospital. (Ontario, Canada)
BA: And what city do you work in now?
KS: Technically? Vancouver, I guess?
BA: That’s where you pay rent.
KS: New Westminster…if we’re gonna get really technical with it.
BA: What’s your job title or how would you describe your role in the hospitality industry?
KS: I am a consultant and recipe developer/content creator/author. Slashes, lots of slashes.
BA: Where do you go out to eat and drink on your days off in New Westminster or Vancouver?
KS: You know what? I don’t go out often. I really like to cook at home, but if I do, there’s La Tropical, which is a really great Mexican spot in New-West that I frequent. If I go downtown, I usually go to the American so I can play pinball and eat a Smashburger.
BA: What do you do outside of work stuff on your days off?
KS: I’m usually hanging out with my dog and I like to go to see live music so I go to lots of concerts.
BA: What kind of concerts, like any genre?
KS: All genres. From alternative to pop to jazz to DJs
BA: What’s one record that you think everybody should listen to?
KS: Ooh, that’s such a tough one because there’s so many good ones. I’m gonna say – ooh, you really have to stick me with this one? Maybe, I think it’s K-OS’ Crucial (from Joyful Rebellion). I like Canadian artists, but also lyrically it’s just really good. It’s a vibe.
BA: What’s the best advice that you’ve ever gotten?
KS: My dad always says remember who you are and what you represent.
BA: What’s something that you’re excited about?
KS: I’m excited about my book coming out in October. That’s probably like the next big milestone. October 7th.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted September 18th, 2025
