Jon Howard (Nashville Scene 2023 Bar Director of the Year) came to Nashville from NYC where he was on the opening teams of Saxon + Parole, The Dutch, The Daily, and American Whiskey. He also worked as the Corporate Beverage Manager for the BLT Restaurant Group, as well as stints atGotham Bar & Grill and Il Buco Alimentari.
In 2015, Jon planted roots in Nashville where he quickly made a name for himself at William
Colliers, Old Glory, Skulls Rainbow Room, and was the opening Beverage Director for the KimptonAertson Hotel. In 2016, he was named the Woodford Reserve National Master of the Manhattan and is a two-time World Class National Finalist. Most recently Jon was the Bar Director for PatchworkProductions and Chef Sean Brock. He oversaw and conceived the programs at The Continental (Liquor.com top 5 Best Restaurant Bar in US 2022), Vesper Club, Audrey (TOTC Regional Finalist Best New Bar in US, Liquor.com Top 5 Best New Bar in the US 2022), and June.
Jon is currently back in New York where he just opened the bar Blue Bird. Over the years, he has embraced his Southern roots paired with learning from his New York City mentors and craft beverage programs that combine detailed touches and high-end hospitality.
