Photo by Caitlin Cunningham Photography LLC.
She’s one of the top bartenders in metro Boston, having racked up an impressive assortment of awards and accolades over the years while filling many a barstool along the way. She’s also a seasoned brand representative with big ideas about how to broaden access to education – and enhance the employability – of hospitality workers everywhere.
Raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Misty Kalkofen’s childhood in a liberal church sparked an early interest in theology. She enrolled in Harvard Divinity School and started picking up bartending shifts to help cover the costs of her education. She soon found more joy in pouring drinks than in pouring over textbooks, and before long, her stints at B-Side Lounge and other area hotspots cemented her one of the best-known names in New England nightlife.
Misty spent the last nine years serving as a cultural liaison and brand representative for an artisanal mezcal brand. During her time there, she learned the ins and outs of not only the spirit but the people, customs and cultural considerations that go into its production. Now, armed with extensive experience in bartending and branding, she’s building a future with Another Round. She also has several distinct goals in mind.
Photo by Caitlin Cunningham Photography LLC.
First, she wants to reach even more hospitality workers who may not have other forms of support due to financial constraints, language barriers or similar issues. Immigrants have long been a backbone of the hospitality community, and Misty looks to enhance and expand access to educational programming opportunities that serve and support this audience.
Spanish speakers make up a substantial percentage of the nation’s hospitality workers, so Misty plans to start with Spanish-language programming and then expand offerings into additional languages in the future. She also looks to create new opportunities for hands-on, rather than textbook learning. Many who work in the industry say they prefer a more immersive, experiential learning environment to that of a traditional classroom.
Second, Misty looks to develop certification programs that help hospitality professionals of all backgrounds establish themselves as authorities in their fields. By giving restaurant and bar workers a chance to dive deep into numerous areas of relevance, Misty hopes to make them more marketable while enhancing their understanding and appreciation for different cultures, processes and perspectives.
Third, Misty looks to make a concerted effort to educate workers about more than just the brands they sell and represent. Bar and restaurant workers certainly benefit from having knowledge about specific spirits and products. Yet, there’s also immense value that comes from understanding food and drink, not only from a marketing perspective but from one that considers their history and cultural significance, too.
By expanding access to education for all restaurant and bar employees, Misty promotes a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the industry. She also helps ensure that all workers, regardless of background or bank account size, have opportunities to excel and succeed.