Tales of the Cocktail has long united industry pros and rising stars from across the global spirits industry, making it a setting well-suited for Patino Fest. Held Thursday, July 24, 2025, this impactful event served double-duty as both a fundraiser for hospitality families facing cancer and a celebration of life for the man who poured his heart and soul into building a stronger cocktail community.
In true New Orleans fashion, the affair kicked off with a Second Line procession through Jackson Square in the city Chris once called home, with the parade coming to an end at Santo’s Bar and the community coming together to honor his life and legacy. A frequent host of Tales’ Speed Rack competition, a “World’s 50 Best Bars” judge and an award-winning brand ambassador and mentor, Chris passed from pancreatic cancer in late 2024, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the bar industry by raising standards, expanding opportunities and improving conditions for all who work within it.
While Patino Fest was a powerful tribute to Chris, it was also the result of a true team effort, with Heather Patino, Chris’s widow, giving guests a glimpse into the life he led outside of the spotlight and friends, colleagues and loved ones sharing stories about his passion for people and support for the spirits and bar worlds at large.
The evening of energy and connection united stars and standouts from across the community Chris long worked to improve, with volunteers, speakers and other spirits industry insiders coming together to support the cause Chris held dear. It also couldn’t have been possible without the support of generous brands and sponsors, among them Campari USA, Teremana Tequila, Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard USA, Rémy Cointreau, Monin, Mover and Shaker, Love and Victory and Lush Life Productions.
The event ultimately raised a remarkable $15,000 for the Chris Patino Hero Fund, which helps bartenders and their families facing cancer finance treatments, cover critical expenses and otherwise focus on healing.
“We had over 150 people dancing through the streets in honor of Chris,” said Campari America’s Senior Manager of Trade Advocacy Anne Louise, of Patino Fest. “I know he loved it.”
Our own Co-Founder and CEO, Amanda Gunderson, also shared some words about Chris’s impact on the industry and beyond.
“Chris was the recipient of countless awards and accolades, but the throughline of his hospitality career has been the mentorship he so freely offered and the connections he effortlessly made for others,” she said. “As a member of our Advisory Council, he helped raise over $900,000 in donations for our cause – money he knew would be spent on the betterment of this community, mainly on people he would never even meet.”
For those unable to attend, Patino Fest T-shirts and hats are still available for purchase at Mover & Shaker, with proceeds supporting the Chris Patino Hero Fund and hospitality workers facing cancer. Supporters who’d like to make a difference in Chris’s memory can also make a one-time or recurring direct donation to the fund here, while bar and restaurant professionals facing a cancer diagnosis may apply for financial assistance through the fund here.
“It’s hard to put into words exactly what he meant to us at Another Round Another Rally,” said Gunderson. “Chris was the brightest of comets shooting across the sky. How lucky we have been to have experienced his light.”
