Yard House Restaurants

Familiar face Lane Compton from Burlington is back and he’s not settling for anything less than the best. “Coming in second place last year has me determined to make sure I leave Orlando with a first-place trophy this year!” If you want to talk beer, this pro will recommend something sweet, like New Belgium Voodoo. “It has been one of my favorite beers we have put on the tower in a few years. It tastes like a hazy marshmallow!

The Final Draft is almost here! Meet Best on Tap finalist Gabi Wells from Carlsbad, CA. Like her favorite spicy margarita, she’s bringing the heat for her second shot at the Final Draft. Don’t let the bubbly personality and positive energy fool you…she’s not going to spill on her secret weapon to win just yet. But she’s not shy on sharing her favorite part of being a Yard House bartender: “Making new connections with guests.” 🤘

We’re proud to be a place where our House feels like a home for all who walk through our doors. This #PrideMonth, we’re spotlighting some of our team members who are members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, sharing what ‘pride in our House’ means to them.

When Andrew Stafford from Denver is behind the bar, he has one mission: finding a favorite beer for every guest. “When someone says they don’t like beer, I make it a point to show them that they just haven’t had a beer (or cider or gluten-free option) they like yet.” Andrew knows from experience. Here’s a fun fact for you…he wasn’t a beer drinker until adulthood. Now, he’s been on a “decade-long tour of beer styles…” It’s this knowledge that gives Andrew the confidence that he can find a beer for every guest. “It’s become my biggest hobby, and I love to share what I’ve learned with others.”

Jake Ingram from Burbank isn’t just a beer lover…some would say he’s an expert. He can tell you exactly why Pliny, the Elder is his “current obsession.” “It is a perfect variation of a West coast-style imperial IPA. It is balanced with a delicious bitterness and a smooth finish, with citrus esters specifically on the aroma.” He says Yard House is pushing him to be the bartender he always wanted to be, “The emphasis on beer is spectacular. I always have a blast using my knowledge to help people find something that they love.”

Last month, General Manager Ted Piaz and his team at our McAllen, TX location went the extra yard to celebrate Mother's Day with their guests. One of his servers, Roxie, took it upon herself to handwrite Mother's Day cards, while another server, Marc, offered donuts with a special message. Personal touches like these truly demonstrate what hospitality in our house means. 👊

Jose Lazo has his eye on the prize! When he’s not introducing guests to his favorite IPA, Elysian Space Dust, you can catch him getting reps in at the service well, “pumping out amazing drinks as fast as possible.” Jose’s secret to success is determination. “I didn’t walk through the fire just to smell the smoke. I got this far. I’m going for it all.”

Steven Nevells believes his years of bartending experience will give him an edge in the Final Draft. Easy access to Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin (his favorite beer) and Sunset Sangria are some great perks of bartending at Yard House, but they’re not the best part…it’s “the connections I’ve made with guests and team members.”

What do Sandra Hargrove from Moorestown and an Aperol Spritz have in common? They’re both “bubbly, sweet and best thrive in the summertime!” It’s no coincidence that the beer that made her fall in love with IPAs is Sip of Sunshine, poured fresh from the tap. So what’s Sandra’s secret weapon to win? “The support I have from Region 28!”

Did you know there’s a beer that can satisfy your sweet tooth? Ask Allison Sutton from Orlando and she’ll suggest the Lost Coast Raspberry Brown, “I love how the chocolate, malty flavor and the fresh raspberry sweetness tastes like drinking dessert!” She says her favorite part of bartending at Yard House is “…the feeling I get when I walk into work. The team I am lucky to work with, the music that causes me to sing all day, introducing new guests to all the best of Yard House!”