Fernet-Branca Barback Games San Diego

The legendary Italian drink, Fernet Branca, has teamed up with event visionary Micah Byrnes and creative agency the Flavor Group to produce a one of a kind event known as The Barback Games. Barbacks from across the country compete against one another in challenges that test their skills during events like ice bucket relays, beer restocking, keg changing and bottle relays all set in an arena shaped like a giant X tire-course. Chilled got the chance to speak with Prem Kumta, CEO of the Flavor Group about this national phenomenon.

What was the inspiration behind the Barback Games?

We wanted to reward the men and women who are the backbone of the libations industry with an opportunity to be the star of the show, if only for one night. From a branding perspective, this put Fernet Branca in a position as the only spirit brand to support this group of hard-working individuals in a fun event setting.

Who can compete in the Barback Games?

Any barback who hails from one of our four cities: San Diego, New York, Boston or San Francisco.

Why these particular four events?

Although the barback’s list of duties seems endless at times, these four in particular to us best display any barback’s skill and sportsmanship.

Who judges the Barback Games?

We typically pick a panel of local luminaries and bar industry giants who can keep things exciting and legit.

How are the winners chosen?

Based on time and performance scores from judges, which are all carefully calculated by a real-time expert team behind the scenes. Winning barbacks receive the title, a trophy and a shot to compete in the finals in San Francisco. The bars they represent also receive recognition by way of an award.

How are the lady barback’s stacking up against their male counterparts?

Our female contestants have always displayed amazing skill and aptitude, sometimes beating out the guys all the way to the finals round.

You always have a huge turnout. What attracts people to the Barback Games?

There is a code in the industry that encourages support for the hard-working barback, so naturally our audience is full of what we like to call “bar-backers.” Outside of that, our strong performance schedule keeps people coming and staying until the end. Not to mention that the events are FREE.

How did the tradition of people dressing in costumes come about?

This is something we have had no influence in whatsoever. We’re absolutely thrilled that participants have adopted this behavior in their display of enthusiasm for the Games.

It definitely looks like a crazy night. Will the Barback Games become an annual event turning up in more markets around the country?

Yes. If anything we need to double our efforts for next year and the spirit and excitement we witnessed in San Diego is proof positive!

Why have a contest like the Barback Games?

Our objective has always been to reward the unrewarded. Without barbacks, there would be no bar and a big lack in aspiring bartenders. It’s important that we show them how much they mean to this industry.

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San Diego Barback Games Champion John Wenzel

Winner of the nationwide Barback Games moves on to compete against other winners from four markets. Chilled asks John what it’s like to win the Games:

[quote]“I have never been in anything like this. I’ve always wanted to do something along the lines of American Gladiators. This definitely qualifies. Everyone had a great time, and the Fernet shower afterward was awesome, plus the multiple shoulder rides I got from my support team is a great memory.”[/quote]

John has been a barback for two years and plans on becoming a bartender within the next year. The best advice he offers to other barbacks is to be efficient. As a barback, he enjoys the constant work and exposure to the many knowledgeable people he meets.

 For more information visit facebook.com/fernetbranca