Being a bar manager can be a thankless job, especially when dealing with hungover, egocentric bartenders and clueless, ego-driven owners. It’s a master class in humility that I tried and mostly failed at.

For Florida native Joshua Koleini, managing the bar at Whiskey Kitchen in Mount Dora is a gig he embraces as an ideal step in his journey to owning his own beachfront seafood place.

“I started 14 years ago as a busser in Key Largo where I grew up,” he says. “I’m 29 now and feel like I’m right on track to achieve my goal, as I’ve pretty much done it all in climbing the restaurant ladder.” 

Now that he gets to sample each product and create his own cocktail menu, he says it’s rewarding to have achieved another milestone on the way to his goal.

Joshua migrated north via the Space Coast, then through Orlando with a pit stop in Charleston before landing in Lake County. He says the local crowd is open to new things.

“The people in Mount Dora are really chill and laid back but they also appreciate the high-end craft cocktails and growing spirits list we are cultivating,” he says. “The fun part is sharing everything I’ve learned over the years with curious patrons.” 

Joshua says that managing also allows him to make things happen for his guests, especially when one requests a certain bottle of wine or a special high-end whiskey. And with the Scottish Highland Games happening this month, it’s the perfect occasion to share his catalog of whiskeys with thirsty festival-goers. 

“I love the fact that I have the ability to make an impact even if it’s a tiny one,” he says. “And I’m excited to experience my first season of festivals here in Mount Dora.” 

Joshua’s Strawberry Fields

Photos: Nicole Hamel