About

Yancy Violi, better known as "fancy with a y," is a bartender, beverage consultant, cocktail creative, and content creator. Previously touted as "NYC's Celebrity Bartender" in 2019 by BOLD TV and Not A Foodie Podcast, he is known for hosting "one-of-a-kind" cocktail experiences through liquor partnerships as well as creating several prominent cocktail programs in New York City and Portland, Oregon. Yancy has contracted and worked with brands such as Netflix, Coca-Cola, World's 50 Best, and numerous liquor companies to create cocktails, content, and experiences that have impacted the hospitality scene and shown the need for real, professional bartenders who are passionate about the people and not just what they're drinking.

After 10 years of slinging cocktails and creating experiences, Yancy has shifted gears to pursue a totally different career in hospitality, RECRUITING. Today, Yancy is one of the executive recruiters in the restaurant division for Gecko Hospitality, one of Forbes best recruiting firms for the last 4 years. He's taken all he's learned about people and the hospitality business to connect people and change lives, one career at a time.

Where is he now?

Amidst the global pandemic that started in March of 2020, Yancy packed his bags and moved to the West Coast, specifically Portland, Oregon for a fresh new take on his lifestyle and to grow his brand on the opposite coast. Try his drinks at Marshawn Lynch's restaurant, BEASTRO or stay in the loop for Yancy's monthly events!

Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you from?

Boca Raton, Florida

Why did you move to Portland, OR?

My last bar to open in midtown NYC was called Ava Social in the Archer Hotel. We opened end of January in 2020 just before COVID-19 hit in March of that year. After months of being closed, the investors pulled out. I'm not an LA fan and Portland had been on my mind for some time.

Where did you go to college?

I stayed local and attended Florida Atlantic University where I graduated with a B.A. in Architecture and Interior Design.

What got you started in bartending?

I came in cold to a restaurant bar called Smoke BBQ on Atlantic Ave in Delray. Being 18 at the time, I just smiled and told the GM I'm a quick learner. Fortunate for me, she had one of her main bartenders leaving in two weeks and offered to train me.