Yancy Violi, better known as "fancy with a y," is a car transport company owner, a magazine editor-in-chief, and a bar consultant. For the last decade, he's been 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 was 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.
Just before 2022, shortly after the COVID situation let up and he finished up a consulting job in downtown Portland, Yancy found himself an opportunity to switch gears and join the world of hospitality recruiting. In under two years, Yancy rose through the sales ranks in becoming a top executive recruiter for Gecko Hospitality, a Forbes ranked recruiting firm. While remote work as a recruiter was a luxury, it wasn't something Yancy could pursue long term. The in-person excitement and connection was missing.
