Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Maher.
Sean, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been in the restaurant business since I was 17, starting as a busser, then a line cook for 5 years, and then as a waiter and bartender. I’ve worked in various North Shore restaurants, including the Wild Horse Cafe, Tryst, and Yanks, as well as various places in the city, such as Chez Henri and Eastern Standard. I was drawn to classic cocktails and traditional methods of drink making for the history of it all. My master’s degree was in Historic Preservation, from BU, and the respect for traditions and old methods of doing things regarding old buildings fit right in with the return to the roots of cocktail preparation.
Has it been a smooth road?
Restaurants are full of issues, which most people in the industry are painfully aware. Competition can tough, with all the great spots to choose from. Currently, the biggest issue facing the business, here and in the city, is staffing. Many cities and towns have looked to restaurants to revitalize parts of their downtown and to enhance new developments. This, as well as a more robust economy, has led to an excess of restaurants, which far out paces the supply of available and qualified help. We are also not immune to this, and finding committed people has been far and away our biggest challenge. The renewed emphasis on hospitality has also led guests to expect more informed and more professional service when they dine out, and the finding people to meet these newly raised expectations has been an issue. The over saturation of restaurants has also had a negative effect on business, as there are not enough diners to keep everyone full every night, regardless of the quality of the establishment.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Barrel House American Bar story. Tell us more about the business.
We started Barrel House, which has been open for almost 5 years, to bring this renewed enthusiasm for cocktail culture to the North Shore. We were the first classic/craft cocktail bar to open in this area. We also wanted to expand the hospitality culture out into the suburbs. We focus on craft cocktails and whiskey. We approach our craft very seriously, and provide excellent service while making well thought out and delicious drinks. We also have a large whiskey reserve list, with over 200 Bourbon, rye, Scotch and Irish offerings to choose from. Many of these are limited releases, so often we are the only establishment in the area that carries them. Barrel House also takes our staff training very seriously, and the bartenders, in particular, are well educated about what we have to offer. We are quite proud that many of the industry folks in the area choose to unwind at our bar. In our eyes, there is no higher compliment than counting other bartenders and chefs among our friends and regulars.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Currently, the speakeasy trend is on the way out. Tiki is huge right now, but probably as big as it will get. There is a return to 80’s and 90’s style drinks right now, with many brands putting out high end versions of things like blue curacao and coffee liqueur. Blended drinks are also making a bit of a comeback. Overall, it seems that classic comfort food is making a comeback, with many places opening brand new “dive” bars, and serving things like hot dogs and fried chicken. Personally, I think this more casual approach to restaurants and bars serves two functions: first, bartenders like to enjoy their work, so many of these places are bartender owned, so a more casual, relaxed spot suits many of us. Secondly, it is a smart reaction to the staffing issue mentioned before. A more casual spot comes with more relaxed expectations, so the filling the positions becomes much easier.
Pricing:
- Drinks $10-12
- Appetizers $7-16
- Entrees $20-30
Contact Info:
- Address: Barrel House American Bar
252 Cabot St
Beverly, MA 01915 - Website: barrelhousebeverly.com
- Phone: 9789984627
- Email: barrelhousebeverly@gmail.com
- Instagram: @barrelhousebeverly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelHouseAmericanBar/
- Twitter: @barrelhousema
Image Credit:
Photos by Jon Oliver
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