From Pandemic Pivot to Florida’s Most Trusted Mobile Hospitality Group
About
Meet Matthew & Sarah
Our Story
In March 2020, the world shut down—and so did our jobs at The Ice Plant, a well-loved bar in downtown St. Augustine, FL. With no income and no clear future, we turned to what we knew best: craft, community, and cocktails.
We launched an Instagram account and started sharing home-crafted cocktail recipes and food pairings. The feedback was instant and enthusiastic. Once restrictions lifted, friends and neighbors began asking us to bartend small events. That’s when we realized:
This wasn’t just a side gig. This could be something special.
By April 2021, McKarl’s Libations & Cuisine LLC was officially registered in Jacksonville, Florida.
Fully licensed.
Fully insured.
Fully committed to raising the bar on what mobile hospitality could look and feel like.
Our Mission
To raise the bar—literally and figuratively—in mobile hospitality.
We deliver intentionally crafted beverage experiences that celebrate people, elevate events, and reflect the highest standards of the hospitality industry. Every guest should feel cared for. Every drink should tell a story. Every client should feel proud to say, “I hired McKarl’s.”
Our Values
These aren’t just ideas—we live them at every event:
- Hospitality First – We serve people, not just drinks.
- Craft & Creativity – No cookie-cutter menus, ever.
- Education & Integrity – Every bartender is licensed, insured, and certified.
- Community-Minded – We support local, mentor talent, and give back.
- Reliability – You can count on us to show up prepared, polished, and professional.
- Legacy-Building – We're not just building a business—we're building something that lasts.
Who We Are Today
What began as a kitchen-side passion project has become Florida’s most trusted name in mobile bartending and beverage experiences.
Today, we serve:
- Weddings & private celebrations
- Nonprofit galas & fundraising events
- Brand activations & product launches
- Tasting events, cocktail classes & spirits education
- Restaurants and bar consulting
We work with individuals, event planners, venues, and beverage brands across the state—delivering seamless service, professional staff, and legendary cocktails every time.
Our Credentials
- Fully Licensed & Insured (Yes, we’re W-2—not freelancers.)
- Certified Executive Bourbon Stewards – the only program recognized by the state of Kentucky
- Over 1000 activations executed across Florida
- Trusted by brands including Penelope, Remy-Contreau, Whistle Pig, Four Roses, Rivi Gin, and more
- Reliability – You can count on us to show up prepared, polished, and professional.
- 100% ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ client reviews across platforms
Meet the People Behind the Bar
Nicole Vinci
Events & Promotions | Spooky Specialist
Nicole brings the energy, organization, and creative vision that makes events run like clockwork—and cocktails sparkle with personality.
Amber York
Client Experience Coordinator | Backbone of McKarl's
Amber is the friendly voice behind McKarl’s Libations & Cuisine. She is the first and last person you will talk to when you book with us. Amber keeps everything aligned as we continue to grow!
Alex Wright
Lead Mixologist | Tiki Fanatic
An award winning bartender with a passion for tropical flavor profiles, show-stopping drinks, and refined cocktail techniques. Alex embodies hospitality and always treats guests with the utmost respect.
Sami Peterson
Operations Lead | Sedusa
Sami brings years of experience in many roles and has found herself as our Operations Lead.
She has quickly become a pivotal part of the team and is the reason you get all of your specialty items at your event! When she is not working with us she is usually at a roller derby event!
What Sets Us Apart?
- We’re Certified Pros
- We Personalize Everything
- We Know the Industry
With deep roots in both hospitality and brand marketing, we understand what it takes to create real impact.
- We Actually Show Up
On time. Prepared. Gracious. Every time.
- We Raise the Bar
Who We Work With
- Brides & Grooms looking for unforgettable, stress-free bar service
- Event planners & venues that need reliable, high-touch partners
- Spirits brands & distributors who want tastings that drive real results
- Private hosts who want to wow their guests
- Nonprofits & organizations planning meaningful gatherings with compliant service
- Bars and restaurants consulting
A Note From the Founders
“We created McKarl’s because we saw a gap in the market—where style and service didn’t always go hand-in-hand. We wanted to change that. We believe in hospitality with heart, drinks with soul, and events people will never forget. Whether we’re pouring in a backyard or a ballroom, our goal is always the same: Make every guest feel seen, every sip feel special, and every event feel legendary.”