Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Moreno.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Venezuela, where I first discovered my passion for hospitality. I started working in the industry at 16 years old, and even at that age I was fascinated by the way food, drinks, and genuine hospitality could bring people together and create meaningful experiences.
In 2017, I moved to the United States in search of new opportunities and a better future. Like many immigrants, I had to start over, adapt to a new culture, and build a life from the ground up. Hospitality became more than a job—it became the bridge that connected me to my new community and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Over the years, I worked my way through different roles in restaurants and bars, learning from every challenge and every mentor along the way. What started as a passion eventually became a career focused on creativity, education, leadership, and community building. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible teams, contribute to beverage programs, and help shape hospitality experiences throughout North Carolina.
A major turning point in my career came through educational and mentorship opportunities such as Camp Runamok and the CAP (Cocktail Apprentice Program) at Tales of the Cocktail. Those experiences exposed me to some of the most talented and inspiring professionals in the industry. More importantly, they showed me the power of mentorship, community, and continuous learning. They helped me realize that hospitality is much bigger than cocktails—it’s about people, relationships, and creating opportunities for others.
Throughout my journey, I’ve also had the privilege of participating in industry competitions and national programs that challenged me to grow both as a bartender and as a leader. These experiences reinforced my belief that success in hospitality comes from curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning.
Today, I continue to pursue that mission while helping develop hospitality programs, mentoring others, and working toward my long-term dream of creating a concept of my own. As a husband and soon-to-be father, I find even more meaning in building something that can positively impact my family, my community, and the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Looking back, my story is one of perseverance, opportunity, and gratitude. From a young hospitality worker in Venezuela to building a career in the United States, every step has reinforced my belief that hospitality has the power to change lives—including my own
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Coming from Venezuela, I grew up with certain flavors, traditions, and expectations around food and hospitality. When I arrived in the United States in 2017, I quickly realized that being successful in hospitality meant understanding and serving people whose backgrounds, tastes, and expectations could be very different from my own. Learning how to appreciate those differences and create experiences that resonated with a diverse range of guests was a challenge, but it ultimately made me a better hospitality professional.
The language barrier was another major obstacle. Most people think learning a language is about translating words, but for me it was much deeper than that. In the beginning, I could communicate basic ideas, but I couldn’t fully express who I was. Humor, confidence, storytelling, personality, and even the way you connect with guests are all affected when you’re speaking in a language that isn’t your own.
I often tell people that I wasn’t just learning English—I was learning how to translate my entire personality. It took time before I felt like the person people met at work was truly me. Hospitality relies heavily on connection, and building those connections while adapting to a new language required patience, humility, and persistence.
Looking back, those challenges became some of my greatest strengths. Learning to navigate different cultures, different expectations, and different ways of communicating has allowed me to connect with a wider range of people and better understand the communities I serve. It taught me empathy, adaptability, and the importance of meeting people where they are—qualities that continue to shape both my career and my life
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hospitality has always been my creative outlet. While many people see bartending as simply making drinks, I’ve always viewed it as a combination of storytelling, culture, flavor, and human connection.
I specialize in beverage development and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests. I love exploring how ingredients, techniques, and presentation can work together to tell a story or create an emotional connection. Every cocktail is an opportunity to be creative while still remaining approachable and memorable. What sets me apart is that I don’t see hospitality as serving food and drinks—I see it as creating moments. Whether I’m designing a cocktail, training a team, or developing a menu, my goal is always to create something that people remember long after they’ve left the bar. I believe the best hospitality experiences make people feel connected, welcomed, and part of something bigger than themselves.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve been fortunate to meet many people throughout my journey who have become mentors, friends, and some of my biggest cheerleaders. Hospitality is an industry built on relationships, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of others.
The person who deserves the most credit is my wife. She has been by my side through the most challenging moments of my career and life, always encouraging me to keep moving forward even when I doubted myself. She was there through the storms and continues to be here now that the sun is shining brighter. Her belief in me has made a bigger impact than she probably realizes.
I also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Brandon Angelilli, who has consistently believed in me and supported my growth. Having someone in your corner who sees your potential before you fully see it yourself can make all the difference, and Brandon has been that person for me on many occasions.
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