Bar entrepreneurs from over 20 countries entered the inaugural year of the Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur Awards, a fabulous endorsement of the dynamism and innovation our industry is experiencing.
In light of the quality of the nominations, the judging panel selected 11 finalists rather than the 10 originally anticipated. Congratulations to all the finalists: Alastair Burgess, Bek Narzi, Carina Soto Velasquez, Emanuel Minez, JJ Goodman, Julien Escot, Kelsey Ramage, Richard Wynne, Rosie Stimpson, Stephan Hinz and Thanos Prounarous.
A special mention also to all the bar entrepreneurs who entered the 2019 Awards. Thank you. It was not an easy task for the judges and we'd like to recognise all those who shared their entrepreneurial story. We wish you continued success as you forge ahead with your businesses.
In May 2019, the finalists flew to Havana, Cuba, on a very special trip with Havana Club, where Carina Soto Velasquez was crowned the Bar Entrepreneur of the Year!
We present each of the finalists below.