Meet Cody Banks | Bartender and Creative Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cody Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Engaging the public and creating an escape from every day life. My background is in performing arts, and when that didn’t pan out like the 13 year old Cody Banks had dreamed I found myself a new stage: the bar. In a time where so many individuals are focusing on how to survive, I wanted to provide a space, a moment, or an experience for an individual to escape from the pressures of the day. So, providing those things in liquid form is a way for me to find a sliver of happiness in day to day life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Dude. Honestly, I don’t know if you could really set myself apart from others in the industry. There are so many talented and creative people in this industry, people that I’ve worked and collaborated with are on 50 Bests, and people to watch lists. Getting to where I am now hasn’t been easy, I’ve taken a lot of wrong turns, worked for the wrong people, worked for the right people but have taken it for granted, but recently I created Haus of Imbibe with my business partner and long time friend Nikko Posada. We met at Salted Lime in Somerville, NJ where our skills and background were pinned against each other to a degree: he a nightclub speed bartender and me a pretentious craft cocktail bartender. It was their I realized that everyone can learn something from somebody and that collaboration and teamwork is the key to success and educating yourself. So we started Haus of Imbibe with the dream of bringing the bartending spotlight back to individuals behind the bar, supporting their talent and craft through exposure rather than brand allegiance or a successful marketing team. We wanted to create a networking space where any level of industry professional could present their process and creativity and not be afraid to ask questions or for advice. I want the community to be on the look out for Haus of Imbibe, a community based on pour decisions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
-Pony Up, Denver, visit Erin Katz behind the bar for an unforgettable evening, and a Frenchie French Dip
-Sinner’s and Saints, Castle Rock, gotta bring them to my current project featuring some awesome culinary derivative cocktails including the Miss Mallard, If You’re Nasty, a Manhattan homage to David Viana’s foie gras with caramelized white chocolate and hazelnut
-La Diabla, Denver, for the BEST pozole in town
-Agave Lounge, Colorado Springs, the vibe and hospitality is immaculate
-Occidental, Denver, for a Porkroll, Egg and Cheese and unexpectedly the best Mojito I’ve ever had
-Lumen8, Colorado Springs, to see JB their F&B director and have him perfectly pair our dinner with a great wine selection and wonderful approachable education

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m originally from New Jersey, and I could not talk about my success without mentioning 3 people: Danny McGill, David Viana, and Nathalie Porraspita. I met these amazing people in 2016 at Barrio Costero in Asbury Park, well David and Nathalie were the Executive Chef and Sous Chef respectively, but Danny I met through them. Nathalie showed me that there is no incorrect inspiration in providing someone a journey through flavor while David was so inspirational in his way of thinking with providing guests unexpected and ultimately mind blowing flavor combinations. Their plates took our guests through journeys and created a consumable escape that drove me to create those emotions in liquid form. I eventually followed David when he opened Heirloom Kitchen, a Chef’s Tasting dining experience, it was there I met Danny. Danny McGill’s view on the hospitality industry and guest services change me life and view on guest interaction. It’s because of him that my primary drive was the guest, and curating an experience for them. Danny took baby bartender Cody and embraced his weird approach to flavors and made me a palpable hospitality individual, without him I would probably still be behind the bar attempting to being a “startender” only focused on my own success. So I owe my success, drive and view on the industry.

Instagram: @the_codybanks

Image Credits
Torie Berkel VB Design Co