One might say that Alba Huerta, a Mexican-American Houstonian and a previous Imbibe 75 Bartender of the Yr, was born to be a bar proprietor. “From a younger age, I used to be drawn to the concept of making an area the place folks might collect, rejoice, and share tales,” she says. Over time, her personal experiences, similar to managing Bobby Heugel’s Anvil Bar & Refuge, and her love of hospitality and native flavors helped form her dream bar idea. “I used to be able to create one thing that actually resonated with me and was distinct in its strategy to cocktails in my neighborhood.”
Julep, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in November, not solely grew to become that place however a tribute to Houston’s meals tradition and traditions. “It was important for me to rejoice and protect these traditions inclusively and respectfully—from our cocktails to our decor—whereas serving to to raise Houston’s culinary business.”
Right here, Huerta shares the origin and evolution of Julep, from first strolling into the empty bar area to profitable Houston’s first James Beard Award, and what’s subsequent.
Alba Huerta:
After I first stepped into Julep’s present area, I felt an instantaneous connection. The constructing, over 110 years outdated on the time, had a timeless appeal and a wealthy historical past that I knew would deliver depth and character to the bar. It felt heat, inviting, and full of potential. I might immediately envision a spot the place Houston’s spirit and hospitality would shine—a bar that felt each elevated and approachable, a spot the place each cocktail is crafted with care and visitors really feel like they’re getting into an area they love. I wished to deal with high-quality elements and real hospitality, bringing Houston a bar expertise that’s really one among a sort and inclusive.
Having the ability to serve and be a part of this neighborhood has been one of the vital significant features of Julep’s journey.
What I didn’t envision was the deep sense of neighborhood that will develop round Julep. Over time, it grew to become greater than only a bar. It’s a gathering place that brings folks collectively and fosters connection. Having the ability to serve and be a part of this neighborhood has been one of the vital significant features of Julep’s journey. We wholeheartedly love our neighborhood, and it loves us again.
These early years have been an actual check. I used to be juggling too many roles and needed to be taught the distinction between bartending and working the bar to the perfect of my capacity, then regularly getting into the function of a real enterprise operator. Constructing the best staff, sustaining consistency in service, and navigating the unpredictable features of working a brand new enterprise all got here with steep studying curves. It was about discovering our rhythm, discovering what resonated with visitors, and adapting rapidly.
Being a decade youthful actually helped. I had the power and drive to sort out each problem head-on. There was unimaginable pleasure within the air, with folks inquisitive about what we have been bringing to the scene. Each night time was all hands-on deck, buzzing with the power of studying, adjusting, and refining. I are likely to tuck it away in reminiscence. Nevertheless it took us two further months to get our license by allowing. That ready interval was brutal. It felt like day-after-day was a brand new check of persistence and perseverance, however it additionally taught me resilience. As soon as that hurdle was cleared, it was exhilarating to look at Julep’s persona take form and join with these first visitors, lots of whom grew to become our regulars and proceed to affix us at each occasion.
Julep has really grown into its identification, turning into a significant a part of the neighborhood. Immediately, we’re lucky to have a vibrant mixture of regulars and newcomers who rejoice milestones, unwind, and join with each other right here. None of this could be doable with out my administration staff and unimaginable workers, whose dedication and expertise deliver the bar to life every day. They create a heat, welcoming ambiance that makes visitors really feel at residence and are the center of the shared historical past and particular connections we’ve constructed.
[The James Beard Award] wasn’t simply my win; it was ours and in addition our neighborhood’s.
A few of the most standout moments with the Julep workers come from the deep bonds we’ve constructed through the years, like how the staff got here collectively to help one another throughout a number of hurricanes and the pandemic. Even whereas navigating private challenges, everybody confirmed as much as assist, whether or not it was volunteering, offering meals, or simply being there for each other. One other particular second was celebrating Houston’s and Julep’s first James Beard Award win collectively. Watching the workers mild up with delight as we shared that accomplishment was unimaginable. It wasn’t simply my win; it was ours and in addition our neighborhood’s.
I additionally cherish the smaller, on a regular basis victories—the nights when the staff is completely in sync, with service for our visitors on the forefront, or when a brand new workers member masters the service properly. These shared successes and private progress moments make all of the onerous work worthwhile.
We’re persevering with to evolve our choices and deepen our neighborhood roots. Now we have plans for just a few distinctive collaborations and exploring new methods to share tales by our cocktails. Personally, I’m excited to continue learning and discovering methods to develop Julep’s impression whereas perhaps pursuing a brand new artistic enterprise. Additionally, we’re engaged on a brand new bar idea referred to as Parlor within the coronary heart of Houston. Extra to come back on that entrance. However we couldn’t be extra enthusiastic about making an excellent mark within the mixology space.
I would like folks to know that Julep is about extra than simply cocktails. It’s about fostering neighborhood, and making a heat, welcoming area for everybody who walks by the door. Our program relies on inclusivity the place every worker will get to create a cocktail impressed by their experiences and cultures. Our objective has at all times been to make folks really feel related—to the flavors, the tales, and one another.
—As instructed to Caroline Pardilla