03/28/2026
I’ve partnered with The Drake Hotel to throw a night in support of one of our own, Ben Warnick.
Ben first worked with us when he was 16 as a food runner. After the pandemic, when we were reopening 1150 Queen Street West, he came back and said he wanted to learn the bar. I was rebuilding the bar team, and I told him the truth. The work ahead was going to be hard. He would have to start as a barback and thats a hard job
We made a deal. If he worked hard with me, I’d help him learn the industry.
We worked like hell reopening that building, and Ben did it all with kindness, humility, heart, and a work ethic I rarely see. For a while, it was just the two of us holding down Sky Yard bar (with Virna ) and getting through service together. It was hard work, but we had a great time doing it.
As things got busier, I gave Ben a leadership role with the support team, and he handled it exactly the way I knew he would. He took care of people. He worked hard. He stayed humble. Within a year, he was behind the bar serving cocktails, and it was incredible to watch him grow into such an important part of the program.
When I left The Drake, I knew Ben was one of the people helping hold that place together.
A few months ago, when I learned what he was facing, I was heartbroken. I’m not going to get into the details here, but I’ve linked his GoFundMe in my bio if you’d like to read more and support him.
Ben has a hard road ahead. We can’t fight that battle for him, but we can show up for him. We can help lighten the load. We can remind him that he is loved, and that he does not have to carry this alone.
So on Thursday, April 9, 9pm we’re throwing a benefit for Ben at The Drake Hotel. There’ll be music, drinks, and a cover charge, with all proceeds going toward supporting him through his treatment.
If you can come out, have a drink, see some familiar faces, and help us show Ben how many people are in his corner, I’d really love that.
Ticket link is in my bio, and Ben’s GoFundMe is there too.
Let’s fill the room for Ben.