We recently had the chance to connect with Rusty Lewter and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rusty, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People often only see us on the day of their event, and that creates a misconception: bartending isn’t just about showing up and mixing drinks. On a typical Saturday we might staff 5–12 events across the Carolinas, and each one requires substantial advanced work. Before we arrive, I’ve collaborated with every host to design a cocktail menu that fits the theme and will wow their guests. I train and brief my staff on the event menu, create a liquor order based on the expected guest count and drinks selected, and source the best garnishes and ingredients for our mixers. On the day of the event I’m juicing, simmering, and assembling fresh batches of mixers. We arrive early to set up a full, service-ready bar. You might see us for 4–8 hours, but that day is the final result of considerable planning and preparation — and that preparation is what sets Your Charlotte Bartender apart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a North Carolina native — raised in Apex and based in Charlotte since I was 18 — with more than 25 years behind the bar. My career took an unexpected turn when a regular customer invited me to a Carolina Panthers game and happened to be the stadium’s Food & Beverage director. That led to a role in the stadium’s hospitality department and eventually eight years as a personal stadium butler for the Richardson family. I later served as head mixologist at Carmel Country Club while building a private-events clientele on the side. When COVID closed the club in 2020, I used the downtime to turn that side hustle into a full-time business: I launched Your Charlotte Bartender—forming an LLC, building a website and logo, and scaling our team. Today we’re a growing craft-cocktail catering company with 18 bartenders and 5 servers. We cater weddings, birthdays and corporate events, and offer in-person and virtual mixology classes.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
A Carmel Club member who I’m still close with today was the first to truly see me clearly before I saw it in myself. She knew I was a talented bartender, but she believed I could translate that skill into a business. Her encouragement pushed me to take the leap: she urged me to form an LLC and launch a social media presence. I’m immensely grateful for her faith in me, because as we approach our fifth anniversary, I can see how her belief helped shape Your Charlotte Bartender into what it is today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t need to have it all figured out yet. Every step you’ve taken, every mistake you’ve made, and even what might be seen as a failure have built the life you’re creating.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Whether you know me as Your Charlotte Bartender or Rusty Lewter, you’re getting the real me. I’m honest to a fault, a die-hard Braves fan, and always pushing to improve—personally and professionally. I never want to be stagnate- I’m constantly experimenting with new recipes and flavor profiles, training my team, and adopting new technologies to give clients the best possible experience.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as a self-made entrepreneur who poured blood, sweat, and tears into building and sustaining Your Charlotte Bartender. I want them to recognize the hard work, grit, and determination behind creating a thriving business. As we approach our sixth year, with bookings already scheduled well into 2026, our continued success despite strong competition shows our commitment to excellence and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cltbartender.com/
- Instagram: @your_charlotte_bartender
- Facebook: Rusty Lewter
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/your-charlotte-bartender-pineville?uid=jEJJJyUBBG2V9tJnJ-vfQw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
