Michael “Daddy Long Legs” George is a Black, Queer, and Non-Binary hospitality professional that stepped into the spotlight in 2023 after winning the Black Bourbon Society’s Black Manhattan Project cocktail competition. Though this national attention was new for them, working in the industry was not.
Michael’s journey with food and hospitality began when they were 10 years old when they took a cooking class as part of an after school program at Gallery 37 in Chicago. Michael was instantly inspired by all the things you can do with just a couple of ingredients and went on to pursue a degree in Baking & Pastry at Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago. A bartending job while working as a pastry cook for Deer Valley Ski Resort led Michael to a lifelong career where they combine passion for both creative expressions in the front of house and back of house while navigating the industry in predominantly white spaces.
Michael is a Punch Drink’s Best New Bartender 2023 semi finalist, Bombay Sapphire’s and Tales of the Cocktail Most Imaginative Bartender 2024 Finalist, and a member of Imbibe Magazines prestigious 75 list in 2024. Michael has received scholarships and opportunities with Focus on Health, Portland Cocktail Week, and most recently was awarded a scholarship from the Society of Wine Educators to pursue a Certified Specialist of Spirits accreditation. Michael has been featured in local publications of Salt Lake City’s SLUG Magazine for their eccentric style as well Alaska’s online publication of Indie Alaska in partnership with PBS.
Michael is passionate about showing up authentically in all spaces and seeks to use their being to inspire conversations and initiatives on diversity and inclusion for Queer and BIPOC individuals. Michael has recently launched DNA Haus or Diversity and Authenticity Haus as an artistic collective to amplify the voices and work of BIPOC and Queer creatives, artists and multi hyphenates. Michael is grateful for the support and community that they have found within the hospitality industry and will continue to advocate for safe and inclusive spaces in all that they pursue.
Find Michael on Instagram