Why Choose Leaders?
Honestly? Because we’re nerds. Beer nerds. Wine, spirits, and coffee nerds. Draft technology nerds. We love what we do and we’re constantly looking for ways to make it better.
The Leaders Difference
We are often asked what makes us different, and the answer is simple: we don’t want to just be someone you hire; we want to be part of your team!
More than a tech crew, the Leaders staff comes directly from the food and beverage industry, meaning we understand your day-to-day operations and challenges. We partner with you to increase profitability through efficient systems and the use of quality products, and we collaborate with you every step of the way.
Certified Expertise | Our team includes Certified Cicerones®, certified sommeliers, certified spirits specialists, and Drew is even a certified culinarian. We eat, sleep, and breathe food and beverage!
Experience in Your Industry | We have been bartenders, bar backs, beer buyers, beverage directors, walk in cooler managers, and cooks. We understand the product and care about quality and customer above all else.
Education First | We love what we do and love sharing even more! Our mission is to raise standards in the food and beverage industry, and we believe one of the best ways to do that is to share our knowledge. So ask questions of your technicians, check out our YouTube videos and blog, take advantage of our ongoing workshops, or plan private training for your staff.
Pride in Our Work | We consider every drink served from one of our systems to carry our name. When we work with you, we integrate with your team and bring our full experience to your business. Your success is our success, so all recommendations are based on what’s best for your company.
Your Profitability in Mind | Our ultimate goal is to optimize your profitability. Whether maintaining an existing system or building a new one, we design with efficiency in mind and only use quality equipment with proven longevity. These may not be the cheapest up-front, but in the end it means higher efficiency with less loss and a better product for your customers.
Veteran Owned and Operated | Drew Larson began Leaders Beverage Consulting after 22 years of service in the US Army, retiring at the rank of Major, including three combat tours flying aeromedical Blackhawk helicopters.
Our Team
Our team makes all the difference. The Leaders staff comes directly from the food and beverage industry, including former bartenders, bar backs, beer buyers, beverage directors, walk in cooler managers, and cooks. We understand the product and care about quality and customer above all else.
In addition to understanding your daily challenges, our technicians are also all MicroMatic Dispense Specialist certified through their Advanced Draft Training Course, as well as Certified Beer Servers through the Cicerone program. Many on our staff are also Certified Cicerones®, sommeliers, spirits specialists, and culinarians.
History
Leaders Beverage Consulting was born of passion and necessity in 2012 by Drew Larson.
After a career in the Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, Drew transitioned to the food and beverage industry in 2011, beginning with an education in the culinary arts (including certifications as a Certified Cicerone®, sommelier, and spirits specialist). After graduation from Kendall College and then the French Culinary Institute in CA, Drew entered the industry as Beverage Director at Michael & Louise’s Hopleaf Bar.
While at Hopleaf, Drew was surprised at the draft industry’s general lack of beer knowledge, even among the supposed “beer guys,” and disappointed with the quality of draft line maintenance service available in Chicago. So he began Leaders Beverage Consulting as a one-man side endeavor.
By 2014 Drew was able to commit to Leaders Beverage full time and bring on his first employee. Due to the passion and commitment of the growing Leaders team, the company has continued to expand all across the Chicagoland area and is known for their quality service and extended beer and beverage expertise.
Contact Us
4038 N. Nashville Ave
Chicago, IL 60634
312.497.5602
Visit by appointment - give us a call!
Leaders Beverage Consulting
Our mission is to raise awareness of draft technology and improve the overall industry standard by being the absolute LEADERS in quality and service. We are promoters of the Food & BEVERAGE industry. Our cornerstones are education, professionalism, communication, service, quality, friendliness, and fun.
Quality will always come first in our decision-making process because our reputation is our strength.
In our goal to support and promote education and a raising of industry standards we proudly support the Cicerone Certification Program®, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), and the Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manual. We are not affiliated with any of these programs.
