Meet Tony Del Pino | Bartender / Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Del Pino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
This is such a great question. To be honest this is a twofold response. I initially started it as a way to make a bit of money on the side during the Holidat season as Coquito is synonymous with Christmas in the Puerto Rican community. At the same I loved being able to present a piece of my culture and identity with others who are not familiar with what Coquito is.

Once 2020 came, we all know that many folks lost their jobs, myself included. With ample time I wanted to find a way to fill it and not just stay home all day. I had this wild notion of providing Coquito all year round and not just for the Holidays. I felt we were in a period in time where people wanted to connect with anything that brings comfort. The bet paid off as the interest was virtually immediate, and over the last few years been grinding on bringing awareness to the brand and continuing to provide an authentic product to the supporters.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I originally did not begin in the field of food and hospitality. In a past life I was a Social worker in NYC for 8 years. Although there were moments that were very rewarding, there was an emotional toll that was taken on me which dictated my move back into the bar.

During Grad school I bartender to pay bills and save money. Little did I know that this shy boy from Brooklyn (who hated public speaking) would fall in love with this industry. The ability to break down a cocktail in a scientific manner is what drew me in at first. Trying to achieve perfect balance of flavors in a drink is always the name of the game! Secondly it was the cast of characters I would meet all the time. People from all walks of life with their own stories and perspectives that made them unique.

I’ve been back bartending for 7 years and I don’t regret the decision. I’m more financially well off then I’ve ever been. I have some great relationships I’ve built over the years because of this industry. I’ve been able to do it in one of the top cities on the planet. I’ve been exposed to amazing products that delight the palate.

The next move is to figure out how to continue growing this Coquito brand and to bartend across the world

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man! This is a tough one! Well If you are in NYC for a week this is what needs to be done in no particular order:

* Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
* Visit L& B Spumoni Garden (Best square slice period!)
* Double Chicken Please (Best Cocktail Bar)
* Watch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse. The popcorn and cocktails are killer
* Grab Dumplings in Chinatown
* Live Baseball game at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field
* Rooftop Pool vibes at The Williamsburg Hotel

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I believe there is a saying that goes “It takes a village to raise a child.” I would say that is a part of my ethos on an everyday basis in my life. Although I have traits that I feel help with my success, it truly is those around me that have assisted me in my journey, directly and indirectly. From conversations with my parents, to honest advice and conversations with close friends. They help make sure I stay grounded. They help lift me up when I’m feeling down. They also reinforce my wins. They also don’t hesitate in telling me the truth, no matter how much I may not agree with their stance on a particular issue, I know it’s always coming from a place of love.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thecoquitoshop?fbclid=PAAaamHueG5et2vW7N6XXMth40UxCwQfZRgYOK_SsyCud_fqKsyNwCyT4W7Do

Instagram: Thecoquitoshop

Facebook: Facebook.com/thecoquitoshop

Other: Personal IG: bkmixologist