We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Portis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started working in the restaurant field as a busser, then moved up to server when I turned 18. While serving I feel in love with the amount of money I was making but,, wasn’t totaling happy with working every weekend. I begun looking into getting a job with more traditional hours and found out that I was making more money then the jobs I was quote/unquote qualified for and even more than some of the jobs that require multiple degrees. I decided instead of getting a 9-5 I would move up to bartender and that’s where I found my passion. Nice on Ice Bartending begun as a part time idea because I had a knack for creating cocktails and a passion for entertaining people. While working 3 bartending jobs the pandemic started a month after having my only son and I was left jobless. I then refocused on the business but I made a pivot that would prove to be wise. With restaurants being close I thought about all the people that would come to the bar to have a drink to unwind from a crazy day and that when the idea came to me to package and deliver mixed cocktails and it was at this point Nice on Ice Bartending became established.
What should our readers know about your business?
Nice on Ice Bartending has multiple components and areas of expertise. The first one is obviously bartending aspect where we contract bartenders for any kind of event that wants to serve liquor. The second part is the delivery of my line of custom cocktails and last is the events that we host. I believe what sets us apart is the expertise and creativity of our cocktails and our dedication to matching the vision of the client to the reality at the event. Although my passion is being behind the bar, my signature cocktails is what I’m most proud of because it allows me to showcase my creative mixes. Visibility is what I believe got me where I’m at. We participate in events of all kinds all over the DFW Metroplex. The more people see the brand the more they feel comfortable spending their money with us and earning people trust is no easy task in today’s society. Consistency and being able to improvise helped me get over a lot of the hurdles I have faced so far. Nice on Ice Bartending main goal is provide the greatest feeling to every client and/or guest that we encounter becoming part of the best memories in their life.
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?
The first stop would definitely would have to be Breakfast Brothers or Bay34th Street Diner, then Round 1 Bowling and Amusement, and whatever club Staydown Lil B is promoting that night. Other places would be Pangea Restaurant, WBS Catfish, Thibodeaux’s, Johnathon’s Diner, Fivee Bistro, and Sandaga or Legends.
Website: niceonicellc@gmail.com
Instagram: @niceonicebartending
Facebook: @niceonincebartending
Other: Phone: (214) 336-6259