It’s not every day New Port Richey residents get to order a drink from some of the city’s most familiar faces. But for two hours, local celebrities will swap their usual roles for bartender aprons to benefit New Port Richey Main Street.
The organization’s annual “Celebrity Bartender” event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at a variety of restaurants and bars throughout the downtown area. The event draws visitors to participating businesses that keep all sales for the beverages served, while the organization receives all cash tips that go toward funding future projects, revitalization, promotion and economic efforts, said Nathan Ward, executive director of New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.
“The celebrity bartenders are not professional bartenders, but are nominated by our promotion committee as well-known people in New Port Richey,” Ward said. “They are there to provide fun conversation with patrons.”
Ward notes that for more complicated cocktails, a staff bartender will be on hand.
This year’s celebrity bartender lineup includes:
• Cotee River Brewing: New Port Richey Mayor Chopper Davis and Mary Jane Kranendonk
• Zen Kitchen & Bar: Debbie Manns and Nathan Ward
• Steamworks Pub: Jennifer Thompson and Bruce Mills
• Sasha’s on the Park, The Hacienda Hotel: Gary & Oscar Vitacco-Robles
• The Kangaroo: Matt Murphy and Kelly Mothershead
• Sullivan’s Boulevard: Brian Jonas and Carl Mowry
Created in 1990, New Port Richey Main Street is a not-for-profit organization that supports business development and revitalization through initiatives that help to create jobs, preserve historic resources and build community pride.
“Some projects this year include a marketing budget for tourism efforts, new murals and our new Sunday in the City to boost economics during the summer,” Ward said.
Jennifer Thompson, who is an employee at McPherson & Thomas, a local firm that supports the organization, is returning as a celebrity bartender this year after what she describes as an “incredible experience” last year.
“I wanted to participate again because I truly believe in the organization’s impact on our community,” she said. “Events like Celebrity Bartender bring people together, support our local businesses and help ensure New Port Richey Main Street’s continued dedication to maintaining and adding to a vibrant downtown that so many of us enjoy.”
For more information on the Celebrity Bartender event or the New Port Richey Main Street organization, visit nprmainstreet.com.