Jesse Carr was born in Athens, GA and raised between the Virginia Appalachians and Washington, D.C., spending most of his time with his grandparents who were deep-rooted southerners with a love of socializing. True to form, they always believed that it was 5 o’clock somewhere; Jesse would help out by playing bartender and crafting family favorites such as Rob Roys and their own version of Bloody Marys with scotch called “Transfusions”. He saw the true beginnings of what would later become his passion and career.

After graduating from high school and ready to stretch his legs, Jesse moved to California to attend Santa Monica College and UCLA. He began bartending at local pubs – quickly discovering his fondness for hospitality – and after some post-college travel he landed in New York City to start working with some of the greatest people in the industry. In 2011, he found a home at the James Beard Award nominee Maison Premiere in Brooklyn, where he and fellow colleagues worked tirelessly to create one of the best bars in America and the world.

In 2014, Jesse and his wife decided to move to New Orleans, a city they fell in love with many years ago during Jazz Fest and thought would be the perfect place to start a family.  “I love the city, love the atmosphere, love the drink culture,” says Jesse. He is honored to be working as the Bar Director with the great team at La Petite Grocery and Balise.