Meet Bob Peters
Bob Peters is a master mixologist, storyteller, and hospitality innovator from Charlotte, blending southern roots with refined technique to create cocktails that are as personal as they are expertly crafted. Named Global Bartender of the Year by The Ritz-Carlton Corporation in 2015, Bob has shared his craft on stages across the country, from the James Beard House in New York to world-class food and wine festivals, leaving lasting impressions wherever he goes.
Through his business, Bob Peters Innovative Cocktails & Consulting, he helps venues and brands design unique drink programs, train teams, and elevate the guest experience. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: treat every guest like the most important person in the room, making each interaction a moment of connection and celebration.
On the show, Bob shares the story behind his signature style, the art and heart of true hospitality, and his journey from working dive bars to achieving international recognition. He also discusses how cocktails can be a platform for storytelling, creativity, and community — proving that a great drink can be more than a beverage, it can be an experience
Bob Peters on Cocktails, Hospitality & Craft
Key Takeaways
Great cocktail programs are built on intentional details: ice, glassware, ingredients, and care.
Exceptional bartenders lead with curiosity, presence, and genuine connection.
Hospitality is about making guests feel seen, valued, and welcomed.
Bartenders play a vital role as community builders and culture shapers.
Cocktails can be vehicles for storytelling, memory, and shared experience.
About Me – Bob Peters
Charlotte native Bob Peters is thrilled to return home to where it all began—Soul Gastrolounge. Having first worked behind the bar at the original Soul in 2009, Bob now comes full circle as Beverage Director, bringing with him years of experience, creativity, and a renewed passion for elevating Charlotte’s cocktail culture.
Celebrated for his inventive palate and signature Southern hospitality, Bob has earned recognition as Global Mixologist of the Year for The Ritz-Carlton Corporation and multiple Best of Charlotte awards, including Best Mixologist, Best Upscale Bar, and Most Inventive Cocktail. His work has been featured in national, regional, and local media, as well as frequent television appearances throughout the Carolinas. Bob’s artistry has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious culinary stages—from representing Charlotte at the James Beard House in New York City to mixing cocktails at the Cayman Cookout, hosted by Eric Ripert, José Andrés, and the late Anthony Bourdain. He’s also been a featured talent at Charleston Wine & Food, Savannah Seafood & Spirits, and Atlanta Food & Wine festivals.
Through his company, Bob Peters Consulting LLC, he has helped shape award-winning beverage programs across the country, sharing his expertise through national seminars like the Las Vegas Nightclub & Bar Show. Now back behind the bar at Soul Gastrolounge, Bob’s mission is simple—create extraordinary drinks, unforgettable moments, and a sense of community that feels like home. Pull up a seat; the smile is genuine, and the pour is perfect. You will be captivated by what you find and heʼll have the hootch ready.
Shaping Charlotte’s Cocktail Culture, One Thoughtful Pour at a Time
Jennifer Busco’s lively, welcoming hosting sets the tone for a vibrant conversation with Bob Peters, the charismatic beverage director of Soul Gastro Lounge. Their natural rapport draws out Bob’s remarkable journey—from dive bar bartender to one of the key figures shaping Charlotte’s modern cocktail scene.
Bob reflects on his early days behind the bar at the Elizabeth Pub, a “total dive bar” complete with carpeted floors and a legendary jukebox. Long before social media turned mixology into a trend, Bob’s passion for craft cocktails was fueled by pure curiosity and a genuine love for the work. That dedication helped transform Pisces from a sushi restaurant with a standard bar program into a nationally recognized cocktail destination, where details like “nice ice,” beautiful glassware, and fresh ingredients made all the difference.
The episode is filled with memorable stories, including encounters with culinary icons Anthony Bourdain, Emeril Lagasse, and José Andrés. One standout moment includes a nine-year-old’s birthday celebration at a chef’s table, punctuated by Emeril’s booming cheers echoing through the dining room. Bob also shares how his career opened doors to global adventures, from trips to Cognac, France, to exclusive food festivals around the world.
Bob’s philosophy on bartending is clear and heartfelt: “What has nothing to do with skill but tells you immediately somebody will be exceptional behind the bar? Their passion. Their passion for learning.” He emphasizes that care, curiosity, and constant growth are what truly separate great bartenders from the rest.
Now at Soul Gastro Lounge’s expansive new location, Bob focuses on leadership and mentorship, ensuring his team has “the right tools to get their job done well.” He also introduces Stylus, the new bar concept he describes as “disco noir”—a listening room with high-fidelity sound, curated music nights, and a vibe built around community and connection.
The episode wraps with a festive cocktail demo, “Not the Gumdrop Buttons,” a tequila-based holiday drink featuring fresh juices, gingerbread tea syrup, and bubbles, finished with a gumdrop garnish. As Bob notes with a grin, “The gingerbread and tequila have like sister flavors.”
With Jennifer’s engaging energy and Bob’s mix of insight, humor, and heart, this episode is a joyful deep dive into the craft, culture, and soul of bartending.
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