Jared Sowinski is the Director of Beverage at Upward Projects Restaurant Group, where he creates, implements and manages beverage selections and programming for Postino WineCafe, Joyride Taco House, Windsor and Federal Pizza across a growing national portfolio.

An award-winning mixologist and trained sommelier with more than 20 years of beverage-industry experience, Jared has expertise across spirits, cocktails, wine and beer. Before joining Upward Projects, he held senior beverage roles at The Phoenician and Canyon Suites resorts in Scottsdale.

Jared combines creative beverage development with data, supplier relationships, staff education and multi-location operational strategy. His experience selecting spirits for distinct restaurant concepts gives him a strong understanding of quality, mixability, value, guest appeal and commercial scalability, making him a valuable member of the Bartender Spirits Awards judging panel.