Every year, Edify magazine shares its Top 40 Under 40 – a group of Edmontonians who are making an impact on our city. This year, seven MacEwan alumni made the cut, including James Grant. He graduated from MacEwan’s Public Relations program in 2013, and now owns Gray Rabbit Bar and Beverage Consulting, where he works with teams to develop unforgettable cocktail menus and service experiences.
We caught up with him to discuss making connections, the bonds that happen around a bar and being recognized as one of the best bartenders in the country.
What has been your proudest moment or greatest achievement so far?
In 2021, I was named Canada's Best Bartender and Global Bartender of the Year. While those accolades may not seem to connect directly to my time with the Public Relations program at MacEwan, I think that they actually show how versatile and applicable the skills I learned at MacEwan have been to my career and daily life.
How did your MacEwan experience help get you to where you are now?
My time with the Public Relations program at MacEwan gave me a wealth of skills that I use every day in my career – the ability to connect with those around me, identify the needs of my clients, network with others in my field and facilitate a number of projects and initiatives across several platforms and for a number of audiences.
What lesson did you learn at MacEwan that you still carry with you today?
To listen to those around me and hear who they are, what they need and how I can offer that to them. Everyone around you has a story to tell – often all they need is the opportunity to tell it.
What moment or memory from your time at MacEwan stands out to you the most?
The first time my classmates and I went out together outside of classes. It was such a great bonding moment and really helped set the tone for our year together.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
I get to host people and make them feel comfortable and looked after. I get to provide my guests with a wonderful experience. I get to express my creativity and passion every day, and that's such a distinct privilege.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
The horizon is wide open. As bars and restaurants reopen, it's so exciting to be at the forefront of the hospitality sector, training new bartenders, building bar programs and welcoming guests back to the bar.