MATT KOURIE

Beverage Director | Beverage Program Strategist | Hospitality Revenue Leader

Long Island, New York

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Beverage Director and Hospitality Revenue Leader specializing in beverage program development, menu profitability, supplier partnerships, and consumer-driven growth strategies.

Founder of the New York Cocktail Expo and recognized beverage industry judge with expertise spanning hospitality operations, beverage innovation, and customer acquisition.

CAREER IMPACT

15+ Years Hospitality, Beverage & Restaurant Industry Experience
500+ Beverage Brands & Hospitality Concepts Evaluated
300+ Hospitality Industry Relationships
$500K+ Influenced Revenue Through Beverage Sales, Sponsorships & Brand Activations
7,000+ Guests at Largest Single Event
Judge for Premier Food & Beverage Competitions
Proven Success Driving Beverage Sales, Venue Traffic & Customer Acquisition

CORE EXPERTISE

Beverage Program Development • Menu Engineering • Beverage Cost Controls • Supplier Relations • Staff Training • Revenue Growth • Customer Acquisition • Zero-Proof Programs • Mocktail Development • Hospitality Operations • Beverage Marketing • Brand Partnerships

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF BEVERAGE PROGRAMS

NEW YORK COCKTAIL EXPO | 2016–PRESENT

Founder of New York's Premier Cocktail Festival, connecting beverage brands, suppliers, distributors, hospitality operators, and consumers.

Evaluated 500+ beverage brands, spirits portfolios, cocktail programs, and hospitality concepts.
Developed Best Cocktail of the Year, Best RTD Competition, Best Mocktail Competition, Tiki Throw Down Cocktail Competition, and additional beverage recognition programs.
Built relationships with 100+ suppliers, distributors, importers, and beverage industry stakeholders.
Influenced beverage purchasing decisions through media exposure, education, event participation, and hospitality recognition.
Elevated awareness of emerging categories including zero-proof spirits, mocktails, wellness beverages, and low-ABV offerings.

FOUNDER & PRODUCER

LI COCKTAIL FESTIVAL – ISLAND SPIRIT & COCKTAIL CONVENTION | 2016–PRESENT

Produced consumer and trade beverage experiences featuring spirit brands, distributors, hospitality operators, and consumers.
Created revenue-generating activations that increased consumer trial, beverage sales, brand awareness, and market visibility for participating bars and beverage brands.
Developed educational and tasting programs connecting consumers directly with brands while driving engagement and commercial opportunities.
Created beverage recognition programs highlighting exceptional cocktail programs, emerging beverage trends, and hospitality innovation throughout the region.

Business Impact: Following Salumi's Best Cocktail of the Year victory, ownership reported new guest visits directly attributed to NY Cocktail Expo recognition and media exposure.

FOUNDER

BEST WINGS LONG ISLAND | 2011–PRESENT

Built one of Long Island's most recognized food and beverage communities.

Produced hospitality events attracting thousands of attendees, including 7,000+ guests at peak attendance.
Developed relationships with 300+ restaurants, bars, and hospitality operators.
Evaluated restaurant performance, beverage offerings, menu positioning, and consumer preferences across thousands of dining experiences.
Built a trusted consumer platform influencing restaurant visitation, food purchases, and beverage sales.

CREATOR

LI WING HUNT | 2020–2022

Created a hospitality recovery initiative designed to drive restaurant traffic during the pandemic.
Directed consumers into participating restaurants through targeted marketing campaigns.
Increased visibility and engagement for hospitality operators during a period of industry-wide disruption.

HOSPITALITY & BEVERAGE CONSULTANT

2012–PRESENT

Advises restaurants, bars, beverage brands, and hospitality groups on profitability, beverage sales growth, and customer acquisition.

Develops beverage programs focused on profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Creates cocktail, mocktail, and zero-proof menus designed to attract new demographics and increase beverage participation.
Trains teams on beverage knowledge, upselling techniques, and guest engagement.
Advises operators on menu strategy, beverage profitability, and customer acquisition systems that drive food and beverage sales.

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & RECOGNITION

Founder, Long Island Craft Cocktail Revolution
Founder, New York Cocktail Expo
Founder, Island Spirit & Cocktail Convention
Founder, Tiki Throw Down Cocktail Competition
Judge, Queens Cup
Judge, Rib King NYC
Judge, Brisket King NYC
Judge, NYC Hot Sauce Expo
Beverage Competition Organizer
Hospitality Speaker & Educator

MEDIA & MARKET INFLUENCE

Published hundreds of articles covering cocktails, spirits, restaurants, bartenders, and beverage trends.
Built a media platform capable of influencing beverage purchasing decisions and venue visitation.
Generated 2,400+ shares and engagements on a single beverage-focused content campaign.
Utilizes publishing, storytelling, and media exposure to support hospitality growth and beverage awareness.