In new venture, mixologist can take bar on location at events, parties

Contributed photo: Nickie Poler Girardo of Albion recently graduated from the Microenterprise Assistance Program to further her business as a traveling mixologist. With Last Call Cocktails, she can set her portable bar up at any event.

ALBION – One of the most unique entrepreneurs to graduate from Orleans County Economic Development’s spring Microenterprise Assistance Program is Nickie Poler Girardo of Albion.

Girardo is a mixologist who has started a business called last Call Cocktail Company, in which she sets up a full bar at any event.

She has 20 years’ experience in the business, having started as a waitress at age 15.

“I gradually dabbled in every aspect of the food service industry, from waiting on tables and washing dishes to working on a line and gradually working my way up to bartending,” Girardo said. “Bartending is my passion.”

She was manager at 39 Problems in Albion when Covid hit. A lot of her regular customers missed her so much they started asking her to come to their parties.

“I started my business as a hobby, but it took off faster and bigger than I ever imagined,” she said.

She decided to take the MAP class through the Orleans Economic Development Agency because she believes knowledge is power.

“I take every opportunity I can to learn,” she said. “The more I know, the more I can achieve.”

Girardo has two portable bars she can set up. She is hoping to get a grant to purchase a trailer. She is well known for her signature cocktails, but she will make whatever a client requests.

She can be contacted at (585) 590-1773 or by email at lastcallcocktailco@gmail.com. Information about her company can be found online at www.lastcallcocktailco.com.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Nickie Girardo, owner of Last Call Cocktails, served up free cups of hot chocolate on Dec. 19, 2020 outside Hoag Library during a holiday celebration with Santa Claus.