Medina bartender takes 4th in prestigious NYC cocktail competition

Provided photos: (Left) Chris Kozody, who leads the cocktail programs at Shirt Factory and Newell Lounge, recently competed in in the prestigious Meletti Cocktail Competition in New York City, where he placed fourth for a cocktail he named “At the Hart of It.” (Right) This is the cocktail “At the Hart of It,” which earned Chris Kozody a fourth-place finish in a cocktail competition in New York City.

MEDINA – Chris Kozody, who heads the cocktail program at the Shirt Factory and Newell Lounge at Hart in Medina, recently entered the prestigious Meletti Cocktail Competition in New York City, where he placed fourth.

The event featured 18 bartenders from across the state, with the majority coming from high-profile New York City bars, said his sister Alexandra Gilman.

“It’s not every day Medina is represented in such a high level competition in the state,” Gilman said.

Kozody created the cocktail “At the Hart of It,” a blend of Meletti Amaro, peach/sage syrup, citric acid concentrate, Meletti Lemoncello and egg white. Patrons at Shirt Factory will have an opportunity to try the cocktail for themselves, as it debuts on the new fall menu, which launches today, Gilman said.

“We’re proud of Chris for this accomplishment and for putting his hat into the ring,” said Richard Sarrero, co-owner of the Shirt Factory. “Competitions like this don’t just showcase individual talent, but they help to further showcase all Medina has to offer. It’s exciting to see our community represented among some of the best bartenders in the state.”

This achievement reflects the caliber and varied talents of Medina’s food and beverage scene, according to Gilman.

“Being part of this community means everything,” Kozody shared. “Participating in events like this can certainly be intimidating, but also gives us a chance to highlight Medina and the creativity of the hospitality scene.”

The Shirt Factory and Newell Lounge operate under the Hart umbrella, along with Hart House Hotel and Factory Espresso.

Shirt Factory hours of operation are 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, while Newell Lounge is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.