Glenview Bartender in Running for Worldwide Title

What could be more fun than mixing drinks and getting paid for it? Nothing, if you ask bartender Jason Ochoa.

Ochoa works at T.G.I Friday’s Glenview location and recently competed among 8,000 fellow bartenders from 900 Friday’s outposts around the world. He took top prize at the local, regional and divisional levels — each of which includes a variety of drink-making tests that demonstrate stellar bartending skills. Among the challenges, a speed round demands bartenders think on their feet and a two-pour test demonstrates free-pouring expertise.

In February, Ochoa will head to Dallas to pour drinks alongside eight other finalists, a Friday’s spokeswoman told Patch.

So, what’s on the line? Well, the winner walks away with $10,000 and a title to be proud of. And, in the spirit of giving back, all funds raised will benefit Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, a restuarant spokesperson said.

Here, Jason Ochoa talks favorite drinks and craziest bartending moment:

Patch: How long have you been bartending?
Ochoa:16 years

Patch: Why do you love it and why do you enjoy working in Glenview?
Ochoa: I love bartending cause it came naturally to me and I love being around people.

Patch: What's the craziest thing that's happened to you while bartending in Glenview?
Ochoa: The craziest thing that happened to me recently was when an old world champion bartender (Matt Durbin) came in. I didn’t know he was coming in, and had only met him once before, so it was a super awesome surprise. I was so happy and nervous at the same time.

Patch: What's your favorite drink to make?
Ochoa: My favorite drink to make is a Malibu and pineapple. I love to flip the Malibu bottles!

Patch: What's the most popular drink on your menu?
Ochoa: The most popular drink ordered at the Glenview location is our mojito. We have a bunch of different mojitos to choose from.

What's your favorite drink? Tell us in the comments or share with us on Facebook!