Team Spotlight: Annie Kennedy

Annie Kennedy, Bartender, Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge

Hometown: McDonough GA. I moved to Atlanta a few years ago to venture out of my hometown and further progress my career behind the bar and writing fictional novels.

Favorite dish at Politan Row? I would definitely have to say the chicken caesar sandwich from Zaddy’s!

Favorite cocktail of all time? My favorite cocktail is a classic tiki cocktail called ‘The Saturn’. It’s a gin based cocktail mixed with notes of passion fruit, orgeat, falernum and tied together with fresh lemon juice!

What is your origin story? How did you get into the industry? I started my journey into the restaurant/bar industry my freshman year of college. I worked at a sports bar to just make some extra money to go out with friends which turned into a love of connecting with my guests and creating balanced and intricate cocktails. I loved expanding my knowledge about an industry that has existed for over a 100 years that is still thriving with excitement from the community that helps to keep it flourishing. After a few years of working my way through the city of Atlanta, I got the opportunity to work for a cocktail lounge that I had been a fan of since they opened their doors. Everything from the 70's and 80's themed atmosphere to the drink program, was out of this world exciting! I knew I had found a perfect home to continue my cocktail adventures. 

What are your dreams and goals for the future? My goals for the future is to be a published author and to open my own bar one day.

When you’re not working at Jojo’s what do you like to do to unwind and relax? I love to spend time with my dog and have relaxing outings with my friends. I also enjoy going to new restaurants and picking up new hobbies to keep myself busy.