Team Spotlight: Piper-Martin Jackson

Piper-Martin Jackson, Beverage Manager for Bar Politan at The Forum & Millie’s Pizzeria

Hometown: Los Angeles

How long have you been in Atlanta? I've been here for two years.

What brought you here?

So, I have a very close-knit family dynamic. Both of my parents retired at the end of ‘22 (winter of 2022) and at the time, Los Angeles was kind of going through a lot of changes. My parents are a bit older and they were just kind of like, “what, I don't think the city is a good fit for us anymore, so we’re going to head.” They sold my childhood home, everything, and relocated. While I still have some family out there and friends, it just wasn't the same. I had never even visited Atlanta, but when they told me they had plenty of room in their new place, I decided to join them. I love the way the seasons change here and how lush it is. I love it.

You started with us at Okay Anny’s at Ashford Lane, and then earned a promotion to manage Bar Politan at the Forum. Tell me how all that came to be:  I was a bartender at Superica, also in the Ashford Lane area, and Mara (Politan Row at Ashford Lane Beverage Manager) used to come in and I got to chitchatting with her about Okay Anny’s. Alex from Okay Anny’s actually used to come in as well and they were just telling me that they were looking for a bartender to come work with them and they thought I would be a good fit. So I went to check it out and attended the “Saved by the Bell” party that they had and just loved it. I loved the space and the vibe, and just went to Mara and said, “Yes, can I please work here?” and she gave me the job. I loved working there. I made some great friends and connections in the industry and also the community. From there, Mara mentioned to me that Politan Row was going to open a new location at the Forum and she set me up to interview with Benton, who offered me the Bar Manager position. It’s been great to earn this growth and have mentors like Mara and Benton who have taught me so much.

And now you’ve actually been promoted again from Bar Politan Manager to Beverage Manager and you’re managing both BP and the bar at Millie’s? 

Piper Jackson: Correct. 

What would you say you are most proud of with Bar Politan? Wholeheartedly I think I'm most proud of the team there, the bartenders, cultivating such a good close-knit team dynamic. I'm so proud of them. Luckily I've been able to hold on to a lot of people from that very first orientation. I have a lot of pride in my bartenders. They are amazing. They've already built regulars and  make a really nice, healthy, and fun environment. I'm constantly telling them how much I appreciate them, and they always show up when I need them to. I'm so proud of them.

Why do you choose to work in hospitality? What excites you about our work?  I kind of went down that barista to bartender pipeline, so starting in coffee, I realized that we are at the start of a lot of peoples’ days. We are that little thing extra that could really set the tone for the whole day. I used to just love connecting with guests over coffee and beverages and tea. Segueing into bartending and that part of the industry, I realized it's kind of the same dynamic except it's a little bit more exciting.I'm hanging out with people during celebrations,  promotions, proposals, first dates,etc.  I get to see a lot of people's wins, but also it's nice to connect with people who maybe are also going through some things, folks that aren't really having the best day. I get to make their day a little bit brighter.