Blake Cole
As partner and owner of Oakland bar Friends and Family, Blake Cole’s goal is to create a safe place for women, femmes, and queer folks to work, visit, or have a fun night with some top tier cocktails. Like their namesake, the staff like to make sure everyone feels the intimacy of being part of a soft opening, every day. We got a little insight into a day in Blake’s life.
Breaking Down With Blake Cole
“wake up and stare at this little guy, wishing for a cuddle”
“girlfriend delivers the first and most important cup of the day - cafe au lait in bed :)”
“first cup of coffee in and finally got my necessary morning snuggle with wilder”
“out of bed, refill and time to get to work”
“let the emails, scheduling, employee training, event planning, menu creating, endless small business surprises begin…”
“quick pick up of some essentials for the bar - fresh flowers and girl scout cookies for the crew”
“walk into the bar, assess the “damage” from the previous night of service and get ready to do it all over it again”
“head home to take a mid day break, outfit change and bike ride to lunch”
“grabbing lunch at my favorite local spot - Joodooboo. Pen and paper ready for planning for an upcoming cocktail menu overhaul”
“after printing out fresh menus for the night’s service, a quick staff line up reviewing the new wines by the glass etc. doors are open for service and flowers in their new home. Let the night’s games begin”
“the team is handling service like the pro’s they are. I get to settle down with a vermouth + soda and finishing up the final emails (hopefully) of the day, popping up to help out on this mellow night when needed”
“sneak out of the bar before the end of service to find I am lucky enough to come home to a surprise feast my partner made for us. Glass of wine, some bad tv and off to bed… <3”