John Stanton

John Stanton joined Sage Restaurant Concepts in 2021 as the group’s national director of beverage. In his role, John’s responsibilities include bar training and education, menu development, openings and transitions and operational support for SRC’s full portfolio of independent restaurant and bar concepts.

John began his career in restaurants and bars more than 25 years ago, starting first as a dishwasher and then working his way up to bartender at a hipster dive bar called the Hungry Brain in Chicago. An avid student of the craft of bartending, John’s passion for hospitality, and keen interest in the arts and sciences that drive his chosen craft, led him from a career behind the bar to pursuing beverage management roles with increasing responsibilities spanning floor and general management, creative concepting, banquets, off-site events, team building, financial performance and much more.

Prior to joining Sage, he spent more than a decade with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, most recently as the West Coast Beverage Manager. In his time with the company, he helped open more than 15 unique bar programs in 3 different countries. John also specializes in craft cocktails and bar education, and has an extensive spirits knowledge and comprehensive understanding of F&B operations.

Most importantly, John maintains a lifelong passion for hospitality in all its forms; he believes that the greatest thing a bar can accomplish is to make its guests feel welcome, safe and cared for. John is based in Nashville, Tennessee, though he still roots for the New York Jets, for some reason.