Meet Captain David | Beverage Director & Bartender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Captain David and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Captain, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
That’s the next step in my career. I’ve been in Hospitality for over 20+ years. It’s something I have always wanted to do, but I always seemed to find a reason not too. Connected with my Business Partner, Tiki Dan, had ignited my desire again to go for it. We started Sugar Cane back in January and we haven’t looked back. It’s been a wild ride. The feedback and acceptance from the local cocktail scene and the Tiki community has been so supportive. I feel very humbled by this opportunity we’ve created. We wanted to be in control of our events, cocktails, themes, etc. This just makes the most sense to the both of us.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am not very good with talking about myself, so I will take a stab at this. It’s been a long road for me. There’s been lots of sacrificed weekends and free time I’ve given up. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel very proud of what I have created in my bar, The Captain’s Cabin as well as the events we have done all year with Sugar Cane. This industry isn’t for everyone. It’s long hours with no breaks. It’s working Holidays and Weekends. It’s putting on a smile when you’re feeling empty inside. It’s hours of cleaning and prep work. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned my strengths as well as my weaknesses. You have to leave your ego at the door to be successful. We are providing Hospitality. A service. It may look glamorous or cool, but it’s the opposite. But I love it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love nature. I love the desert landscape. I don’t think a week long visit to Phoenix shouldn’t involve some sort of time in Nature. I am a huge fan of the Superstition mountains. I love hiking the trails in the mountain region. I thin Sedona & Jerome are two unique and beautiful day trips that are easily manageable for anyone visiting. Our food scene here is growing and there’s so many options here, but no visit is complete without a visit to one of our amazing Mexican Food Spots like Bacanora, Huarachis, Chilte or Requinto. Cocktails are always a must at Highball, Coabana or So Far, So Good at The Churchill. I can go on for hours with all the places I like to go. The Phoenix Art Museum & the Botanical Gardens are two of my favorite places as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people and communities I have to thank for the opportunities I have been lucky enough to be a part of. I really do have to thank the local Bar industry here in Phoenix. There’s something very special happening here and it’s only getting bigger and better. Big things are growing here in Phoenix and I am excited to be a part of it.

I also have to give a lot of thanks to not only the local Tiki Community but the World Wide Tiki Community. This community is really having a moment and it’s been exciting to see everyone find a cocktail, an experience or flavors that connect with them. There’s so much under this umbrella of what we know as Tiki and I am here for it. I have been given lots of opportunities over the years and it’s been a wild ride. Anyone that knows me, knows that I always have my hands in something.

Website: https://www.hulasmoderntiki.com/captainscabin

Instagram: @_captaindavid_ @sugarcane.phx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarCanephx/

Image Credits
Photos by Nader Abushhab & Michael Carbajal