POP-UP BAR'S New Pursuits

Courtesy Walt Burns

POP-UP BAR is back. The cocktail-centric event and consulting business headed by Pam Moncrief was the go-to choice for servicing local events with craft cocktails in 2018 and 2019 before COVID paused her plans. 

After directing the beverage program at the James Beard Award-nominated Don Artemio for over two years, Moncrief recently left the popular restaurant, citing a “desire for growth.”

“I wanted to accomplish more in my career and life,” she said. “I wanted more opportunities to build things from scratch. Coming over and helping Gustos started with a four-month-long conversation between Johnny [Arguello] and me. I realized that what I was being offered at Gustos was really a chance to build something that aligns with my values. Johnny’s approach to building a business is unique. It is about much more than just burgers. It is about the people and the power of those connections.”

The new manager of catering and hospitality position affords a friendlier schedule that allows for more time with her two kiddos and managing POP-UP BAR’s growing portfolio of projects. Beyond slinging drinks wherever POP-UP BAR is needed, Moncrief’s background in events has led to collaborations with Fort Works Art, where she promotes the white-wall gallery as a rentable event space. She is also helping execute a block party organized by Jay Wilkinson and Jonathan Morris that will coincide with Fall Gallery Night. POP-UP BAR will craft the cocktails at Fort Works Art, and there are plans for Gustos to be involved in the event that will be held between Fort Works Art and Hotel Dryce.  

From its inception, POP-UP BAR has benefited from the collective talent of a core group of bartenders, Moncrief said. “It became something almost bigger than I had control over. Now you have these amazing people involved.”

The caliber of people who have worked at POP-UP Bar, she said, is top-notch: Kala Morgan, Braeden Knight, Angela Patino, and Brad Cannon.

“When I left Don Artemio, I realized what was more important for me was the active pursuit of creation and betterment,” she continued. “Now, the future is wide open. In my mind, that's the absolute best place to be because it’s like a blank canvas. That’s the way POP-UP BAR began. I was focused on making it a household name in Fort Worth and successful enough to pay my bills. What is most meaningful for me right now are the people I’m aligning myself with — people who share that desire for creativity and to push the envelope.” 

Follow POP-UP BAR on Instagram @wearepopupbar