Craig Schoettler Out at Drumbar, Heading to Vegas

After less than eight months running the Drumbar beverage program, Craig Schoettler is off to Sin City. Schoettler sent out a mass email before the crack of dawn to break the news, saying he has resigned from his post to become the property mixologist at Aria Hotel & Casino, an MGM Resort. The move is effective immediately.

Schoettler, a former "beverage professional of the year" in the Tribune, rose to prominence as executive chef of the Aviary. After being mysteriously let go, he surfaced at Drumbar months later, taking over for outgoing director of nightlife Benjamin Newby.

Schoettler heightened the libation level at Drumbar in his time there, introducing a portion of his signature progressive style and a top-notch whiskey program to the rooftop hotel lounge. In (seemingly) unrelated news, this Q&A with Schoettler in Esquire dropped yesterday afternoon. Stay tuned for more details.
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[Update: Via text, Schoettler says his last day at Drumbar is August 4 and he starts in Vegas on August "15-ish." Aria holds 15 restaurants (including Shawn McClain's Five50) plus a handful of bars, lounges, nightclubs, and a casino, and Schoettler is "looking to make them unique." Drumbar representatives say it might be a while before a replacement is hired.]