Lauded New York Cocktail Bar Employees Only Will Come to Austin

Employees Only, the essential New York City cocktail bar, is expanding with three locations across the world, including Austin. The New York Times reports that co-owner Jason Kosmas will helm the Texas expansion with Austin associates. The Texas branch will open in the fall, but no address is known at this time. He told the publication:

The bar is going to be shaped the same, function the same [...] It’s kind of a machine. It’s a proven animal. Messing with it is not in anybody’s interest. And the energy it creates is very important.

Employees will also extend to Singapore by co-partner Igor Hadzismajlovic in June, and Miami Beach by Billy Gilroy in September. The bar’s famed free chicken soup tradition will continue in the new locations, doled out to customers at the end of the night.

Along with Employees Only, Kosmas worked in various bars in Dallas, like Village Marquee, Neighborhood Services Tavern, Bolsa, The Greek, and Bowlounge, before he moved to Austin. He designed Launderette’s cocktail menu. The mixologist also owns his own spirits line, 86 Company, like Fords Gin and Cana Brava rum. He also hosts guest bartender stints throughout the city every so often.