Olive or Twist

Cocktail bars traditionally have been places of civility and sophistication. Different from saloons, where the point was to become inebriated rapidly and economically, the cocktail bar was a place where ladies and gentlemen went to socialize in a productive and cultured way. Accordingly, Olive or Twist receives its inspiration from: the golden age of bartending, when places like the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans offered eclectic drinks for less than $1 and the new age of cocktails, with drinks composed of uncommon ingredients, seasonal fruit juices, house-made syrups, herbs, bitters and infusions Mr. Duke and Mr. Gremillion selected a highly trafficked location, on Perkins Road between Kenilworth Parkway and Essen Lane/Staring Lane, that features favorable demographics for customers who seek an intimate night out and high-quality cocktails in an upscale environment. To accomplish their goal, owners Joshua Duke and Scott Gremillion emphasize service and drink quality in order to attract and retain customers. At a time when maxims such as "the guest is always right" formed the foundation of good service, the articulation of expectations is paramount. As a new bar seeking to become one of the most popular destinations for handcrafted cocktails, infused liquors, small plates and desserts, Olive or Twist does not want to come off as overly pretentious. Still, posting a code of conduct can help maintain decorum and draw a sophisticated crowd.