Tim Haughinberry is an industry and LGBT community leader as well as the Founder of Back Bar USA, a full-service marketing and consulting firm with more than 30 years of experience in the beer, wine, and spirits industries. Haughinberry founded the company in 2008 after a series of other entrepreneurial ventures led him to recognize more opportunities to consult for Nevada’s growing casino industry.
“[Back Bar USA] specializes in corporate and national account beverage programs with an emphasis on the boutique hotels, gaming, resort, nightlife, and fine-dining segments of the hospitality industry,” he says. “The company provides services ranging from menu development to ground-up event concept, design, and execution. Back Bar maintains an impressive portfolio of clients including MGM Resorts International, sbe, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Tao Group and more.”
Each year, Back Bar USA hosts the For the Love of Cocktails benefit, which brings together the nation’s leaders in spirits, mixology, and libations. The benefit is co-hosted by Tony Abou-Ganim and sponsored by MGM Resorts International and the United States Bartenders’ Guild. All ticket sales are donated to the Helen David Relief Fund for Bartenders Affected by Breast Cancer, which was founded by Abou-Ganim to honor his own aunt who fought and survived breast cancer.
The event is currently celebrating its fifth year and will hold its Grand Gala on Friday, May 18 at Skyfall Lounge and Rivea at Delano Las Vegas. VIP ticketholders will have access to the gala at Skyfall Lounge at 7 p.m. followed by general admission entry at 8 p.m. The decadent event will offer live entertainment, a limitless amount of craft cocktail samples, gourmet cuisine from Chef Alain Ducasse’s Rivea, and the opportunity to meet chefs and over 60 world-renowned mixologists.
Anyone with a love for cocktails interested in mixology and supporting a great cause should attend the event. Tickets are on sale now.
The Helen David Relief Fund isn’t the only charity Haughinberry works with. He’s also a major supporter for Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) and its fundraisers (Paint the Town, Black and White Party, AIDS walk) and previously served on the Board of Directors. AFAN provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada and works to reduce HIV infection through prevention education to eliminate fear, prejudice, and the stigma associated with the disease. Haughinberry is also an avid member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality.
“As an LGBT-owned business recognized by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Back Bar continually donates time and money to organizations that advocate for the inclusion and hiring of people of all genders,” says Haughinberry. “Each month, we host a program tying in local mixologists, bars, and establishments as well as bringing in brands and guests from the HRC.”
