Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Ashford
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Erin Ashford – Co-owner, Beverage Director / Holiday
Florida native, Erin Ashford, has been a part of Austin’s bar and restaurant community since 2008. She graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelors of Art in Communication Studies and has since focused on her love of hospitality and bartending. She has held positions at many Austin institutions including; Threadgill’s, Stephen F. Austin’s Bar, Contigo and Qui.
Since 2016, Erin has been the Beverage Director and Assistant General Manager at Olamaie, the long standing vintage-inspired Southern restaurant helmed by three time James Beard finalist, Executive Chef and Owner, Michael Fojtasek. In the fall of 2021, Erin helped in re-opening Olamaie with current Chef de Cuisine and James Beard semi-finalist for Emerging Chef, Amanda Turner. Throughout at Olamaie, she created critically-acclaimed cocktail menus and helped cultivate the company’s ethos of providing hospitality and inclusivity. Erin concluded her celebrated tenure at Olamaie in the fall of 2022 to open Holiday, a cocktail bar and restaurant in the Govalle neighborhood of East Austin.
Erin is the co-owner and Beverage Director of Holiday alongside business partner John DiCicco (co-owner at Kinda Tropical) and Holiday’s Executive Chef Peter Klein (formerly of L’Oca d’Oro). Since its inception, Holiday has won numerous awards including; Eater’s 2023 Eater Awards “Best New Bar”, one of Austin Monthly’s 2023 “Best New Restaurants”, one of Austin American-Statesman’s 20 “Best New Restaurants” and Austin Monthly’s Best of ATX 2023 “Best New Patio”.
During her career, Erin’s cocktails have been featured in local publications such as; Eater, Time Out and Culture Map and she has gained recognition in numerous competitions and publications. She was named “Austin’s Best Bartender” by Culture Map, has been published in the “Southern Foodways Alliance: Guide to Cocktails” and has gained National recognition, being featured in Imbibe, PUNCH, Somm Journal and Star Chefs. Erin was most recently named Culture Maps Tastemaker Awards “Best Bartender” in Austin 2023 and Star Chefs Rising Star Bartender for Austin/San Antonio 2023.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career has been a huge testament of drive and determination. My biggest struggles along the way to opening Holiday have been finding and maintaining the confidence in myself. Self doubt can always creep in, but you have to continue to believe in what you are doing. I’ve also struggled with burn out. The food and beverage industry is a different beast. When I was bartending for years, fulltime it certainly took a toll on my body, and then when I started running the bar program and managing, it started to take a toll mentally. Not a lot of down time or breaks in this industry. Struggling with what to do with the little free time you have (take care of my life admin, recharge my battery or spend time with friends?) was and continues to be a challenge. I’m lucky to have such a supportive partner, friends, and team of coworkers who help keep me balanced.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Holiday opened in late March of 2023. We are a cocktail bar & restaurant on East 7th St. & Shady Ln, in the Govalle neighborhood. We are open Tuesday-Sunday at 5pm and closed on Mondays. We serve exceptional cocktails and food in a hospitality driven space. There are no reservations needed, but you can still walk in on a Friday night (even with a large group) and find a seat (we have a rather large space with two patios!).
We are known for out martinis (we offer Half Off all of our menu martinis every Sunday, all day!) and our hand made pastas. Our Chef, Peter Klein makes the best pastas, along with the rest of our menu which is elevated but not fussy.
I think what truly sets us apart is our team. We are a small business and an even smaller team. We have a lot of regulars and guests who come back not only because of the food, drinks and space, but also and mostly because of the hospitality. We provide full service, so a service team member takes care of you at the table, no need to order at the bar or an counter. We do not do reservations, so you can spend as much time here as you’d like. The atmosphere is very relaxing. Our bar team is knowledgable and kind, making you feel really comfortable and welcomed along with expertly made drinks.
I am most proud of the space we have built together as a team. Most of our staff have been here since day 1, which is not common in this industry. It makes a big difference, positively on the culture and feel of a business and space.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We are a small business, founded by myself, co-owner John DiCicco and Chef Peter Klein. All three of us are industry veterans, but met while we were working at Olamaie, the fine dining southern restaurant here in Austin. John was the sous chef there, Peter was cooking on the line and I was the bar manager. Fast forward almost 10 years later and it feels kismet having opened Holiday with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.holidayon7th.com
- Instagram: @Holidayon7th
