Will Piquette
Bartender, Alcove | Boston
August 2020
Will Piquette grew up playing the violin. His passion led him to attend the Boston Conservatory, in pursuit of a professional career as a violinist. Piquette picked up a job as a barista to supplement his stringed-instrument income. Finding a new love in coffee, he dove in head first, learning about coffee sourcing and managing wholesale accounts. Piquette then began plotting his next course—directly behind a deep well of spirits—leaving those romantic nights playing his violin behind to follow his fervor for beverages.
His first foray into the restaurant business was as a barback at Island Creek Oyster Bar in Kenmore Square where he worked alongside Rising Stars alum Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli. Piquette mixed his way through the rigorous program to become a lead bartender. He then joined fellow musician-turned-bartender, Nicole Lebedevitch at Yvonne’s, refining his cocktail skill sets in a high-volume environment. In an effort to gain broader experience, Piquette worked for a number of new restaurants including Tracy Chang’s PAGU, tropical-themed bar Tiki Rock and casual American spot Backyard Betty’s (which sadly closed due to the pandemic in June). In 2018, Piquette reconnected with Schlesinger-Guidelli, who shared a blueprint for a new restaurant, Alcove, where Piquette would serve as principal bartender. Piquette helped Alcove open in late 2018, leading the hospitality charge from behind the bar.
