About Us

Bartending Service

Based in the Golden Horseshoe, Raise the Bar is a premier bartending service company known for creating unforgettable events throughout Southern Ontario. We offer a customized service tailored to your specific needs, be it a corporate function, a private gathering, or a wedding celebration. Our passion for crafting the perfect cocktail, combined with our commitment to impeccable service, positions us as the ideal choice for your next event.

Choosing Raise the Bar Means Enjoying:

  • World-class cocktail expertise, backed by experience & extensive training.
  • An atmosphere of professionalism and exclusivity.
  • An opportunity to taste some of the finest drinks from around the world.

Bartending Services for Corporate Events

If you're planning a corporate cocktail party around the Golden Horseshoe, Raise the Bar offers an array of corporate party ideas and themes to elevate your event. Surprise your guests with a high-quality, elegant VIP corporate cocktail party, featuring a variety of engaging elements such as exquisite drinks and exceptional services at the reception. Our aim is to create the ideal environment for networking and business conversations, blending professionalism with a relaxed ambiance. Our modern corporate cocktail receptions represent the perfect balance of professionalism and entertainment. With Raise the Bar, organizing your next professional event becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience. Trust us to make your corporate gathering not just an event, but a memorable occasion that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Bartending Services for Weddings

If you're in search of professional bartenders for your upcoming wedding, Raise the Bar wedding bartending services are the perfect fit for you. Hiring skilled professionals near you is quick and effortless with Raise the Bar, ensuring your special day is both unforgettable and unique.

Raise the Bar boasts a variety of innovative indoor and outdoor party ideas and themes, designed to accommodate your specific budget needs. Our outdoor cocktail bar is especially ideal for an array of events such as backyard gatherings, pool parties, and outdoor weddings, adding a touch of sophistication and fun. Whether your event is indoors with an elegant setting or outdoors under the open sky, we have a plethora of party ideas and themes to suit your occasion. Let us help you bring your vision to life with our tailored services, ensuring your event is not just a celebration, but a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Bartending for Birthday Parties

Make your birthday celebration unforgettable with Raise the Bar birthday cocktail bartending service! Dive into a world where each drink is not just a beverage but a personalized experience. Our customizable services are meticulously designed to align with your unique tastes and preferences, ensuring that every sip resonates with your personality and style. Whether you're looking for classic elegance or a modern twist, our offerings can be tailored to seamlessly blend with any party theme you envision. Let us transform your birthday bash into an extraordinary affair with cocktails that aren't just drinks, but memories crafted to perfection. With Raise the Bar, your birthday party will not just be an event, but a bespoke experience that echoes your individuality and celebrates it in high spirits! 

Meet The Team

Learn about our expertise and why you should hire us to "Raise The Bar".

Arik Harley

Founder/Operations

Arik's passion for the hospitality industry began at a young age of 8, growing up surrounded by his family's pub, Harley's Tap & Eatery. His passion continued to grow in as he grew up in his family home filled with love and inclusiveness, he follows in those footsteps by showing the same love and inclusiveness to his 2 beautiful children.

Inspired by this environment, he pursued education at Niagara College in hotel and restaurant operations and gained a diploma. He then continued his hospitality education, but with a focus on wine, beer and spirits. After a multiple different classes on beverage he acquired a Master Taster Certificate from the School of Wine, Beer & Spirits at Niagara College. Finally, after long nights of cramming what likely like endless amounts of information, he passed his Introductory Sommelier Course through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Throughout his career, Arik has held various roles, including bartender, server, sommelier, bar manager, beverage manager, and outlets manager. His commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences is evident in each position he has held.

Behind the bar, Arik ensures that guests enjoy unforgettable moments. As a server, he provides attentive and knowledgeable service. As a sommelier, his expertise in wine pairings elevates dining experiences. In managerial roles, he fosters a positive and welcoming atmosphere for both guests and staff.

Indulge in an exceptional bartending experience orchestrated by Arik, a hospitality virtuoso who seamlessly blends diverse experiences with unwavering dedication, creating an unforgettable ambiance where every guest feels like family.

Mitchell Harley

Owner/Operations

Mitchell's journey into hospitality also started at a young age. Growing up with a single Mother who worked as a server, bartender and eventually restaurant manager. Seeing her flawlessly work a room, while maintaining a smile and keeping everyone happy sparked something in myself to follow that very same path. 

Since then I've held a few different roles in the Bar and Restaurant industry, but always keeping true to myself and my love for flavour, and well crafted cocktails. Through this I've always kept Hospitality at the forefront, knowing full well that the attention, and service you provide is ultimately what brings people back. 

Behind the Bar is where I feel most at home. Have a seat, we'll have quick chat, share a laugh or two, and I'll tailor a cocktail that suits you best. 

Let's make your Special occasion a reality! Drop us a line, and we'll take it from there. 

Britanee McRae

Owner/Sales & Marketing

Britanee is passionate about creating extraordinary experiences that bring people together, celebrating the power of connection and community. Her work is deeply rooted in her belief that meaningful moments with family and friends are at the heart of life’s greatest joys.

Inspired by her late mother, a skilled bartender who made every guest feel valued and welcomed, Britanee inherited a love for hospitality and a dedication to excellence. Through her mother’s legacy, she learned that true service goes beyond the drink, it’s about creating a sense of belonging.

With a background in healthcare, Britanee brings a unique combination of empathy, resilience, and attention to detail to every aspect of her work. As a proud mother of two, she is driven to be a role model for her children, demonstrating the importance of following one’s passions and building something meaningful.

Raise The Bar is the realization of Britanee’s vision to empower others through exceptional service and unforgettable events. Together with her two best friends, she is committed to transforming ordinary celebrations into remarkable memories.

Let us help you elevate your special moments. The entire team at Raise The Bar believes every event deserves to shine!