Stacey Swenson began bartending while attending college in her home state of Iowa. She continued working behind the bar when she moved to Chicago in her early 20s. Feeling creatively stifled, she moved to New York City to absorb the growing cocktail culture and develop her skills. She first landed at American Whiskey. She then moved to Booker & Dax, the legendary experimental cocktail bar helmed by Dave Arnold. In early 2016, Swenson joined the team at Naren Young’s Dante, a modern Italian bar and restaurant, where she took over as head bartender just a few months into her tenure and helping the team to win Nr 1 of 50 Best Bar.
Now Stacey is the Bar Director of Matter House, including bars such as Lady, Altro Paradiso and Estela. All highly focus on Low ABV and Aperitifs.