Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Richard Beltzer is a Chicago-based beverage professional with more than 10 years of hospitality experience. His career includes roles at acclaimed Chicago establishments such as Monteverde, Hospitality 201 and Bad Hunter, where he developed his approach to thoughtful service, creative cocktail development and memorable guest experiences.

Richard currently serves as Beverage Director at Muhājir and BOBO, helping shape beverage programs that explore bold flavours, global ingredients and cultural storytelling. Alongside his hospitality career, he works in food, beverage and event photography and videography, bringing a strong visual perspective to presentation and brand communication.

His experience behind the bar, in beverage leadership and across visual storytelling gives Richard a well-rounded understanding of quality, versatility, presentation, value and on-premise relevance as a Bartender Spirits Awards judge.