Instructors & Staff

Len Fragomeni
TIB President & Founder

"We're here to inspire, as well as teach."
With a true commitment and dedication to providing students with 'Real World' training, Len, along with his staff, have developed programs which teach bartending success through service and a genuine desire to be hospitable. You'll always hear him say 'It's not just about knowing 200 drinks, you have to offer great service if you want to be successful in this business.'

Relatively young for the experience he has in the industry, Len has worked up through the ranks in many different establishments, working as a Server, Bartender, Assistant Manager, General Manager and Bar Owner, all before the age of 30. Len also worked as a District Manager for a major restaurant/bar chain where he oversaw the operation and training for 12 restaurants. He's been fortunate to have worked with some of the industry's brightest minds and continues to adopt the attitude that every day's a learning day. 'The day you say you know everything, is the day you know nothing', he says.

Len opened TIB in 2001. Through it's success, Len was awarded with the ‘Most Innovative Business Award from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation in June of 2004, at its annual gala which was hosted by the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The CYBF is the national leader in youth entrepreneurship assistance (18-34 year-old). Founded in 1996 by CIBC and the Royal Bank, the CYBF also presenting Ron Joyce, Co-Founder of Tim Horton’s, with the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’on that night. Ron then presented Len with his award, along with some personal advice as to what made Tim Horton’s such a success. Ironically enough, their conversation was all about the importance of customer service.

Len currently works with many liquor brands and other companies to provide a wide range of Industry Services including event staffing, recipe and brand development, PR/media appearances and many others. He also works on-site for many establishments in and outside the city to provide corporate training.

Len and TIB's creative director, Brad Gubbins, also work diligently to create new training programs, and new program content to keep TIB ahead of the pack. Surprisingly enough, Len still finds time to instruct at the school on a part-time basis. 'If only there were 30 hours in a day' he says.

Events & Appearances
Las Vegas Bar Show – Las Vegas, NV. March 2002
Edge 102.1 on The Dean Blundell Show - Toronto, ON. May 2004
Judge for Mad Skills Bartenders Competition - Toronto, ON. September 2004
Wine & Cheese Show - Mississauga, ON. March 2006
GFS Show – Richmond Hill ON, September 2006
Edge 102.1 on The Dean Blundell Show - Toronto, ON. September 2006
The Gourmet Food & Wine Media Launch – Toronto, ON. October 2006
The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo – Toronto, ON. November 2006
Havana Club Masterclass – Havana, Cuba. December 2006
January 2007 - Heads up Cross Canada Caesar program for Mott's Clamato
Summer 2007 - LCBO training seminars throughout Ontario
Judge for BOLS Cocktail Competition - Toronto, ON. December 2007

Notable Visited Establishments
Harry's Bar - Venice Italy - Origin of the Bellini
The Floridita - Havana Cuba - Origin of the Daiquiri

Favourites
Cocktail - Cucumber Infused Caesar, Vesper, Manhattan or anything sour.
Shooter - Patron Cafe
Beer - Kilkenny or Stella Artois
Pub - Fionne MaCools (King West Village)
Lounge - Le Sommior, Montreal.
Club - Sorry, don't do clubs anymore. Lines are too long for drinks that are not great.
Patio - Black Dog (Queen St. )
Restaurant - Pangea (Bay & Bloor)
Quote - "One martini is alright, two is too many, three is not enough." - James Thurber
Toast - "Here's to the good old days when big spenders spent their own money" - Unknown

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