Samuel Stephens, Lead BartenderA Nashville native, Samuel Stephens brings more than 10 years of hospitality experience to the Henley team. Samuel got his start in the restaurant business via his former bandmate who happened to be a bartender and convinced him to give the industry a shot. After a few years into serving tables, Samuel landed his first bar position at a local steakhouse in Nashville and was hooked after his first week on the job. He immediately fell in love with bartending and the creative freedom and heightened level of engagement that came with it. He went on to secure roles in different establishments throughout the city, including being part of the opening crew of Little Fib, an American Retro restaurant. After a year at Little Fib, he started a new position as co-lead bartender at Ellington's Restaurant at the The Fairlane Hotel, where he really began refining his skills and defining his style as a craft bartender. With more experience under his belt, Sam took the leap in 2021 and became Lead Bartender at Hotel Indigo Nashville, continuing to expand his mixology knowledge and abilities.
In his role as Henley’s lead bartender, Samuel will be responsible for leading the bar team, ensuring the bar operation runs efficiently and dreaming up new creations and menus that follow the Henley’s well established elevated and seasonal approach, while pushing the boundaries on flavors and creating a sense of identity within each of his cocktails.
When he’s not behind the stick, Samuel can be found checking out new restaurants and bars with his wife, practicing martial arts or writing music with his death metal band, Plagueis.
