SpeedRailz: Austin Speed Qualifier + Hospitality Networking Event

This is more than a happy hour. It is where bartenders, operators, and hospitality professionals connect, compete, and get plugged into a growing network built around visibility, community, and real opportunity.

Whether you are competing or just coming to meet people in the industry, this is the room you want to be in.

Industry Networking Mixer

• Meet bartenders and operators from Rainey Street and across Austin
• Build relationships with venues, teams, and hospitality leaders
• Connect with people who are actively building within the industry

SpeedRailz Qualifier Competition

• Two teams competing head-to-head at a time
• Hosted directly on Hacienda’s service wells
• Teams ranked based on speed, accuracy, teamwork, and energy
• Official seeding for the May 27th Finals at Bungalow

Happy Hour + Atmosphere

• Drink specials throughout the night
• A mix of competition and social energy
• Early arrival recommended to get a good spot and meet people

If you are a bartender interested in competing in SpeedRailz, make sure you .

Once selected, we will:

• Onboard you into the competition
• Schedule a personalized media day at your venue
• Capture content that highlights your bar, your programming, and your specials

This is how we help drive new guests into your shifts before the competition even starts.

We are introducing our hospitality tech partner, DISGO, into the ecosystem.

DISGO is focused on customer discovery and helping venues bring more traffic through their doors.

At this event, you will:

• Learn how DISGO helps guests discover bars and restaurants
• See how bartenders can use it to grow visibility and engagement
• Get access to a community-driven competition layer that rewards participation and activity

This is where competition meets real-world customer traffic opportunities

This event is powered by two Texas-based spirit brands, Waterloo Gin and Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery, both playing a key role in bringing the SpeedRailz experience to life. From featured cocktails to live competition builds, these partners represent the quality, creativity, and craftsmanship that define Texas hospitality.

Waterloo Gin, based in Austin, is known for its clean profile and versatility behind the bar. Their Prickly Pear expression will be featured throughout the competition, giving bartenders an approachable and consistent base to showcase speed, accuracy, and execution.

Iron Wolf Ranch and Distillery, located in Spicewood, Texas, brings bold character to the mix with their Hot Scotch Whiskey. This unique spirit challenges competitors to balance flavor and performance under pressure while staying true to the fast-paced nature of SpeedRailz.

Together, these brands are not just supporting the event, they are actively shaping the experience by fueling both the competition and the industry mixer, creating an environment where bartenders can perform, connect, and grow.

The qualifier is part of the larger Railz on Rainey tournament series, leading into the Finals on May 27.

But beyond the competition, this is about building a connected hospitality community in Austin.

We are showcasing bartenders, highlighting venues, and creating a system where talent gets seen and supported.

• Bartenders looking to compete or grow their network
• Bar managers and operators building strong teams
• Hospitality professionals who want to stay connected
• Anyone interested in a future of stronger partnerships across Austins growing hospitality industry

If you want to compete, submit your application ahead of time and get yourself in the mix.

If not, come through, network, and tap in.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for ongoing updates! @SpeedRailz

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bar Hacienda, 70 Rainey Street, Austin, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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