Jackson (Jax) Donahue

Jax Donahue is a Phoenix/Cincinnati-based beverage consultant with over 15 years of hospitality experience and a proven track record of building nationally recognized bar programs. He is the former Beverage Director for Pretty Decent Concepts and Barter & Shake Creative Hospitality, overseeing award-winning venues including Century Grand, Platform 18, Grey Hen, Undertow, Wren & Wolf, Trophy Room, Carry On, and Drop Dead Gorgeous—with honors such as Tales of the Cocktail Best U.S. Cocktail Bar, multiple North America’s 50 Best Bars rankings, and Carry On earning 50 Best Design Bar North America 2025.

A 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Professional in Cocktail Service, Jax now focuses full-time on Pour Form Consulting, the hospitality consulting company he founded in 2019. He provides national beverage consulting across cocktails, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic programs, as well as glassware strategy, bar design, and concept development.