Joy Figeuroa

A born-and-raised Boricua, Joy Figueroa represents the third generation of a family rooted in hospitality. Her story began in Old San Juan, where her family owned the beloved bar Café Seda. It was there Joy’s passion for service was ignited, setting her on a path that would span coast to coast and beyond.

She honed her bartending skills at The Ritz-Carlton Puerto Rico, eventually taking her talents from South Beach, Miami to the Hawaiian Islands, bringing warmth and flair behind every bar she stepped behind.

After moving to Las Vegas, Joy worked her way up from barback at The Cosmopolitan, eventually becoming Lead Bartender at high-profile venues including Buddy Valastro’s concepts and Chef Lorena Garcia’s CHICA. She later joined the award-winning team at Herbs & Rye and Cleaver as Corporate Bar Manager, under the leadership of Nectaly Mendoza.

Joy played a key role in opening Morning News, and today she proudly serves as General Manager at Cleaver: Butchered Meats & Classic Cocktails, recently named Best U.S. Restaurant Bar 2024 at The Spirited Awards.

Her journey is a testament to grit, heart, and hustle. Her advice to rising stars in the industry:

“Don’t ever be afraid of new beginnings or starting from the bottom, because hard work will always be rewarded.”