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Justin Morales

General Manager/Hospitality Instructor

Meet Justin Morales, the General Manager of Fire by Forge, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience. With an impressive career in the industry, Justin has been a part of the opening teams of four restaurants in Hartford alone. He has worked and lived in the city for a significant part of his career, earning him a deep understanding and appreciation for its vibrant culinary scene.

In 2017, Justin was honored with the Connecticut mixologist of the year award, showcasing his exceptional skills behind the bar. His expertise in crafting unique and delicious cocktails has earned him several other accolades over the years. Justin is thrilled to be back in Hartford and hopes to contribute to a positive change in the industry while fostering a healthy and happy environment for his team at Fire by Forge.

When he's not managing the restaurant, Justin loves to experiment with different ingredients. His top five essentials are salt, lemon, garlic, orange peels, and nutmeg, which he skillfully incorporates into his creations. Justin attributes his success to the influence of great mentors and chefs he has worked with throughout his career.

If you're lucky enough to meet Justin, make sure to ask him about the time he managed an entire 12-hour shift before realizing he had two different shoes on. With his great sense of humor and love for sharing funny stories, Justin brings a warm and welcoming atmosphere to both his team and guests. Keep an eye out for his upcoming cocktail menu, especially the "Up n Smoke," a fig and birch smoked old-fashioned that is sure to impress.

Justn is also the author of the book "Serving Life: Behind Bars, Kitchens, and the Hospitality Industry"