Bartending Schools Myrtle Beach About Us

Grand Strand School of Bartending offers the most thorough and refined instruction in bartending available in the area.

The Grand Strand School of Bartending gives you the instruction you'll need to land a lucrative job that best fits your lifestyle. The school's brand new facility has everything you'll need to practice your skills while studying the most current curriculum on the market. Bartending is a fun, flexible, well-paying career with a social atmosphere. Want to find out for yourself? Two weeks is all it takes to train for your success!

Founder & CEO

The Grand Strand School of Bartending was founded by Joy Smith, who functions as the school’s sole proprietor and administrator. Joy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education from East Carolina University and has 31 years of successful sales experience along the Grand Strand. The idea for the school was born out of Joy’s observation that many people along the Grand Strand were hungry for rewarding employment, yet could not establish financial stability as a consequence of broader economic downturn. The school is Joy’s effort to give back to the same community that fostered her own success.

Vice President of Operations

Tina Gibney fulfills the role as Vice President of Operations for the Grand Strand School of Bartending. Tina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University in 2005 and went on to complete her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Chestnut Hill College in 2009. While her formal education lies in the counseling field with specialization in trauma studies, Tina established a career in hospitality as she pursued her higher education. Tina has over 5 years of experience in fine dining food service, special event catering and bartending. Creativity, attention to detail and a thorough understanding of human psychology are inherent in Tina's contributions to the school.

Corporate Trainer

Anne Jalbert brings expertise in project-based tasks, talent acquisition, and corporate training to Grand Strand School of Bartending, ensuring quality and consistency throughout the school. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina, with a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. She is detail-oriented, results driven, and well-versed in overseeing operations in multiple markets. She will fulfill an integral role in future growth of the school.

Marketing Director

Anna Durak fulfills the role of Marketing Director for the Grand Strand School of Bartending. Anna graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in 2022. She completed the Grand Strand School of Bartending course in 2023 and is now the day class instructor for the school. Anna's anthropological training alongside her experience on both sides of the school allows her to bring a unique perspective to the totality of the school in order to best suit the success of current and future students.

Instructor

Michelle Pettigrew is a master of many trades and combines her years of experience working in the restaurant industry with her extensive career as an educator and goal-focused Speech & Language Pathologist. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and earned her Master of Science degree in Speech & Language Pathology from Mercy College in 2005. Her students receive the benefit of her ability to systematically build both knowledge and skill for growth and success. Michelle has a passion for education and creating lasting relationships with her students.

Internship

The Grand Strand School of Bartending is now partnering with Coastal Carolina University to provide internship opportunities to students. The primary focus of our interns will be community outreach and marketing support. Interns will be knowledgeable about classes offered at the school, be a presence at community events and will benefit from an incentive program for contributions to student enrollment. If you are an existing CCU student with interest in an internship at the Grand Strand School of Bartending, visit the Career Services Center on campus.

School Site

Classes are offered at the convenient Grand Strand Business Center, located just off of 48th Avenue North and 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach, SC. The classroom environment at the Grand Strand School of Bartending is designed to give students hands-on experience in the precise setting that area restaurants and bars will demand their service, sans patrons. A stationary full bar setup has been installed in the facility, inclusive of an ice machine, glassware and simulated liquor stock, for use in classroom demonstrations and practice. Students can expect to learn bar setup, wine presentation and mixed drink building with all the essential tools of the trade immediately accessible.

Licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

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Grand Strand School of Bartending is bonded and insured for your peace of mind.