KARL FRANZ WILLIAMS

Karl Franz Williams had an unusual trajectory to where he is today. After graduating from Yale, he joined Procter and Gamble’s brand management team, later moving to Marketing at PepsiCo.  After a few roles with increasing responsibility, he joined PepsiCo’s innovation and beverage development team but found himself consulting with mixologists instead of scientists. In 2008, he translated this love for well-crafted drinks into 67 Orange Street, the follow-up to his pioneering restaurant Society Coffee.  67 Orange Street is now one of the oldest and best cocktail bars in NYC (at 15+ years old), and recently was acknowledged on Esquire’s list of the top 27 Bars in America.  In 2016 Karl revived the iconic 80+ year old Anchor Spa in New Haven, turning it into a popular modern cocktail bar that still celebrates its historic roots. Karl is a sought-after speaker and consultant in branding, small business development, bar management, and spirits/mixology.  In January of 2022 he launched Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company which makes Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew, an all-natural authentic Caribbean Ginger Beer with Scotch Bonnet Pepper.  You can find Uncle Waithleys in bars, restaurants, specialty markets, and grocery stores including Whole Foods Market.

When he is not teaching a cocktail or spirits class or introducing people to his amazing ginger beer, he is spending time with his wife and two young sons.  Or you may find him outside working out (huge calisthenics fan), biking, snowboarding, or just enjoying nature.