Lead Bartender Ian Cox Leaving The Luminary

Ian Cox, who launched the beverage program Krog Street Market's The Luminary in August, is leaving the restaurant. Cox is taking a job as a craft cocktail consultant for National Distributing Company, which is based out of Atlanta.

The bartender has not finalized a departure date yet, but it will be sometime this month.

In his new role, Cox says he will be a resource for bars and beverage sales representatives to help with menu development and education regarding craft spirits and craft cocktails. Having tended bar since his college days and a winner of multiple cocktail competitions, he says he'll miss pouring drinks for a living.

"Of course I'm going to miss it," Cox said in a phone conversation with Eater Atlanta. "You always miss being behind the stick, but I am looking forward to, as I said, taking the next step and broadening my horizons, and learning another side of this business."

As for Cox's replacement, Eli Kirshtein, Top Chef alum and owner of The Luminary, said he expects to make an announcement "in the next couple of days."

"We want to say that we're super proud of Ian, super happy for him that he's able to find a position that helps him learn more things, further himself, better himself in the industry, and we wish him all the best," Kirshtein said. "We're really excited for everything he's built here at the restaurant, and we're excited to see what's next for us as well."

Cox recently won the Eater Award for Bartender of the Year in Atlanta.

UPDATE: Jeff Banks, previously of Graft in Grayson, is in as Cox's replacement.