THe Beginning of Barkeep

When Dear Friend Bar was forced to close during COVID in 2020, co-founders Jeff Van Horne and Matt Boyle began hand-canning cocktails under The Clever Barkeep, complete with custom designs by Anisa Francoeur and QR codes for customer feedback.

The demand didn’t stop when the bar reopened, so they built something bigger.

Partnering with Good Robot Brewing, they launched Barkeep Cocktails: a premium canned line now offering five standout drinks. Despite early hurdles in production and licensing, Barkeep continues to grow, always focused on great flavour and strong community impact.

Our Journey

In 2020, we opened Dear Friend Bar in Downtown Dartmouth a bold, heart-forward move during the height of the pandemic. When in-person service paused, our customers continued wanting cocktails, so the team pivoted to canning cocktails-to-go. With lines out the door and fridges selling out daily, it became clear this wasn’t just a quick fix, it was a new way to connect with guests: bar-quality cocktails in a ready-to-enjoy can.

We’re a small, passionate team of bartenders, designers, and community builders, pouring the same care into every can as we do behind the bar. Because to us, cocktails aren’t just drinks, they’re invitations to pause, connect, and celebrate.

CHECKOUT OUR BAR

  • The Beginning- Clever Barkeep

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

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  • Then Came Dear Friends

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  • The First Cocktail Ever Made Under Clever Barkeep

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  • That Led To The Beginning Of Barkeep Cocktails

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  • But We Didn't Stop There...We Then Opened A Sandwich Shop

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  • Our Story Isn't Over Yet, Cheers To The Future

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