Though he grew up in D.C., Will Alvarez did not start his bartending career until after he served abroad in the U.S. Army. He spent a lot of time learning the trade, making connections with fellow bar professionals, and strengthening his cocktail knowledge at family restaurants and bars like Del Campo, Zaytinya, and Columbia Room. He also worked as a brand ambassador and bar consultant, and helped manage the bar at The Gibson and several themed pop up bars for Drink Company. He even worked at hotels and pool bars before becoming the only employee at The Green Zone to have actually visited The Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq as a soldier.