Katie Garrett

• Owner/Founder, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar and The Kennedy

Biography

Katie Garrett is a Pensacola native and the owner/founder of Old Hickory Whiskey Bar and The Kennedy in Downtown Pensacola, Florida. In the past 10 years, Old Hickory has been recognized nationally by Whisky Advocate Magazine and The Bourbon Review as one of America’s Top Whiskey Bars multiple times, and has also been featured in Southern Living Magazine, Southwest: The Magazine, and Good Grit. The Kennedy, opened in 2019, is Garrett’s second bar concept, focusing on the classic drinking culture of the mid-century, but with a modern twist while serving small plates alongside libations.

Before opening her own companies, Garrett worked in museum curatorial assistance, academic counseling, human resources, and workforce development programming. She is a graduate of the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in History (2008) and a master’s degree in Historic Preservation (2010). 

Giving back to her hometown, Garrett works with several local non-profits, such as Chain Reaction, EggFest Pensacola, Pensacola Opera, and Ballet Pensacola. She is also a co-founder of the Mardi Gras Krewe, The Order of Calliope.