Get To Know Bob Peters: Crafting Cocktails and Southern Hospitality at Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor

If you’ve ever believed a great cocktail can bring people together, Bob Peters would agree, and he’s spent nearly 30 years proving it.

Cocktail photos by Blake Pope

A seasoned mixologist, Bob has worked everywhere from laid-back dive bars to high-end cocktail lounges, witnessing countless meaningful moments unfold across the bar, from first dates to lifelong connections.

His passion for hospitality began early, inspired by the warm, welcoming gatherings his parents often hosted. That sense of making people feel at home has been at the heart of his approach ever since. Bob sees bartending as more than just mixing drinks; it’s about creating an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable, cared for, and part of something special.

His career has taken him around the world, where he’s had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned chefs like Rick Bayless, Emeril Lagasse, and Anthony Bourdain. Through it all, Bob has remained committed to the simple yet powerful idea that hospitality, at its best, brings people together.

Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor in Charlotte, NC, is Bob’s personal project, and is inspired by his father, “Chief,” and his mother, who embodied Southern hospitality. Bob fondly recalls how his father would immediately offer a drink to guests, and his mother’s renowned cooking. “Dad couldn’t get a drink in your hand fast enough after you would walk in their front door, and my mother’s home cooking was to die for. There were plenty of snacks that were always laid out for cocktail hour(s) before the late dinner ever had a chance to start. The love of people and caring for our friends’ experience at the house was always paramount, and that is where I got my understanding of how to make people feel special.”

I want everyone to feel that same way when you come into Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor. I want it to feel like a hug, like you matter, like we care about our guests that come in to visit and catch up.” These hospitality lessons Bob learned from his parents are deeply embedded in the service at Chief’s. Supporting local distillers and farmers is also a key aspect of Chief’s, as Bob stresses the importance of being authentic and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.

Chief’s cocktail menu reflects Bob’s passion for creative, technique-driven drinks. A standout is the Rise & Grind, a twist on the classic espresso martini.

“We first add espresso to a neutral oil and sous vide that mixture for 6 hours. We then filter the espresso oil twice. At this point, we have a fairly clear espresso (fat) oil that we wash with locally made Southern Star White Whiskey. The result is an espresso white whiskey that is pretty close to clear. Mixed with a little sherry and some simple syrup, you have an almost clear whiskey-based espresso martini that will make your toes curl, in a good way. I love a good technique-based cocktail, and this one is great.”

Kayleigh Williams-Brown, the Lead Mixologist at Chief’s, plays a crucial role in shaping the bar program. With a background in the kitchen and experience managing restaurants, Kayleigh’s skills extend to every facet of bar and restaurant operations, which Bob finds incredible.

“I have never met someone who can do absolutely everything in a bar/restaurant as well as her.”

They will collaborate closely on future menus, and Bob noted that he can see Kayleigh eventually taking the lead.

For those new to craft cocktails, Bob suggests the Tarragon & Tonic. This cocktail is made with locally produced Cardinal Gin, infused with tarragon, fresh lemon, homemade tonic syrup, and soda water. Bob describes it as a gin and tonic, but elevated, offering a simple yet flavorful introduction to the world of craft cocktails.

Bob has created a space where exceptional cocktails and Southern warmth go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer, a visit to Chief’s promises to be a memorable one, where every sip is a moment of joy, and every guest leaves feeling like family.