Eric Scouten describes himself as “the owner and operator of a little tiny nameless cocktail lounge in Saint John” but has dreams of being known as the Bar Boss.

The Bar Boss contest was created and sponsored by actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul.

One bartender will be chosen by the public to win $10,000 and be featured on the cover of Bartender Magazine as the 2024 Bar Boss.

“At the end of the day, it’s a social media contest. It has nothing to do with my actual skills, beyond the fact that working as a bartender you create a network,” said Scouten.

“You hear a lot in the corporate industry about network building and how important that is. I would argue that if you want to learn how to network, talk to bartenders.

“Every single one of us, especially career bartenders, are masters of building social networks. It’s what we do, it’s part of our job, it’s essential to our success in the industry.”

Scouten, who has owned Ka•ku•tə•ru Lounge since 2022, is currently in second place in the quarterfinals.

If he wins, he plans to use the money for a family vacation and to expand his business. He believes winning the contest can also help bring more attention to the region.

“There’s something about Saint John that deeply inspires me. I was taken away with the vibrancy of the nightlife, how compact the uptown is, and we have a collection of architecture that’s unique,” said Scouten.

“I think bringing any attention to Saint John is good intentions.”

You can vote until 11 p.m. Thursday by clicking here.