RJ's journey to Cain and Abel's is as unique as it is inspiring. Originally from Palo Alto, California, RJ began his bartending career in the summer of 2010, working part-time while pursuing his dream of becoming a firefighter. He had just graduated from a prestigious State Firefighter Academy and was working towards securing a firefighting job within the state.

In 2011, the H1N1 pandemic hit, leading to layoffs and challenging times. Seeking new opportunities, RJ moved to Texas, settling in Dallas, where he spent eight years working in bars on McKinney Ave and downtown. He then took a detour into the finance world with a car finance company in rural eastern Texas.

In 2017, RJ relocated to Austin and worked at bars off East 6th Street. During this time, he began the process of relocating to Australia, living between the U.S. and Australia from 2017 to 2020 while pursuing a Permanent Residence Visa. In 2019, he secured a job in Australia that could grant him the visa, but the Coronavirus pandemic forced him to leave due to work credential issues.

Returning to Austin in 2020, RJ worked various jobs throughout the pandemic. In September 2023, he joined Star Bar and transferred to Cain and Abel's in May 2024 to contribute to the development of new bar acquisitions.

RJ brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and a passion for hospitality to Cain and Abel's. When he's not behind the bar, RJ loves playing board games, attending local comedy shows, traveling, and spending time with his family and his dog, Ollie. His diverse background and dedication make him an invaluable member of our team.