If you’ve spent any time around the Central Florida event scene, chances are you’ve seen the FunCoast Bartending team shaking, pouring, storytelling, or honestly just stealing the show. They’re one of the most well-known mobile bartending companies in the area, and for good reason.
We sat down with Mark Woods, the owner of FunCoast Bartending, who launched the company back in 2012 and is about to celebrate a major milestone: their 3,000th event. Yes, three thousand. And somehow he’s still smiling, still upbeat, still telling cocktail origin stories like he was born behind a bar.
I wrote out our full interview. Please let me know what you think, how it looks, and if there is anything you would like me to change or add question-wise for the future interviews!
Below is our full Q&A with Mark, a look into who he is, how FunCoast grew into the powerhouse it is today, and why our couples at Riverside Pavilion adore working with him and his team at our venue.
1. Introduce Yourself
Q: Can you tell us a little about your bartending company and how it all began?
A: Mark laughs and says FunCoast started “accidentally on purpose.” Back in 2012 he was working full-time at the Golden Lion, where he’d been a bartender for ten years. His regulars began asking if he would bartend their private parties, and one gig turned into another, then another.
What started as Mark and a couple of friends helping out turned into a full-scale operation. That first year, he had about 40 events. This year, he is at 395 and counting. Since 2021, he has consistently hit 350-plus events a year, with a team ranging from 20 bartenders to as many as 35 when needed. The most he’s ever done in a single day is ten events.
He became the in-house bartender for Channel Side in 2016, then Museum of Arts and Sciences in 2017, and the Center of Deltona in 2019, racking up 500-plus events at MOAS and over 600 at Deltona and Channel Side.
FunCoast works frequently at Riverside Pavilion, and in regards to satisfaction in service, an August analysis of 25 events in general, Mark realized something wild: 24 of those 25 clients were repeat customers. Only one was new. That says everything about this man’s reputation and the kind of experience you will have with booking.
2. Signature Style
Q: How would you describe your bartending style or approach when working weddings and special events?
A: Mark says FunCoast’s approach is simple: storytelling first, frills last.
“Yes, we pour great drinks,” he says, “but the fun part is the story behind them.” When he’s making a cocktail, he loves explaining where it came from, how it was created, and why it fits the event.
Their style is fast, friendly, accessible, and unpretentious. They don’t overcomplicate things. They don’t act above anyone. They’re just genuinely entertaining people who happen to be extremely good bartenders.
“You can’t have fun without FunCoast,” Mark jokes, and he’s kind of right.
3. Crafting the Menu
Q: Do you help couples or clients create custom drink menus? What does that process look like?
A: Absolutely. FunCoast offers full menu consultations. Couples can come in with specific favorites, like “This is my drink, this is his drink,” or they can give Mark a theme to build around, like summertime cocktails or cozy winter drinks.
FunCoast is big on options because a good menu helps non-drinkers or new drinkers choose something they’ll enjoy. Mark always tries to include at least one vodka, one rum, and one gin-based cocktail to keep things inclusive.
They also work closely with budgets. If you want signature drinks without breaking the bank, Mark will build a menu that fits your vibe and your price point.
4. Specialty Cocktails
Q: What signature cocktails are the most popular right now? Do you have any favorites you love making at Riverside Pavilion?
A: Espresso martinis are having a major moment. Saint Germain cocktails remain crowd pleasers, and classic margaritas never left the throne. Lately, though, Mark is seeing a surge in Palomas and his personal favorite variation, the Matador, which is a pineapple lime margarita twist.
“Tequila is definitely the trend right now,” he says.
5. Experience at Riverside Pavilion
Q: What do you love most about bartending events at Riverside Pavilion?
A: Immediately, Mark mentions the logistics, something couples might not think about, but bartenders definitely do. Riverside has a built-in bar, a rolling bar, and access to ice on site. At many venues, ice is an extra $200 charge. Not here. Brides love that, and so do bartenders.
He also points out the waterfront view, the easy parking, and how smooth the venue is to get to. But above all, he says the energy of weddings at Riverside is consistently good, and our team is always fully present, which is rare in the venue world.
6. Trend Talk
Q: Are you seeing any fun bar trends for 2025?
A: Mocktail bars are rising in popularity, espresso martinis are still at the top, and margarita variations of all kinds continue to dominate. Themed cocktail menus like coastal, retro, or “his and hers” menus are also huge.
7. Must-Have Add-Ons
Q: What upgrades or add-ons do clients love?
A: His and hers cocktails are almost standard these days, but champagne towers are making a comeback, too. Custom garnishes, cocktail classes, and upgraded mixers are also popular.
FunCoast even offers group cocktail classes as an add-on, which is perfect for bridal parties.
For Riverside Pavilion, when booking bartending, you, of course, may want to think of booking our second room called "The Fishing Room," where there is a standalone bar built in, and a dance floor in the main room for dancing the night away!
8. Safety and Professionalism
Q: How do you ensure responsible service throughout the night?
A: This is where Mark gets serious. He’s been doing TIPS training and Responsible Vendor Training for over 10 years. He doesn’t play around with guest safety.
FunCoast does not provide alcohol, which actually benefits the client’s budget, while also helping make sure the bar runs responsibly. They avoid overpouring, discourage shots, and intervene if someone is requesting excessive amounts.
9. Working With the Venue Team
Q: What’s it like working alongside the Riverside Pavilion staff during events?
A: Mark says our team is one of the biggest reasons he loves the Pavilion.
He works at many venues where no one from the staff stays throughout the wedding, which leaves vendors on their own. At Riverside Pavilion, someone from our team is always on-site, ready to help, problem-solve, or support vendors if something unexpected happens.
“They’re attentive, supportive, and collaborative,” he says. “It makes a huge difference.”
Final Thoughts
FunCoast Bartending isn’t just another bartending company. They’re storytellers, professionals, entertainers, and true partners in making sure weddings run smoothly.
We’re grateful to have them as a trusted vendor at Riverside Pavilion, and excited to watch them hit their 3,000th event.
This photo was kindly sent by Mark from a wedding that he worked at Riverside Pavilion, where he caught the darter.
If you’re a couple looking to add personality, fun, and thoughtfully curated cocktails to your wedding, Mark Woods and his team are the perfect match.
Reach out to us at Riverside Pavilion at any time to have a look at our preferred vendors list. We promise, you won't be disappointed!
Email us at: rpavilion3431@gmail.com
Email Mark at: mark@funcoastbartending.com