YMBL Speaker Series to Feature Travis Tober,
the Visionary Behind Nickel City
YMBL hosts acclaimed bartender and entrepreneur for the July Speaker Series luncheon to share stories on leadership, hospitality, and building community
AUSTIN, TX—The Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) announced today that its July Speaker Series luncheon will feature Travis Tober, the nationally recognized bartender, hospitality entrepreneur, and founder of Nickel City. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 8, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at Chateau Bellevue in downtown Austin.
Tober will share his journey from pouring beers as a teenager in Buffalo, NY, to building one of Texas’s most celebrated bar empires. Attendees will hear how he’s grown Nickel City into a multi-location brand, created award-winning concepts across the state, and cultivated a hospitality philosophy that blends authenticity, grit, and thoughtful service. A Q&A session will follow the main presentation.
TICKETS:
· $35 per person for active YMBL Member
· $45 per person for Non-Members
· Open to the public
· Limited availability
WHO:
· Travis Tober, Founder and Owner of Nickel City
WHAT:
· YMBL Speaker Series Luncheon
WHEN:
· Tuesday, July 8
· 11:30 AM – 1 PM CST
WHERE:
· Chateau Bellevue | ATX
· 708 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX 78701
· Parking available on-site at no additional cost
About Travis Tober
Travis Tober is an award-winning bartender and the founder of Nickel City, a bar brand with locations in Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston. Named “Restaurateur of the Year” by the Texas Restaurant Association in 2023 and “Austin’s Bartender of the Year” in 2021, Tober has built a portfolio of acclaimed concepts including Uncle Nicky’s, Old Pal, Down 'n Out, and Swim Club Austin. He’s known for his Rust Belt-meets-Texas style and consistent commitment to great service, whether you’re ordering a high-end cocktail or a cold beer.
Tober’s bars have been featured in Esquire, Time Out, Garden & Gun, and more. He has helped raise over $100,000 for local charities and continues to shape the Texas hospitality scene with thoughtful concepts and community-minded leadership.
About Nickel City
Nickel City is a celebrated neighborhood bar concept founded by Travis Tober in Austin, Texas, in 2017, inspired by his Buffalo, New York roots and the classic Rust Belt tavern experience. Known for its welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere, Nickel City bridges the gap between dive bar charm and craft cocktail quality, offering everything from thoughtfully made drinks to approachable beer-and-shot combos. The bar’s success has led to expansions in Fort Worth and Houston, each location maintaining the brand’s signature blend of hospitality, consistency, and community spirit. Nickel City has earned national acclaim, appearing on lists such as Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” and receiving multiple industry awards for its high-volume cocktail program and neighborhood appeal. Learn more at https://www.nickelcitybar.com/
About Chateau Bellevue
Chateau Bellevue, located at 708 San Antonio Street in downtown Austin, Texas, is a historic mansion built in 1874 that exemplifies French Romanesque Revival architecture, featuring elegant arches, a picturesque courtyard, a grand ballroom, intricate hand-carved woodwork, and stunning stained-glass windows. Initially commissioned by Harvey Smith North and designed by architect August Watkins Harris, the chateau has served as a center for social gatherings and cultural events throughout its history, including its transformation into a castle-like residence by Major Ira Evans in 1892 and its long-standing role as the headquarters for the Austin Woman’s Club since 1929. Today, Chateau Bellevue is celebrated as both a living landmark and a premier event venue, hosting weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, all while preserving its old-world charm and significance as a symbol of Austin’s rich heritage. Learn more at https://www.chateauatx.com/
About the YMBL
Since 1913, the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) has connected Austin’s rising business professionals through networking, service, and leadership. The monthly Speaker Series welcomes members, guests, and alumni to explore insights from accomplished leaders in diverse fields. YMBL also supports Austin Sunshine Camps. Learn more at www.austinymbl.org
About the Austin Sunshine Camps
YMBL founded the Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC) in 1928 to provide free, overnight camp experiences to underserved Central Texas youth—totaling approximately 56,000 children who qualify for free or reduced lunch or are in foster care. Entirely funded through donations, fundraising events, and volunteer efforts, the YMBL remains committed to ensuring every camper experiences the life-changing impact of summer camp. Learn more about the Austin Sunshine Camps at www.sunshinecamps.org