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Husband-and-wife owners Kirt and Maxine Earhart have a simple tagline for their Orlando hotspot—“sexy, comfortable, and delicious”—and it perfectly sums up the vibe they’ve built at Maxine’s On Shine.
Nick sits down with the couple for a wide-ranging conversation about bourbon, hospitality, and building a neighborhood staple. They explore how passion for great drinks and welcoming spaces can transform a local dining scene. Along the way, they touch on changes in liquor laws, the art of a proper Old Fashioned, and what makes a true “date night” restaurant.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🥃 Russell’s Reserve 13: Tasting the 13-year bourbon neat and over ice
🍸 Industry Roots: Kirt’s background in bartending, liquor sales, wine, and hospitality
🏡 Restaurant Story: How Maxine’s on Shine came together in just a matter of days
⚖️ Changing Law: The role Kirt and Maxine played in pushing Florida House Bill 1447
🏆 Local Recognition: Awards, honors, and what they mean after years in business
🥓 Bacon Bourbon: Breaking down a bacon-washed bourbon cocktail
✈️ Airport Expansion: A look ahead at Maxine’s on the Runway at Orlando International Airport
0:00 – Intro
1:17 – Russell’s Reserve 13
3:23 – Kirt’s Liquor Background
5:50 – Tasting Russell’s Reserve
10:11 – The Maxine’s on Shine Story
14:25 – Changing Florida Law (House Bill 1447)
21:12 – Menu & Atmosphere
30:42 – Tasting the Fall Back (Barman 1873)
37:05 – Bacon-Washed Bourbon
48:52 – Future Plans & Expansion
Resources for this episode:
Maxine’s on Shine: https://maxinesonshine.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxinesonshine
Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDXqiYR1znpjffLgoHyplOg
📞 Call us 24/7 at 407-801-3000 for a free consultation. Remember, if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
🔗 Learn more at https://nordenleacox.com
📕Download Zachary and Nicholas’ E-Book: https://nordenleacox.com/about-us/download-our-ebook/