As the founder of Hungry Ghost Hospitality Group, Beckaly Franks leads the creative and operational vision behind some of Hong Kong's most celebrated hospitality venues, including Artifact, Call Me Al, and Ponty Café. Alongside her wife and business partner, Ezra Star, she has built Hungry Ghost into one of Hong Kong's most respected independent hospitality groups, known for its innovative cocktail programs, exceptional guest experiences, and distinctive approach to bar culture.

Prior to establishing Hungry Ghost Hospitality Group, Beckaly co-founded the iconic Hong Kong bar The Pontiac in 2015, helping transform it into one of Asia's most recognized cocktail destinations. Under her leadership, The Pontiac earned a place on Asia's 50 Best Bars for seven consecutive years and became internationally recognized for its inclusive culture, outstanding hospitality, and creative cocktail program.

Hungry Ghost Hospitality Group is an independent hospitality company based in Hong Kong, operating a collection of acclaimed food and beverage venues that combine world-class cocktail programs with distinctive dining concepts. Through venues including Artifact, Call Me Al, and Ponty Café, the group has earned a reputation for innovation, creativity, and authentic hospitality while contributing significantly to Hong Kong's vibrant bar and restaurant scene.

Beyond building award-winning venues, Beckaly has become one of the most respected voices in the global bar industry. She is widely recognized for mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals, championing diversity and inclusion within the industry, and bringing a fearless, creative approach to beverage programming and hospitality leadership.

Her achievements include receiving the prestigious Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award at Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023, where she was voted the industry's top bartender by her peers. She has also been consistently recognized among the Bar World Top 100 Most Influential Figures, reflecting her impact on the international drinks community.

"We are delighted to welcome Beckaly to our judging panel," said Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, the organizer of Asia Spirits Ratings. "Her experience building internationally acclaimed bar concepts, mentoring hospitality professionals, and shaping cocktail culture across Asia gives her exceptional insight into what today's consumers and trade buyers are looking for. She will bring tremendous value to our judging panel."

Asia Spirits Ratings evaluates spirits based on three key criteria that directly influence purchasing decisions: Quality, Value, and Packaging. Every spirit is assessed by an independent panel of leading spirits buyers, bartenders, bar managers, distributors, retailers, importers, and hospitality professionals who purchase spirits for their businesses and influence buying decisions across the region.

As one of Hong Kong's leading hospitality entrepreneurs and beverage professionals, Beckaly brings valuable insight into premium cocktail culture, independent bar operations, consumer preferences, brand storytelling, and the evolving premium spirits landscape across Asia. Her expertise will help ensure entries are evaluated from both a commercial and consumer perspective.

Asia Spirits Ratings continues to assemble an exceptional panel of judges from across Asia, representing the region's most influential buyers and beverage professionals. The competition provides spirits producers with credible third-party validation while helping identify products that are well-positioned for success in Asian markets.

About Asia Spirits Ratings

Organized by Beverage Trade Network, Asia Spirits Ratings recognizes spirits that consumers and trade buyers want to buy. Every entry is evaluated on Quality, Value, and Packaging by an independent panel of leading spirits buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, bartenders, and hospitality professionals from across Asia, providing producers with valuable market-focused feedback and internationally recognized awards.

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