Hailing from Chattanooga, TN, McLain Hedges’ ties to the music industry and culinary world run deep. As a young adult, he kept out of trouble by staying in the kitchen of his aunt’s thriving catering company, that in turn ignited a lifelong love affair with food and cooking. While always keeping one foot in the kitchen door, after graduating college he pursued a career in music promotion and photography. He found himself back in hospitality after moving to Denver with his wife Mary Allison Wright in 2012, working at Fuel Café first in the kitchen and then with the bar program. Leveraging his experience in Southern Kitchens, McLain brings a wide range of skill sets to the front of house, where he applies a culinary approach and genuine hospitality to his beverage programs.

Formerly helming the award-winning beverage program at the now-shuttered Morin, McLain is currently co-owner and beverage/creative director of Yacht Club, an anti-club club where are all welcome, that is part nerdy cocktail bar, part natural wine bar, and part sh*tty dive bar. Yacht Club was a 2022 Top 4 Finalist for “Best New US Cocktail Bar” and a 2023 Top 4 Finalist for "Best US Bar Team" at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, number 42 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2023 and the recipient of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2023. Alongside his wife, McLain is also co-owner of Door Prize, a meat & three pop-up concept, and creative director of Jelly Bone, a hospitality consulting agency. McLain has focused much of his career as of late on sustainability within the hospitality industry and has spoken on panels around the globe in a hope to find better paths towards longevity in this industry – a mission that still reigns true in all current and future projects. McLain lives in Denver with his Mary Allison and their cat Mr. Kitty and dog Moonpie.