Michael Ripatranzone started his venture in the industry as a bar back and busser in Monroe Twp. NJ where he grew up.  His passions in life were to become a comedian/actor and restaurant entrepreneur after he graduated Brookdale Community College.  After a few years of having an engineering job he decided to pack up and head to Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.

While in Los Angeles Michael had met many great people and friends and wanted to dabble in the bartending scene.  He first landed a job in Pacific Palisades but not by an interview but by showing the owner the great ideas he had for his lounge.  Michaels mind constantly flows with new ideas and flavors for different cocktails and the menu at MADE changes seasonally.  While serving the rich and famous in the hip nightclub “The Hideout” Michael also had small roles in movies and TV shows such as Annapolis and Boston Legal but was never credited.  He then put his mind more towards the nightlife scene and became head bartender at the lounge for three years before he decided to head to Sarasota FL.

Michael visited Sarasota several times with a friend he met in Los Angeles whose family owned many restaurants and bars in the Pittsburgh area.  After talking about it he decided to move to Sarasota in 2007 and start his nightlife career here.  After driving across the state line July 1st he landed a job at Evies bar downtown 4 days later.  He has worked with the Evanoff family up until he opened MADE and still talk about ways of making Sarasota a great town.  While bartending at Evies he met Mark Woodruff who he became great friends with and constantly shared ideas with about opening there own establishment.  That dream came true when MADE opened its doors in March 2013.

Michaels role at MADE consists of front of house, bartending, cooking and of course coming up with delicious seasonal cocktails.  His desire and passion for what he and Mark have created is well established in the quality of their food and cocktails.  Its what they love.  When Michael is not working he loves to paint, be with friends, and relax in the beautiful City of Sarasota.