Ronnie Kroell: From cocktails to couture

While we've been in love with Ronnie Kroell from the time he was just the charming cocktail server at Minibar, it now seems the entire country is smitten by him! The Chicago native has repeatedly survived the elimination round to become a finalist on Bravo's "Make Me A Supermodel."

So while Ronnie is still sequestered away in some secure Manhattan location, we were able to communicate with him over the transom (well, via email) before tonight's reunion special airs at 9 p.m.

We talk to him about his life at Minibar and the future of the diversity-education production company he started last year, 4+1 productions, and his favorite places to hangout when he's in town.

When you were at Minibar, you worked with a lot of part-time models/bartenders. Did you get any advice from them before going on the show?

Not really. We didn’t talk that much about modeling, but we certainly did commiserate about how difficult the life of a model/artist can be. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck in jobs that allow us flexible schedules to go on “look-sees.” It seems as if the age of the Supermodel has come and gone, but hopefully it will emerge again. Personally, I think it’s time to put the spotlight and focus on male models and men’s fashion. Is that bias?

Do you think after your experience on the show that you could go back to serving drinks?

Honestly, I do not feel that anything is beneath me. Some of my most enjoyable memories and best friends were made while serving drinks at Minibar! I would happily serve drinks at Minibar in the future, but after Make Me a Supermodel, have to focus on getting modeling work and building my resume.

Have you heard from any of your former Minibar co-workers? Did you know that bar’s holding viewing parties for "Make Me A Supermodel"?

We have been out of contact from anyone from the “real world” for three months, so I had no clue that Minibar was hosting viewing parties! [Owners] John [Dalton], Stu [Zirin], and the entire staff have supported me in all that I do and I love them all very much. I’m honored that they have been watching the show.

What’s the current status of 4+1 Productions? Will you have time to devote to that organization if you get a modeling contract?

It was hard to leave 4+1 Productions for three months. Next to modeling, diversity education has been my main focus for the past three years. I work with an incredible team of individuals that share in the passion [for] “Bridging Diversity through the Arts”, and the organization has been in great hands while I have been away. I will always make time for 4+1 Productions, even after receiving a modeling contract. In fact, I hope that working in the modeling industry will give me the flexibility and financial means to help fund the continued growth and development of 4+1’s vision and the work we hope to do in the community.

What are some of your favorite bars and clubs in Chicago?

Minibar
Hamburger Mary’s
Circuit
Roscoe’s
Sidetrack
Simon’s Tavern
Signature Room
House of Blues
Elbow Room
Excalibur
Moody’s Pub

Want more? RedEye's Show Patrol blog has the scoop in on Ronnie's bro-mance (or is it bro-momance?) with Ben.