kshanholtzer
This user hasn't shared any biographical information
Posts by kshanholtzer
Behind the Bar: Bailey’s Coffee and Fudge
Nov 6th
Get to know one of Quincy’s premeire baristas, Renee Higgins (middle). Renee and her family own and operate Bailey’s Coffee and Fudge at 36th and Broadway right next to Blockbuster. And now for some questions..
Q: What do you think makes you a good barista?
A: I think my positive attitude and good customer service make me a good barista. Our customers leave our store happy and that’s very important to us.
Q: What’s the best part about your job?
A: I love working with people and learning about them. I’ve learned a lot about our regulars and they are awesome people.
Q: What is your favorite day to work and why?
A: Everyday brings something new and I really enjoy that.
Q: What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
A: Our Salted Caramel Chai: A touch of salt with sweet caramel chai. It’s a little salt with your sweet.
Q: Tell us about any odd drink requests..
A: Some people come in and order 4 or 5 shots of espresso. Unreal!
Q: What have you learned from your customers?
A: Everyday I learn something new from my customers. Sometimes I learn their drink order and other times we talk about their personal life.
Q: What’s the crowd like at Bailey’s?
A: It varies from high school students to seasoned coffee drinkers.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most customers..
A: My background is actually in higher education. I’ve worked at both John Wood Community College and Spoon River in Macomb.
From the Barista herself: Come on by and wake up with Bailey’s. Enjoy our friendly customer service and our calm atmosphere. We have homemade muffins, cinnamon rolls, fudge, coffee, and free Wi-Fi. So come on by and see us!
Behind the Bar: The new and improved Barney’s
Sep 21st
I had the opportunity to sit down with a couple of Quincy’s best bartenders, and the place they call home is Barney’s Tavern. Jackie Legrand is from Southern Missouri, and she graduated from Quincy University recently. The other “bell of the bar” is Kylie Bliven who is a Quincy native, and she went to school at Murray State University. Time to learn some more about these two…
Q: What do you think makes you a good bartender?
A: (Jackie) One of my best qualities is my ability to multitask. This job demands that you be able to take orders, make drinks, handle money, and socialize at the same time. And you can’t forget to have fun while you are doing it.
(Kylie) I enjoy talking to most anyone about anything, and I love working under pressure.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: (Jackie) I love meeting new people; they are so interesting to me.
(Kylie) I enjoy the people as well. I have fun getting to know the regulars and joking around with them.
Q: What is your favorite day to work and why?
A: (Jackie) Friday is my favorite because it’s super busy.
(Kylie) Sunday FOOOOOOTBALL! I love talking smack with the guys. Go pack go!
Q: What’s the house speciality or popular drink?
A: (Jackie) Rum Chata. It is absolutely delicious.
(Kylie) We just started serving Batch 19. It’s a great new lager that we serve in giant mason jars.
Q: Do you get any odd drink orders?
A: (Jackie) I always have people order tequila with pickle juice. WOW.
(Kylie) The three wiseman shot is nuts! I don’t know how people stomach it. (Jim beam, Jack Daniels, and Jose Cuervo Tequila)
Q: What have you learned from your customers?
A: (Jackie) Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
(Kylie) You learn something new everyday and each person has their own story.
Q: What’s the crowd like at your bar?
A: (Jackie) During the week they’re really nice and chill, but the weekend brings a wilder crowd in. FUN!
(Kylie) Everyone’s awesome! Work seems more like play.
Q: Is there anything about yourself that would surprise people?
A: (Jackie) I have a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Studies and a Minor in Biology.
(Kylie) I went to school in Kentucky in a dry county. It’s ironic now that I am a bartender.
From the girls:
“We always have someone fun behind the bar and our drinks are always cold and inexpensive. So come over and see us for a drink and a chat. We all love good times and good company!
Sincerely,
Jackie and Kylie
Behind the Bar:The Holler and Swaller
Jul 2nd
Brittney Berry
Opened February, 2012
The Holler and Swaller Saloon
500 York
Quincy, IL 62301
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
Great customer service, a good knowledge of the regulars and what they drink, and knowing your bar helps too; keeping up with popular drinks and most importantly don’t let your customers go thirsty!
What’s the best part of your job?
Meeting new people from many walks of life on a daily basis; everyone has a story. You make so many connections while bartending and you never know what’s next.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Saturday nights, that’s when you have the most business from young and old alike.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
The “Holler and Swaller” Its ingredients are so secret that only the owners know it…delicious.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
We have a few people who request vodka or tequila with pickle juice. We also get asked for a “Smurf in Paradise.” It’s a popular drink with the ladies.
What have you learned from customers?
Sometimes people just need some one to listen to them. Some days I feel like I am just as important to them as they are to me. I have also learned how to make a lot of different drinks.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
We, like everyone, have our regulars, but everyone who stops by is laid back and easy going. We are all like a big family. We joke with each other constantly.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
This is my first bartending job. I often get told that I must have been doing this for a while. It’s great; I like to learn all that I can, and the customers make it all worth while.
How has bartending changed over the years?
Night clubs have become more popular; you don’t see a lot of family bars anymore. We like to have people of all kinds.
What else should we know?
We have a lot of live music coming through. There is always a variety of people down here, and we try to make everyone feel at home.
Behind The Bar: One Restaurant & Bar
Feb 17th
Name of Bar: ONE Restaurant and Bar
Address: 600 Hampshire Street
Name of Bartender: Shannon Jackson, Assistant Manager
Years Served: 7
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
I love the public and meeting new people.
What’s the best part of your job?
Staying busy and seeing new faces.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Friday or Saturday evening because our patrons are excited about spending an evening with us and the live music is a total bonus.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
One Punch or Love Elixir
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
The public loves our signature drinks so I have never encountered any odd requests.
What have you learned from customers?
Many things, but they sure are happy with the renovations of our historic building.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Easy going and excited about being at ONE.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I’ve traveled a bit in the past and I used to reside in Chicago, IL.
How has bartending changed over the years?
There is no way you can keep up with all the different kinds of martinis.
What else should we know?
We have an amazing staff that works extremely hard.
Behind the Bar: Coffee Off Broadway
Aug 15th
Jamie Foster – Barista
3 years in business
Coffee Off Broadway
535 Maine St.
Quincy, IL 62301
What do you think makes you a good barista?
I love people!!!
What’s the best part of your job?
Matt!!!
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Mondays when the bridge group comes to play.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
The Mexican Mocha!
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Not yet.
What have you learned from customers?
They like a smiling, friendly face.
What’s the crowd like at your shop?
Well there is William.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I am a historian. Working on my Masters in European History.
How has bartending changed over the years?
The machinery has become more sophisticated.
What else should we know?
If you come in to see once, we more than likely will remember you the second time.
Behind the Bar: Johnny Bang Bang’s
Aug 8th
Megan Goodson – Bartender
4 ½ years in business (Johnny’s since Memorial Day Weekend)
Johnny Bang Bangs
138 N. Front St.
Quincy, IL 62301
217-223-4444
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
A perpetual smile and a great attitude.
What is the best part of your job?
I love being part of the social experience of people interacting and having a memorable time.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Every day that ends with “Y”.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
Our Fishbowls are a pretty popular commodity. It’s like a big party in a bowl with as many straws as you want.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
I still can’t wrap my head around people chasing their tequila with a shot of pickle juice.
What have you learned from customers?
If 50 cents stops you from choosing one bar over another, then you should probably stay home and drink.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Johnny’s crowd is very electric right now, because we are so new, and every weekend our bands bring in new customers.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I’m really not a party person at all. I’m introverted and nerdy and read constantly about business and finance.
How has bartending changed over the years?
I believe there are many more professionals in this industry now. People who have a formal education and training in the field of mixology and hospitality as a whole.
What else should we know?
“Don’t take yourself too seriously. No one else does.”
Behind the Bar: Martinis at 515
Jul 19th
Shannon Davis– Manager
2 years in business
Martinis at 515
515 Maine St.
Quincy, IL 62301
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
Beginners luck? Just kidding. I had some really good training from Chad when I first started and have just kept learning since then.
What’s the best part of your job?
The people, hands down. The people I work with/for are amazing and so much fun! We are always joking about something and goofing around. We love having fun and our customers enjoy it as well.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Thursdays for sure. We aren’t crazy busy like we are on the weekends, so it gives us a little more time to talk to customers.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
Our bellinis! Thyme Square makes us a fresh fruit puree with whatever fruit is in season at the time and we make martinis with it. The pineapple bellini is one we can always make and it is a best seller for sure!
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Someone ordered a dirty martini once. It was too strong so they requested blue curacao to be added to it. Needless to say, vodka, olive juice, and citrus liqueur doesn’t mix very well.
What have you learned from customers?
Quincians really do enjoy a beautiful establishment to come sit back, relax, and have a top notch drink with friends.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
Everyone is real outgoing and fun. Always laughing and having a good time, which tells me that I must be doing a good job bartending.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I actually really enjoy fishing. My dad has taken my brother and I every chance he has gotten. And to this day, its still one of my favorite pastimes.
How has bartending changed over the years?
I’m rather new to the bartending scene, considering I’m only 22, but I believe the flair is something that’s new and pretty cool to see.
Behind the Bar: Applebees
Jun 7th
Applebees Neighborhood Bar and Grill
217-228-8451
Name of Bartender: Lucie Britt
Number of years: Two months, but this is my second stint working here.
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
My personality and ability to interact with the guests.
What’s the best part of your job?
The team I work with. They are great people.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Wednesday night because it is kids night. They eat free and it is a family type atmosphere. We have balloons, and face painting.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
Our prefect Margarita.
Tell us about any odd drink requests.
Beer with tomato juice or other flavoring.
What have you learned from the customers? We have signature drinks that are not found at other business establishments. Like Applebee Teenie, White Peach Sangarita, Frozen spiked lemonades.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
We have several regulars. We are trying new things like half price appetizers after 9 p.m., Karaoke on Tuesday, and Ladies day on Thursday with specials.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I played basketball in high school.
How has bartending over the years?
Daily specials and imported beer.
What else should we know?
I am getting married next month and I have a 5-month-old daughter.
Our hours are Sun-Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight, Fri-Sat. 11 a.m.-1. a.m.-the entire establishment. We have karaoke on Tuesday, children eat free on Wednesday, Ladies have specials on Thursday, and everyday after 9 p.m. half-price appetizers. Mon-Fri 11-4 all you can eat soup with vegetable salad, and bread. We have been here in Quincy for 15 years.
Behind the Bar: Kutters
May 20th
Kutters Bar & Grill
236 N. Front Street, Down by the River
Phone number: 223-5888, 223-Kutt
Name of Bartender: Tina Durk
Years served: 15 years, with 4 of that at Kutters
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
I pay attention to the customers. I am friendly and I smile a lot.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love dealing with the public and our diverse customers.
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Thursday night $1 beer
What’s the house specialty or popular drink?
Our margaritas. We have a lemon shake-up just like you get at the fair, but with alcohol.
Tell us about any odd drink requests?
Odd shots that require more than one type of liquor.
What have you learned from customers?
Learn about events in the area, Poker Runs, benefits. I learn what a customer likes.
What’s the crowd like at your bar? Great, good customers, we have all generations, very diverse.
Tell me something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I am not a big drinker. I have worked on a dock.
How has bartending changed over the years?
The shots: not one liquor anymore people are adding juice, Red Bull, people just make shots up.
What else should we know?
Kutters is a great place to hang out, come once and you will come back. Everyone gets along we are pretty harmonious here.
Our hours are 11 a.m.-1 a.m. every day and the kitchen 11 a.m.-10 p.m. every day.
Behind the Bar: State Street Bar & Grill
Apr 28th
Leanne Schmidt
3 years at State Street, 10 years total
1638 State
Quincy, IL
What do you think makes you a good bartender?
Experience, attention to detail, knowing the different drinks
What is the best part of your job?
You get to meet different people
What is your favorite day to work and why?
Friday it is the busiest day of the week.
What’s the house specialty or a popular drink?
State Street Mofo, a shot with a secret ingredient.
Tell us about any odd drink requests:
Cement Mixer-Baileys and Lime Juice
What have you learned from customers?
Everything that I didn’t learn in college.
What’s the crowd like at your bar?
The 80-year old regulars during the week, and the 20-30 year olds for karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise the regulars.
I have Bachelors in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
How has bartending changed over the years?
Keeping up with the drink changes. Generations of people order different kinds of drinks.
What else should we know?
It, bartending, is not as easy as it looks. You have to know the right balance for the mixture of the drink.
We are open Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 a.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday 7 a.m.-9 p.m..
Kitchen open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner.