R. J. Bentley’s is packed beyond capacity and dozens of patrons are waiting for their drinks. Danielle Vanscoyk is running frantically back and forth trying to serve her friends and the other regulars when she spots one of ESPN’s most famous sportscasters.
“Something I’ll never forget is seeing Scott Van Pelt. It’s surreal seeing him on the bar’s television screens one moment and then seeing him sitting right here in the restaurant,” the senior sociology major said.
It’s just one of the perks of Vanscoyk’s job as a Bentley’s bartender. While other students flock to the bars at the end of the week to unwind, relax and dance, Vanscoyk has dedicated many of her weekends for the past two years to helping the bar run on crazy, jam-packed nights.
And even though she said her previous job at Mamma Lucia’s was a little less hectic, it wasn’t nearly as fun.
“One night, the bar area was so packed and I was making drink after drink. The dance floor was especially crowded and one lively dancer managed to bump into a few guys ordering drinks, causing a big mess,” said Vanscoyk. “Still, it’s great working behind the bar and talking to my friends while surrounded by such an animated crowd.”
When she’s serving, Vanscoyk’s patrons are having just as much fun as she is.
“She really is an awesome, outgoing person that can get along with anyone,” said former server Ana Wilbert. “She fulfills her role really well.”
Although the job can be overwhelming, there have been some perks that she couldn’t get anywhere else, such as receiving a $100 tip from one customer and seeing former men’s basketball coach Gary Williams at the bar another night.
“I knew what I was getting into when I accepted this job. I was prepared for the worst, but I actually ended up meeting some great people while working at Bentley’s,” Vanscoyk said.
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