Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet BriAnn Hein.

Server Banner Girl, Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2014

BriAnn Hein

BriAnn Hein genuinely cares about making peoples' dining experience an enjoyable one. She understands cooking at home is cheaper ... but not as fun. Hein creates an entertaining environment with a bubbly personality, willingness to accommodate, ability to act as a food tour guide and her real desire to make sure guests enjoy themselves overall. Her service industry career began at Mick's Ale House in Medford, Oregon. From there I have worked all over Oregon and the South Sound of Washington. She's currently serving at Shake, Shake, Shake in Tacoma's Stadium District and North China Garden on Sixth Avenue. Occasionally, she'll help out with the bustling weekend breakfast at Dirty Oscar's.

Why do you serve?

"This might sound weird but serving is part of something I need in my everyday life. I LOVE talking to people and meeting new people. I crave being social with random strangers. You meet some of the most incredible people. I got to serve the English Beat band."

Who's your favorite server in the South Sound?

"It's really hard to choose one favorite. But I have to choose Zach Gettel at Duke's Chowder House. Cool, calm and collected and super funny. Can I mention his muscles? LOL."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I am most proud to serve fresh, local and inspiring foods. I love watching people try something new for the first time and find themselves speechless. Maybe because their mouth is full, but you can see it on their face."

What's your favorite drink?

"Well, my current drink is sparkling Organic Blood Orange Soda. Alcohol and I broke up three years ago."

"What's your favorite movie?

"Don't laugh, OK? Dances with Wolves. I don't know why but I love it. Years ago McDonald's had three-dollar movies you could add to your meal. I got Dances with Wolves and I was hooked." 

What don't you serve?

"What I don't like to serve is a bad attitude. I love laughing and seeing customers happy. The happier the customers are the happier I am."

What's on your radar at Shake Shake Shake?

"Well ... we have a really cool projector and TVs so how about I radar all you folks down to have some beer, burgers and boozy shakes and cheer on our Hawks together?! Ya, sounds good to me too."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Seth Roth.

Server Banner Boy, Sept. 22-28, 2014

Seth Roth

Seth Roth has been singing since the age of 5. The Tacoma singer-songwriter grew up on Steve Perry and Lou Gramm, but has one solid foot in the Bob Dylan and Neil Young camp. Roth has been serving coffee at Harmon's Hop Coffee since the day it opened inside the Harmon Tap Room in Tacoma's Stadium District. Hop Coffee combines beans from Bluebeard Coffee Roasters with sweetened coffee syrups developed by Melina Eshinski, pastry chef for Harmon Brewing Co. Drop by Hop Coffee and have a cup. Be sure to ask Roth about his 8 p.m. show at Cork! A Wine Bar Sept. 27.

Why do you serve?

"Because I like interaction with people. I am a people person. I like to be able to provide a genuine experience for any person that comes into an establishment that I am a part of."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Amy Hiibel from Bluebeard Coffee Roasters. She is just amazing at what she does."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I am most proud to serve a cappuccino."

What's your current drink of choice?

"An Old Fashioned - I'm keeping it classy."

Favorite movie?

"That's such a hard question. ... Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock."

What don't you serve?

"Cocktails"

What's on your radar at Hop Coffee?

"The biggest thing right now is our Amber Harvest latte. It's a great mix of the Harmon's Amber Expedition beer and our pumpkin spice flavor. And it will be a great drink for the quickly approaching fall."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Ian Hedlund.

Server Banner Boy, Sept. 15-21, 2014

Ian Hedlund

Ian Hedlund has done everything there is to do in a restaurant or bar setting. He entered the service industry in high school and kept the drive alive through college. His first bartending stint was at the popular but now defunct Greek Cusina in Southwest Portland. For the last seven years, Hedlund has served drinks at The Brotherhood Lounge in downtown Olympia.  

Why do you serve?

"I serve because I never figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I graduated from college and realized that I could sit in a cubicle, go to more school and, more than likely, end up somewhere I only marginally liked and be mired in debt, or I could bartend, make a decent living working 25-30 hours a week, and use my free time to not grow up. I chose the latter."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"That question is impossible to answer! I am purposefully not going to name a co-worker because A) I love them all, and B) I don't want to alienate anyone. Off the top of my head, I love Nathan from McCoy's and The Reef. He's great for witty banter and a no-nonsense attitude laced with hilarity."

What are you most proud to serve?

"A good drink in a timely manner to an appreciative person."

What is your current drink of choice?

"I drink tequila and beer. Ideally, a nice añejo and a Ninkasi."

What is your favorite movie?

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (read: The Montauk Project) or ... anything by Charlie Kaufman."

What don't you serve?

"I won't serve ‘what I drink.' If you don't know what you want to drink, you CERTAINLY don't want what I drink!"

What's on your radar at The Brotherhood Lounge?

"Sometime next month, we have a ladies arm wrestling competition happening. I'm not exactly sure what to expect, but I guarantee it will be awesome."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Andy Geertsen.

Server Banner Boy, Sept. 8-14, 2014

Andy Geertsen

Before Andy Geertsen began bartending in Olympia, which included spots such as the Eastside Club Tavern (named Best Bartender in the 2010 Weekly Volcano's Best of Olympia) and the Pig Bar inside Southbay Dickerson's BBQ (named Best Music Booker in 2013 Best of Olympia), he helped open the remodeled Cinerama in downtown Seattle. He left right before the screening of Star Wars Episode I. In March of this year, Geertsen opened Rhythm and Rye in the former Royal Lounge space, combining his talents as bartender and music booker into a club that specializes in craft beer, whiskey and Americana music.

Why do you serve? 

"I guess I enjoy watching other people have fun?."

Who is your favorite server in South Sound?

"Nikki McCoy at The Brotherhood Lounge."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I enjoy serving local beer and spirits."

What's your drink of choice?

"A well made margarita or Chamucos Reposado neat."

What's your favorite movie?

"That's a tough one. ... I used to watch Batman and Jurassic Park over and over as a kid

What don't you serve?

I don't serve rude or mean people?."

What's on your radar for Rhythm and Rye?

"I have lots of ideas and plans to improve the space and make it even more inviting and comfortable for everyone."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Jackie Casella.

Server Banner Girl, Sept. 1-7, 2014

Jackie Casella

Jackie Casella has served the South Sound for 12 years. Her first bar gig was at the Schooner Pub & Galley in Lakewood. From there, she has served food and drinks at the Ale House (where she met her husband), the West End Pub & Grill, Margarita Beach Café, Cheers West (when it was a nightclub), Wingers, the Brick Yard, Dirty Oscar's, Maxwell's Restaurant + Lounge and currently The Social Bar and Grill next to the Museum of Glass. She has retired from booze slinging several times. It always lures her back.

Why do you serve?

"Serving is endlessly entertaining. Once upon a time, when I was a single mother, it was strictly a solid source of income. But, I really enjoy connecting with people and it never gets boring."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Oh man, that's a rough one. I love the staff at Eleven Eleven for their laid back, genuine service; Jesse at Doyle's too for that exact reason. I appreciate a server who does their job in an efficient, friendly and professional manner and doesn't feel the need to ham it up."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Anytime I get to serve a compelling bourbon cocktail I get a little excited - mostly because I can rave about it honestly. The Social menu as a whole is pretty much splendid."

What's your current drink of choice?

"SBG Manhattan. Truthfully I've been stuck on it for several years now and it's only available at The Social. When visiting other joints, my go-to is an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. I like to keep it classic."

Favorite movie?

"I'm a bit of a movie fanatic; so my favorites consists of a list for each genre. If I had to pick one I'd say, like any little girl who grew up in the '80s, The Labyrinth.

Two Words: David. Bowie. The hair. The pants. The weird perversion you missed as a child. All of it."

What don't you serve?

"Hurried service. It's a restaurant, not a track. There's a big difference between running and hustling. No one needs a side of ranch so bad you should run, especially if you know how to multitask. Folks dine out for an enjoyable experience."

What's on your radar at The Social Bar and Grill?

"The Social's The Abuela ahi is on my radar. Blackened ahi tuna with ginger soy and Granny Smith apple/cucumber slaw. Ridiculous! There's something new coming to the dessert and drink menu, too. Although not quite on the horizon, I'm hankering for our hot buttered rums. I'll wait for fall to officially settle I'm before really carrying on about the drink."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Devon Fankhauser.

Server Banner Boy, Aug. 25-31, 2014

Devon Fankhauser

Devon Fankhauser has been pouring wine and delivering gourmet mac and cheese and toasted cheese sandwiches to STINK Tank customers for just about a year. Before serving at the Tacoma triangle District wine bar, Fankhauser was part of the crew at Gayle Orth Catering. An offshoot of STINK - Cheese and Meet deli next door, the STINK Tank, a word play off "think tank," Fankhauser delivers pours without interrupting conversations. He knows people are changing the world over glasses of wine and specialty beers.

Why do you serve?

"I enjoy serving because I am a very social person. I love interacting with the public and I enjoy what I do??."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"This is a tough question. ... I think I would have to pick Wendell from Hilltop Kitchen. He is always nice and approachable and he makes fabulous cocktails."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I sometimes get childishly excited about a particular wine. If I love it and share with folks who also love it, and that makes me happy."

What's your current drink of choice?

"What I drink is so situational; it depends on what I'm doing, if and what I am eating, what time of the day it is, etc. I guess because it is still summer and so warm out, I love a good Rosé. It's the perfect afternoon wine for a hot summer day. I can't imagine a picnic without a good Rosé, they just go hand in hand."

Favorite movie?

"Hmm ... I would probably have to say Amélie. It's such a colorful and beautiful film. I also really like Good Bye, Lenin."

What don't you serve?

"Over-the-top, unwarranted friendliness. If we strike up a conversation that wonderful, but if we don't that's OK, too. I like service that is to the point without a lot of unnecessary chatter."

What's on your radar at STINK?

"I love any of the weekly specials. They are things that are not on the menu so you can't get them all of the time."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Kelly Driscoll.

Server Banner Girl, Aug. 11-17, 2014

Kelly Driscoll

Kelly Driscoll has had the same vocation since she turned 21: bartending. Night after night of pouring drinks, listening, nodding, keeping the party going with banter and wisecracks. Driscoll began slingin' drinks at Jazzbones. She spent three and a half years at the Sixth Avenue bar and music joint before moving down the street to O'Malley's Irish Pub. After four years there, she decided it was time for another change of venue, and moved a block east to Dirty Oscar's Annex. Basically, Kelly is just working her way down The Ave.

Why do you serve?

"You never know who will walk through the door. This is a fast-paced job that keeps me on my toes. One day I'll write down all of the things I've seen on Sixth Avenue and turn it into the next great American novel."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"This is a tough one. I love all the guys at Eleven Eleven, but I'm going to have to say Rose Peterson at 1022. She makes the best Old Fashioned I've ever had. And I've tried more than a few!"

What are you most proud to serve?

"Moonshine. There is something about this spirit that sparks people's interest. I love the look on their face when I give them a piece of fruit from the mason jar it was aged in. It's waaaay better than bitter beer face and it never gets old! Come in and try it sometime, I dare ya!"

What's your current drink of choice?

"The Old Fashioned. It's a classic and it looks cool too."

Favorite movie?

Top Gun. The soundtrack was the first cassette I ever bought and the first sex scene I ever saw. It pretty much changed my life.

What don't you serve?

"Trashcans. I haven't made a Trashcan since I made the switch to DOA and that's just fine by me!"

What's on your radar at Dirty Oscar's?

We recently launched our new lunch menu at Dirty Oscar's. We now open at noon Monday through Thursday. I'm stoked to offer a new option for people who work around Sixth Avenue. Plus, if you wake up with a hangover during the week, I can help you with that too!

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Hana Klimek.

Server Banner Girl, Aug. 4-10, 2014

Hana Klimek

Hana Klimek has been with Cooper Point Public House since it opened in January 2014. Actually, after she answered a craigslist ad, she helped owners Sam and Melissa Rasmussen and Sam's mother, Catherine Kathrein, convert El Nopal Mexican restaurant on Olympia's Westside into the Northwest-style public house in December 2013. Klimek is still at Cooper Point, serving craft beers, pours from small-scale distilleries and a tasty "Dish Pit Burger" with a big smile.

Why do you serve?

"I serve because I love people! That being said, Cooper Point Public House is owned and operated by some of the best people I know. Going to work never feels like a chore; it's a team effort and I always feel like I'm surrounded by family." 

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Natalya Gimson at Vic's Pizzeria. I have tremendous respect for all the ladies and gents preparing as well as serving food in a pizzeria. I know it can't be easy and I appreciate hard work when I see it." 

What are you most proud to serve?

"Anything and everything on our menu. Among my personal favorites are our Caesar with calamari and our delicious crab cakes."

What's your current drink of choice?

"Kentucky Mule. It's the drink that introduced me to bourbon. Enough said." 

Favorite movie?

"Jaws. Saw the film around the age of 4, and my fear grew into fascination quickly. ... Thanks Dad!" 

What don't you serve?

"Funky fake food. I am proud to be a part of a restaurant that serves quality food and drinks. I love our menu because we really have something for everyone and the food is as genuine as the people who prepare it."

What's on your radar at Cooper Point Public House?

"My radar? I'm just the daygirl. My advice, get to the Point!"

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Rachel Hogan.

Server Banner Girl, July 28-Aug. 3, 2014

Rachel Hogan

Being a great bartender is about far more than mixing magic - although that element is certainly important. But a bartender's role behind the stick is also about spending time with those bellied up to the bar, whether they're high rollers or gravediggers. And Rachel Hogan, who has been a bartender at Jazzbones since she was 21, deserves heroine worship for the way she straddles the line between professional and perky. She's engaging and exuberant and comes off as genuine and knowledgeable but never snooty, and she doesn't overthink what she pours in your drink. Like the pro that she is, she just gets it.  

Why do you serve?

"I enjoy people. I quit doing dental because I could not converse with people like I can serving. I have met a lot of cool people behind the bar. It's a real awesome job."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Josh Hill is my favorite. He works at The Swiss and Eleven Eleven. I think he's one of the best bartenders in our area. He's definitely a high volume bartender and can hold a conversation even when he's super busy."

What is your current drink of choice?

"Real cheap champagne. I love it."

What is your favorite movie?

"I don't watcha lot of television. But, when I'm real sick, I like to watch Gone with the Wind."

What don't you serve?

"I don't serve Zima and Mad Dog."

What's on your radar at Jazzbones?

"Jazzbones has some real rad music on the way, such as The Red Elvises, English Beat, Katchafire, J-Boog and Randy Hansen."             

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Amy Hiibel.

Server Banner Girl, July 21-27, 2014

Amy Hiibel

The person behind the coffee shop counter is a kind-of saint, what with all those grouchy morning people in need of caffeine (never me, of course). The Bluebeard Coffee Roasters baristas are always ready with your morning or afternoon brew, and there's no friendlier face than Amy Hiibel. Voted Best Barista in the Weekly Volcano's 2013 Best of Tacoma issue, Hiibel there serving up your latté or red-eye with a smile - even if you are a little grumpy in the AM.

Why do you serve?

"I honestly love being a part of the community. Getting to see so many people from so many different social circles and backgrounds each day makes me feel like I am contributing to the Tacoma community I love so much. I tried for years to do a desk job, and it was just never fulfilling for me. I came back to coffee about four years ago, and it was the best life choice I could have made."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"There are so many wonderful people in the service industry, it's hard to pick just one. However I do love seeing Greg Rodriquez whenever he is bartending at Top of Tacoma. He was my first bartender at Magoo's before I even moved to Tacoma. He is such a genuinely sweet and caring human, it's always a pleasure to see him and hear him laugh as he's pouring beers and drinks."

What are you most proud to serve?

"I don't drink milk, but I do love serving someone a latte and having them exclaim over the art on top of their beverage. It's pretty adorable to have people whipping out their phones to take documentation of what they are about to put in their mouth. It's a simple act, but it can make someone's whole day."

What is your current drink of choice?

"Depends on what sort of beverage we are talking about. For caffeinated purposes, I will always pick a chemex. It's my favorite method of brewing, and there is something satisfying about making one for yourself. If we're talking an adult beverages, forever a bourbon neat and cold IPA. Or Rainier. I like to keep it classic."

What is your favorite movie?

"I am a glutton for eighties action movies. I think I've tortured my neighbors with sounds of explosions entirely too much, especially Bruce Willis. I mean, c'mon. Die Hard is the best classic holiday movie."

What don't you serve?

"White chocolate. Or white coffee. It's not happening."

What's on your radar at Bluebeard Coffee?

"It's always exciting to see a new line up of coffee as the seasons change. For instance, right now we have a Costa Rican, Las Lajas. It's amazing. Think serious strawberries. I want to drink it forever."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers