SPVAQ42021 - 80

BEHIND THE BAR
Amanda Hoy, Bar Manager, Marty's Grill, Mechanicsville
M
arty's Grill, located in the suburbs
of Richmond, is a family-focused
restaurant known by locals for serving quality
food in a relaxed atmosphere. If you stop in
on Tuesday Burger Night, you can get a halfpound
burger for $6. And if you're a regular
at the bar, your beverage will be in front of
you before you sit on the stool.
Amanda Hoy has been with the restaurant
since its opening in 2010, starting first as a server
and moving behind the bar when she turned 21.
What do you enjoy about working behind
the bar?
I enjoy getting to know our customers. I went
to college for psychology and learned a lot
about listening. I feel like I do this every day.
What's the biggest challenge?
It's the feeling of being responsible for
everyone who comes in. Bartending safely
and responsibly. I'm always keeping an eye
out, watching everyone's behavior and keeping
track of how much a customer drinks.
What makes an award-winning bartender?
So many things! Being able to read people.
Making good cocktails. Paying attention.
Knowing when someone has had enough.
80 SPIRITED VIRGINIA
Keeping a smile on your face. Bartending is
all about juggling tasks while maintaining
customer service and a rapport with your
regulars.
What makes an award-winning cocktail
program?
Knowing what your clientele wants. Our
customers are laid back. Most will order a
Jack and Coke rather than an Old Fashioned.
We switch up our cocktail menu every six
months or so, leaving the favorites on.
What keeps you in restaurant work?
I'm going into my 12th year at Marty's. It's a
high-energy industry. I knew from a young
age that I was not a nine-to-five, sit-behinda-desk
person. This suits me.
What's special about Marty's?
It's family. The restaurant is family-owned,
and although we have nearly 50 employees
(most who are not related to the owners),
everyone is treated like family. Eleven of the
50 are bartenders, many who've been here
since the first year we opened. Employees
stay with a business and customers come
back, again and again, when they're treated
right.
Are there customer-favorite cocktails at
Marty's?
Many customers go for our crushes. They're light
and refreshing and made with fresh-squeezed
juices. A Marty's Crush is orange vodka, juice,
simple syrup and soda water over crushed
ice. Customers also order our four varieties
of Margaritas. Who doesn't like a Margarita?
What's your favorite spirit?
Tequila. It's becoming more and more popular.
I love making our Spicey Tequila-Lime Crush
that includes jalapeño slices.
What's your favorite cocktail to make for
yourself?
When I'm drinking liquor, I love a Margarita.
But I also enjoy a glass of wine. If someone
else is making a drink for me, I go for a Mezcal
Old Fashioned.
How do you keep learning and growing as
a bartender?
Surprisingly, through social media. Facebook
and Instagram are great for keeping up with
popular cocktail trends. I also learn from the
new bartenders we hire. New people bring
new ideas.
-Carol Mawyer
SPVAQ42021

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