Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week check out Jackie Nelson, LoneRider Brewery's lone bartender. This outgoing native New Yorker and seasoned sipster straddled up to the tasting room taps six months ago and has been slinging the ever-popular Ales for Outlaws ever since ... and loving it.
Hometown: We'll just a say small town in upstate New York — that's up by Syracuse, for anyone that doesn't know what's considered upstate! (laughs)
Fav LoneRider beer and why: I love all of our beers, but I think my most favorite is Shotgun Betty; although I also love a Deadeye Jack ice-cream beer float ... yummy!
What you like about working at a tasting room, as opposed to a pub or tavern: I've worked in all different kinds of places in my life, from private country clubs, to the hole-in-the-wall kind bars. This is the first brewery I have worked in, and I love it. The people are so cool here — from the owners to the customers — very laid back, and everyone gets along.
Your go-to bev: Well if it's not our beer, it's liquor of any kind!
If they made a movie about your life, who would play you? I guess I'd say Sandra Bullock? She can be serious if need be, but she seems to laugh and enjoy life. I guess she's also goofy at times, like me.
In my car, my stereo is tuned to: Well, if it's not a mix of CDs, it's either 94.7 or G105, but I do like all music; so, I switch channels a lot.
Movie you've watched repeatedly: "Me, Myself & Irene." That movie is way too funny — lots of good one-liners to use.
Fav sports team, college or pro: Syracuse, of course! Pro would have to be either Dallas Cowboys or Buffalo Bills, but if they ever played each other, I'd have go Bills!
Fav '80s sitcom: "Cheers."
If you turn on my TV it's on channel: Well, I don't have cable right now, but if I did, it would most likely be Discovery or Food Network.
Bigger train wreck: Heidi Montag or Lindsay Lohan? They're both train wrecks.
You sometimes get mistaken for: When I had short hair, I always heard either a young Pat Benatar or Alyssa Milano; so, not sure ... two totally different women.
If you're not at work, you're most likely: Hanging out having a cold LoneRider beer.
People should know you: Don't lie and can keep a secret! But, if you want to know about me, you'll have to come to LoneRider and meet me! I love to laugh and joke and have fun.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Change who I am for anyone.
Pet peeve: Fake people! And people who only treat you nicely because it benefits them in some way.
How would you describe the experience of a tasting room, as maybe compared to a bar: I would have to tell people to come check it out! It's a laid back, come-as-you-are type place. You don't have to dress up (though you can), but shorts, T-shirts, flip-flop or cowboy boots are pretty standard. Come hang on the patio and play a game of cornhole with someone you just met. Enjoy Valentino's food truck. You won't be disappointed with anything at the brewery! And the most fun part is ... you can sample all of our beers first!
What one thing do you hope people will experience by visiting the tasting room? I hope you experience the fun we have here, and enjoy some great local beer!
A bartender's best friend is: The drink we have after work!
What people can look forward to from LoneRider: You can look forward to great locally brewed beer!
Why bartending? Well, for me, it's not just about the money. It's fun. I love the fact that I can make the money that I need to support my daughter and, yet, laugh and joke around with the guys all day. What other job do you get to make people laugh as much you can, joke around and, yet, still serve them? I have a lot of customers who know that with me, they can be themselves, and if you're a jackass, I will call you out on it. Life's short; so, do a job that makes you happy!
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: The Back 9 Pub and High Park in Raleigh.
Best thing about drinking in the Triangle: There are a lot of different kinds of places to choose from.
Worst thing about drinking in the Triangle: Some nights it's hard to get home!
Fav bar in the Triangle other than your own: Other than LoneRider?! That's a hard one! But anyone that serves beer cold and good liquor drinks!
