Bellying up with …
On Fridays, we’ll spotlight the men and women serving up cold ones and conversation in our neck of the woods. Let us know about your favorite bartender by emailing ltaylor@news-gazette.com.To LINDSEY BUCHANAN, working at Pia’s is about more than just serving up drinks; it’s about honoring a legacy.
After her uncle John Marxmiller passed away in 2017, she started working at the bar to feel closer to him.
“That was like his place that he went all the time, and he worked there,” Buchanan said. “Everyone knew him, so everyone kind of knew who I was. It’s always fun to hear stories about him and for people to share them with me and tell me how much I remind them of him.”
It’s been her first experience as a bartender, but in some ways, Buchanan says it isn’t too different from her day job.
She teaches fifth grade at SMART Christian Academy.
“People always tell me I manage kids during the day and then manage adults at night or on the weekends, but I love it,” Buchanan said. “I love all the people. I love the interactions. I honestly didn’t think I’d be doing it for as long as I am, but I really enjoy it.”
Around Pia’s, Buchanan is known for her Bloody Mary, which brings in a Sunday morning crowd.
She said she loves her coworkers and Pia’s owners, especially as they allow her to schedule around her son’s hockey games.
She rarely works Saturdays, for example, but this weekend is an exception: it’s Pia’s 50th anniversary parking lot party.
“I’m working like 12 hours that day … I actually requested to be there,” Buchanan said.
Former employees are returning to celebrate and once-regulars are expected to stop by for the first time in a while, including plenty of golfers who Buchanan befriended when Pia’s had a golf league.
Festivities kick off at noon with music, $5 beer and food, Cubs and Bears tickets giveaways and more.
