For seven years, Sara Thompson has been pouring drinks as a bartender at Rennie’s Landing on 1214 Kincaid St, just west of campus.
Thompson graduated from the University in 1999 with degrees in sociology and ethnic studies and a minor in math. Working in the food service since she was 15 years old, Thompson quickly learned that working as a bartender makes good money. She said it was a great job to have while attending school because of the flexible hours. She still maintains a busy schedule spending time with her four kids, so the flexible hours work in her favor. Thompson said the job can be irritating at times, but overall it’s a fun job and a fun environment, especially at Rennie’s, where all the workers are like a family.
Oregon Daily Emerald: What’s the most popular drink at Rennie’s?
ST: Rennie’s Lemonade is our signature drink, which was introduced in 1995. It consists of orange vodka, wildberry vodka, raspberry liqueur and lemonade. Customers like it, I think it’s delicious. And beer is always a popular drink as well.
ODE: What entertainments are presented at Rennie’s?
ST: Football season is always entertaining, observing the out-of-town people and the people from the opposing team – especially if we win. For the most part, every night here is pretty entertaining. Every Tuesday in the upstairs deck there’s a beer pong tournament; people can come in and play and receive a free Bud Light for participation. Big prizes are rewarded as well. Another great night is playing Patio Baggo, which is a game where bean bags are thrown into a hole inside a platform. If a shot is made into the hole, two points are rewarded. Customers love it because it’s fun. It’s definitely a hangout bar. There is no DJ, but there are games, pool tables and an overall fun, upbeat atmosphere is created.
ODE: What has been the most ridiculous thing you have witnessed while bartending?
ST: Basic drunken stupidity. People falling over. Something really funny: Before closing we check the bathrooms and we find sometimes people sleeping in the bathroom.
ODE: What are some bartending tips?
ST: Tip your bartender well and they will continue to be nice to you.
ODE: Why is tipping so valuable?
ST: Bartending doesn’t make a lot of money; it’s the tips that count. I have two college degrees and I still continue to bartend.
ODE: Have you created any drinks of your own?
ST: Yes, that’s another great part about my job: experimenting and learning to mix things together. I made a drink and called it ‘Tea Time,’ because it consists of Sweet Tea Vodka with muddled lemons, lemonade and soda water. The drink reminds me of summer.
ODE: What are some funny things you’ve heard?
ST: I try not to pay attention (to funny quotes); I block it out so I’m not scarred.
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