Quorum Columbus is Now True Q Magazine

ASHLEY C. KELKER

8/1/2015

PHOTO | ALLYSON FRIDLEY

| edited by HEATHER SCHUCK

I began bartending at a high volume at O’Charley’s in Akron, OH when I was 21 and have been bartending on and off ever since. From Easton Mall to the Short North, I’ve also worked with the CGS Group for a couple years. I’m now at Arch City Tavern, and have worked here for a month or so, and absolutely love the job.

The best part of the job would have to be the atmosphere of the Short North area and the variety of people I get to see on a day-to-day basis. I love the diversity: Seeing regulars from the neighborhood, meeting out-of-towners, and fellow co-workers from around the area.

My approach is very laid back, but with a great work ethic. I love to make people laugh! I love to work as hard as possible to make sure people are happy and having a good time. I love Arch City because the atmosphere is very chill and relaxed, and the food is amazing. I don’t mind being here two hours at a time or fifteen hours at a time, because I’m happy and enjoying myself, along with everyone around me.

We have Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3-6, half off draft beers, wines by the glass and pizzas (my personal favorite is the fig and arugula pizza). We definitely have the best cocktails in the area; our Old Fashioned is amazing! I’m a whiskey drinker, so you can’t go wrong with the Kentucky Mule either.

The owners Koli and Xhevair are great guys! I’ve known them for a few years before I started working here. They help out so much taking care of everyone that comes in, and they do a great job of showing their appreciation for the employees, which in turn keeps us happy. I love working for them.

A good friend of mine, Autumn Odierna, is Chair of the Five for Pride team and recruited me 3 years ago to volunteer for the festival. Pride week is my favorite week of the year, and being able to participate and give back to the community is a great feeling. I’ve been a captain now the past two years, and highly recommend volunteering to everyone. We all have such a good time coming together and celebrating our progress as individuals, as a community, and as a country.

COCKTAIL:

862 OLD-FASHIONED NO. 2 - Bulleit Bourbon, Roake Cherry Tonic, Black Walnut Bitters

FUN FACT:

Ashley is learning to DJ. Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to get to know her on the other side of the bar.

Brittany Anne Preston

6/30/2015

Photo | Joshua McCarty

| HEATHER SCHUCK

You’ll find many great establishments in the Short North, but none have stood longer than the Short North Tavern on High Street. If you’ve ever crossed it’s awning-covered threshold, it’s likely you’ve met Brittany Anne Preston (AKA Bitty). “Everyone gets a smile and a wave from me. I like to try and make someone’s day just a little brighter. My coworkers call me sunshine.” A bartender for 12 years now, the last six and half have been with the Short North Tavern. “I guess you could say I kinda like it here.”

From the stories, to the smiles, to the great friends that have become part of her family, Bitty can’t land on one thing in particular she likes best about her job. An “import”from Wisconsin, she was brought to Ohio by the love of her life, a woman who is now her wife. “After 7 years of dating, we were married [on] May 9th in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was amazing!” She feels lucky to live in a city that is supportive of the LGBTQA community. “As a lesbian working at the Tavern, from its location, to the bartenders, to the clientele, there isn’t another place I have felt so accepted and loved.”

Bitty encourages everyone to stop into the Short North Tavern sometime to check out their good selection of food and nightly specials. “Taco Night on Mondays is one of my faves. $1 tacos? Don’t mind if I do!”

COCKTAIL:

Bucky Punch: Three olives cherry, roses, lime, triple sec,
cranberry, and a splash of 7 (for funziez)

FUN FACT:

When she’s not bartending, Bitty is busy pursuing her passion, a business called Mimi’s Pet Services, a dog walking, pet sitting, grooming business.

Colton Runion

6/1/2015

COCKTAIL:

Last Night’s Mistake - a Mouton cocktail by Logan Demmy - Mescal, Cynar, lime, simple, mole bitters

FUN FACT:

Colton grew up competitively barrel racing (horses) in Lexington, Ohio.

| HEATHER SCHUCK

If you’re looking for a classy joint to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, look no further than Mouton on High Street. The beautiful atmosphere and friendly, welcoming staff will send you into the night with a smile on your face. While you’re there be sure to introduce yourself to Colton Runion. Working for two years as a barback before stepping into his role as bartender, Colton has long known the value of customer service and how to treat patrons with kindness, respect, and dignity. He attributes his success to his mentor Logan Demmy, who instilled in him a love for the service industry long before he ever set foot behind the well.

His favorite part of the job is the fast-paced lifestyle and ever-changing clientele. “I love nothing more than meeting and interacting with new people and this job definitely accommodates that need.” He is currently working to earn a Bachelor’s degree in biological archeology with the hopes of one day obtaining a PhD.

Colton enjoys working at a unique bar that not only focuses on making fantastic, classic cocktails, but also showcases the beautiful space they are welcoming guests into: A classic speakeasy with secrets to reveal behind its ripped-off facade. Mouton has a cocktail happy hour until 7pm Monday through Friday featuring select classic cocktails and draft beer for $6. “We are a very laid back and fun bar, perfect for an after work cocktail or a night out with friends. After growing up in an incredibly small town, Columbus has certainly obtained that big city with a small town feel for someone who grew up on the farm.”

Photos | Kari Jasinski

Brian Marshall

5/2/2015

| Heather Schuck

IF YOU’VE EVER found yourself in the Hubbard Bar and Grille it’s likely you’ve been introduced to Brian Marshall. He’s been serving up drinks for over two years now, and if you’re looking for something more than the average drink, he’s happy to twist you something new and interesting.

When Brian isn’t crafting up creative cocktails in the Short North he likes to spend his free time exploring the great outdoors. “Hiking, kayaking, camping, really anything that gets me outside and away from the hustle and bustle is welcome.” He loves waking up every morning in a city like Columbus, “It’s a great feeling to look out the window and see all walks of life intermingling with each other. It’s such a safe haven for someone like me. The level of acceptance and love, most nights, is palpable.”

If you’re looking for a killer happy hour, look no further. At Hubbard you can enjoy half off all beers, specialty cocktails, bottles of wine and shared plates from 4-6pm Monday through Friday and all evening on Sunday! And regarding the food, “our chef, Jordan Zacharias, is kind of a genius/alchemist when it comes to our food. Every weekend he runs some kind of special. Lately he’s been doing a paleo diet special to run along side other specials. Can’t really go wrong!”

Meryl Scarton

3/31/2015

SLAMMERS 202 E. Long Street Columbus, OH 43215 614.221-8880 Photo | Joshua McCarty

| ANGEL LEMKE

If you’ve been to Slammers lately, you’ve likely caught a glimpse of Meryl Scarton rushing around the bar. “I hop or buzz around fast, whether it’s making drinks or cleaning. Once I get on a roll, it’s hard for me to stop,” she says. That momentum doesn’t stop her from taking the time to make sure her patrons have a good time, however. “I enjoy making people laugh or smile. Whether it’s some of the regulars or some new faces, I want my customers to have a good time.”

Meryl came to Columbus from Cleveland for college 11 years ago and never wanted to leave. “I love being part of such an accepting community. I fell in love with everything that Columbus had to offer. I have always felt very comfortable here, and I really enjoy all the diversity of the community.”

At Slammers Meryl recommends the pizza. “It’s a thin crust and loaded with toppings.” Wednesday nights offer both free pizza from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and the Queen of Hearts raffle at 8:00 p.m., both providing plenty of incentive to stop in and say hi.

COCKTAIL:

Dirty Martini
(Ketel One, olive
juice + blue cheese
stuffed olives)

FUN FACT:

Meryl played the
bassoon in high
school and college.

Carly Million

3/1/2015

Barrel Spirits on High 1120 N. High Street 614.564.9058

Facebook.com/Barrel44

| MICKEY J. HART

CARLY MILLION ENJOYS making customers happy and comfortable. She has been doing just that for over two years as a bartender behind Barrel’s bar. Carly loves working in Barrel’s fun and fast-paced environment with the tight-knit staff. Carly says, “We are all friends and enjoy working with one another, which I think translates well to customers…they see that we are all having fun and really enjoy making their experience at Barrel a great one.”

Her favorite thing about Barrel is that they offer whiskey flights. Customers select three whiskeys and enjoy a one ounce pour of each. Carly adds, “It’s a great way to try new whiskeys…It’s always really fun to introduce people to new whiskeys.”

Carly touts Barrel’s great Tuesday - Friday happy hour from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. All draft beers and a select list of whiskeys are $3.00. Plus, most of their small plates are offered at $5.99. Carly says, “All of the small plates are delicious!” Can’t make happy hour? No worries. Barrel has several signature and seasonal cocktails in the $7-10 range to enjoy anytime.

Carly finds all the change happening around Columbus exciting and loves that she gets to work in such an open and accepting community. She adds, “Working in the Short North is a great way to meet new people every day.”

COCKTAIL:

Xanadu - Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, muddled basil, simple syrup + grapefruit juice

FUN FACT:

Carly is studying to be a veterinary technician. With three dogs (Steve, Zeke and Penny) at home, that must come in handy.

Photo | Joshua McCarty

G. (GERALD) JONES

2/1/2015

G. (GERALD) JONES has been warmly greeting patrons of Southbend Tavern for over three years. G. says, “I welcome everyone as if I have known them for years, because I believe there are no strangers, just friends I haven’t met.”

G. likes to have fun with patrons, and fun is easy to come by at the tavern. Southbend hosts a wide-range of weekly entertainment, including lively drag shows, musical guests, karaoke and Untwisted Tuesdays, Columbus’ longest running open stage, hosted by Mari Jane and Brent Fabian.

This month the entertainment lineup features the Miss Southbend Pageant, Oldtimers Club of Central Ohio’s
Murder Mystery event and singer
Donna Mogavero.

G. enjoys how Columbus makes everyone feel welcomed and a part of our diverse community. If you want to make a new friend this month, head to the south side to have a drink and say, “hello” to G.
__________________________________________________

COCKTAIL:
The Hulk – Raspberry Vodka, Blue Island Pucker + Pineapple Juice

FUN FACT:
G. attended clown college and was once a professional clown.

JOSHUA MILLER

1/1/2015

PHOTO | JOSHUA MCCARTHY

JOSHUA MILLER has been behind the bar at Wall Street for two years, and this former shy guy loves the chance to be outgoing. “After a few years behind the bar, I have definitely come out of my shell and feel more confident.” In fact, he now finds himself dancing around behind the bar just to make people laugh. “I’m sure that the sight of me ‘twerking’ has given many of our patrons a good chuckle.”

There’s always something happening at Wall Street. Joshua boasts that “we are home to a lot of amazing performances: drag queens and kings, burlesque, open mics and Broadway-style theater productions.” Joshua finds Columbus’s “diverse and accepting” community is well represented at Wall Street. “I think that’s why all different people from all walks of life feel comfortable being in our bar.”

Drink specials every night don’t hurt, either. “Everyone wants to drink and not break the bank, and you can always do that here!” $5 Bulleit and beer, $4 you “CALL” it and $3 cherry bomb specials keep the good times flowing. Stop in and see why Joshua can say he has “found a family here in this building down the alley.”

COCKTAIL:

Manhattan – Sweet vermouth, bourbon + a dash of bitters

FUN FACT:

Joshua’s pet boxer/mastiff mix takes up more room in the bed than he does!

Wall Street Night Club
144 N. Wall Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.464.2800
WallStreetNightClub.Com

Courtney Saxon

11/30/2014

| ANGEL LEMKE

For over 20 years, Columbus has known that Slammers is the place to be to enjoy cold beer, a laid-back atmosphere and, most importantly, great pizza. For the last eight months, Courtney Saxon has been behind the bar at this local institution, bringing six years of prior bartending experience with her. “Being downtown, far from the Short North, Slammers still manages to have a strong following,” she says, and that famous pizza is a big part of it. “We have other goodies on the menu, but our pizza is gold.” Courtney recommends adding a little bacon to the “fan favorite” white pizza “because what isn’t good with bacon on it?”

While you can enjoy happy hour until 8 p.m. every weeknight at Slammers, Free Pizza Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. can’t be beat, though you can still get $4 off a large pie on Thursdays while enjoying the recently returned karaoke night. It’s the ever-changing nature of the Slammers crowd that makes the job fun for Courtney. “We have a revolving door for all sorts of groups of people,” she notes. “I meet at least one new person every shift.”

Courtney is also a full-time student at OSU with the long-term goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. “Right now I’m just trying to survive chemistry!” She loves being a part of the community: “The Columbus LGBTQA community continues to grow every day and is so open and welcoming to people from all walks of life. At the end of the day, we’re all family.”

Photo | Joshua McCarty

Dale Grinstead-Mayle

11/1/2014

Photo | Joshua McCarty

| ANGEL LEMKE

Since the Prohibition era, German Village residents have been able to enjoy a tavern on Sycamore Street, but its latest incarnation by the owners of Harvest Pizzeria has been open one year this month, and Dale Grinstead-Mayle has been there from day one. Dale says, “Honestly, it’s the best place I’ve ever worked!” He loves working at a place with a “really remarkable atmosphere” and enjoys serving drinks that draw on the bar’s historic nature.

Dale says, “We offer a variety of fantastic drinks using spirits that have been around since the early days of the bar.” Hometown proud, they also offer a great selection of Ohio brews.

In addition to drink specials, you can check out the fantastic food. Dale advises, “Our Harold’s Barbeque Chicken and Banana Tart make up one of my favorite meal combinations.”

When he’s not behind the bar, you can find Dale and his husband Matt enjoying the outdoors at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. He feels especially lucky to be a part of Columbus’ LGBTQA community. Dale says, “Columbus’s big city mentality, combined with the Midwest hospitality make for a unique environment.” Dale puts that Midwest hospitality into practice at The Sycamore. “We are a neighborhood restaurant, but we consider anyone who comes through the front door our neighbors, too!”

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ASHLEY C. KELKER

Brittany Anne Preston

Colton Runion

Brian Marshall

Meryl Scarton

Carly Million

G. (GERALD) JONES

JOSHUA MILLER

Courtney Saxon

Dale Grinstead-Mayle

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