Bartender of the Month

CONGRATULATIONS TO KALUA TEMPLETON! BARTENDER OF THE MONTH IS FROM CAFE 225.

KALUA TEMPLETON is a woman who loves her job. Watching her work with so much energy, I could not imagine her working in any other industry. Maybe that is why she was nominated as Trends Bartender of the Month!

Trends had the pleasure of talking with KALUA at Café 225 to find out what keeps that vivacious personality going while she is multi-tasking between greeting customers, bartending and serving, all the while taking time to engage in playful banter with her Café 225 co-workers.

Valley Trends: Why did you get into bartending?

Kalua Templeton: I worked as a waitress with Karl (owner of Café 225) in 1995 when he first got the restaurant up and going. After that, I went to work at Something Fresh here in Visalia and then Red Robin. When Karl decided to open the bar at 225, he asked me to come back and work. It’s been great because I have had the opportunity to assist in picking the alcohol and having an input on how the bar operates.

VT: What do you believe is the appeal of the bar at Café 225?

KT: Our customers can step into the restaurant and feel as if they are stepping out of Visalia. My goal is for the patron to have a complete dining experience. Go back to the way people used to dine. With our selection, a customer can enjoy a cocktail before dinner, a nice wine with dinner and then relax with an after-dinner drink such as a brandy, whiskey or port.

VT: What’s your favorite part about bartending?

KT: First and foremost, the hours. The flexibility I receive with the job allows me to spend ample time with my 5 year old daughter. She is the most important thing to me. I call her my “partner in crime.” Other than that, if you think about it, usually most people who sit at a bar are happy. They’re celebrating, relaxing or getting together with friends. It really is a positive atmosphere. I learn a lot from my customers. I haven’t had formal training so communicating with and listening to your customers is, in my opinion, the best training a bartender can get!

VT: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

KT: Here! I love it! Hopefully I will be successful enough to save enough for my daughter to go to college and have fun doing it!

Thank you to all of you who voted for Kalua

Have a favorite Server or Bartender?
Send us who and why to
debra@visaliamarketing.com
Valley Trends Magazine
Anthony & Davenport Media Group
121 E. Main St. Suite 302
Visalia, CA 93291