Women Making Moves in the Bev-Alc Industry
An interview with Suzie Zischang, Bar Manager at The Perk
Can you share a bit about your journey in the industry?
I have been an employee of The Perk for over 38 years. I started my journey here at age 21 as a bartender. It originally was a shot and beer bar with a very small staff. We started with three taps and eventually grew to 16. Larry Nacarella and his father, George, along with some key teammates have created The Perk you see today. Through the years I have had many roles: bartender, server, front of the house manager, and now bar manager. Larry had me read the One Minute Manager, a favorite book of his from college. It was important for me to learn and grow as the restaurant was growing too. With more employees, new personalities and new ideas, I am still learning.
Have you had any mentors throughout your journey?
I can’t say I have had mentors, but I have had teammates – a great group of women. Larry has always encouraged hiring strong women at The Perk. Diane Cortes and I helped make the front of the house what it is today. And we were given the task of creating the first employee manual for The Perk. As we grew, so did our staff. Another great bartender, Sue Dunlap, joined our team 32 years ago. Sue is influential to our bar staff and helps us run a tight ship. We also welcomed Jennifer Leighton in 2008. Jen added a whole new area of expertise… the website! Jen brought new ideas and helped expand our restaurant into the 21st century. After a 40-year run, Diane, our GM, retired from The Perk family. We all still miss her.
Would you ever want to be a mentor?
I have now become the mentor. We always want our staff to grow. As our young staff turns 21, we like to train them to bartend. Having both bartending and serving experience creates valuable employees. I strive to teach them all the life lessons I have learned throughout my 38 years and give them the tools to be the BEST bartenders. I am a firm believer in treating each guest with a warm, happy smile as if they are your first guest of the day, even if they’re your last.
Have there been any challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the industry?
My challenges are similar to most women: finding a balance between family and work. I was able to raise four children, juggling sports, activities and homework assignments while working at The Perk. It’s never ending for a mom.
Do you feel that you have the respect of men in the industry?
16 years ago, I became a full-time day bartender and Larry had me meeting with all the beer reps. I would say, back then, men were the sales reps. I didn’t know a lot about beer, but by trial and error I learned fast what our customers enjoyed. Originally, the reps would come in and tell me what was good, and I would put it on tap, now I know better, and they know I know better! My reps understand I have learned what sells and what doesn’t. I’m very passionate and take my responsibilities seriously.
What trends are you excited about in beer?
The Perk is an IPA bar. Our customers enjoy West Coast styles, hazy and tropical flavored IPAs. I always like to keep a variety of beers stocked, so everyone has something to enjoy. Dry January brought out the NA beer trend and we added Sam Adams’ non-alc Just the Haze to our selection and it’s been selling well. We are always willing to try new beers and keep up with the trends.
What advice would you give women looking to get into the industry?
You need to have a desire to learn something new, enjoy interacting with people, not be afraid to communicate, and always be able to receive constructive criticism. When you’re behind the bar, you’re the show. Customers watch everything you do and listen to what you say. Your guests become friends and regulars. You want to be that friendly face they can’t wait to share an experience with. Always remember the customer first and you will excel. Being a bartender can open the door to future opportunities.
If you could share a beer with any women in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to share a beer with Princess Diana. I think she was a remarkable woman, and we shared similar life experiences. She fought to be a strong mother and was resilient throughout her life. Had she lived longer, who knows what she would have accomplished.