Dane Acton, who serves up his drinks behind the curvy bar amidst the ultra-hip décor at deLux Diner & Lounge in the historic Fan district, is the object of our fascination for this edition.

RC: So, Dane, we’ve heard all about the chic retro interior design at deLux, but we don’t know much about you. What can you tell us?
DA: I’ve been working here for almost three years, but I’ve been in this business for over ten. I’ve worked behind the planks of dives, sports bars, hotel lounges, college sweat fests and fine dining restaurants. This style of old-school design with a modern twist is by far the best mix I’ve come across.

RC: This has to be one of the coolest-looking establishments I’ve seen in a while. Do you ever get side-tracked looking at the art and architectural features?
DA: The décor? Not distracting, as I see it every day. I have to say that I take pride in telling people that I make my living here. The owners and managing partners (RRG) have some progressive ideas and concepts that are keeping this city current. This is one of bright lights on concrete.

RC: It’s been said that your clientele includes some pretty big players on the Richmond scene, do you ever get intimidated?
DA: We have many of RVA’s newsmakers on a regular basis -- politicians, news anchors, VCU directors/professors, athletes, newspaper editors and so forth. Never intimidated! That would just make their time here awkward. I’m just happy to have them join us for a getaway.

RC: You have an extensive drink menu, and this is a busy bar. Is it ever hard to keep up?
DA: We’ve been very fortunate to attract some of the best bartenders this city has ever seen. Most of us have been mixing cocktails for over five years. It’s a nice change of pace to actually construct a cocktail instead of the same old Vodka-soda or beer and a shot order. These bartenders are veterans, and they always back each other up, no matter the order.

RC: What – or who – makes you smile when you’re behind the bar?
DA: Friends and regulars sharing stories. The camaraderie with your guests is what makes this job fun. The money also plays a big factor. You want to see me smile? Tip 30 percent…always…every time.

RC: We know a lot of good bartenders, but what makes a great one?
DA: To me, bartending is ten percent drink knowledge, 20 percent work ethic and 70 percent personality. If you just pump out drinks and don’t show your customers a good time, they’ll take their business elsewhere. People come to bars to find an escape from the stresses of life. It’s a great bartender’s duty to make patrons forget the outside world.

Dane’s signature drink:
Koala Bomb
The Summer shooter that took over Main Street
1oz Stoli blueberry vodka
1oz Cruzan mango rum
Splash of orange juice and cranberry
Splash of ginger ale
3oz Red Bull

Kick back, and let the fuzzy lil’ bear do all the work.