For the January/February issue of West End’s Best we stopped by Baker’s Crust at Short Pump Town Center to speak with Lindsey Teard about her bartending experience.

How long have you been a bartender at Bakers Crust Inn?
“I have been with the company for two and a half years, and I have been bartending for about six months or so.”

What made you decide to work as a bartender?
“Well I started off as a server and then I got an itch after a few months and was ready to do something different. They noticed and moved me up to bartender and a management position. I had previous management experience from my positions in retail, and things just worked out perfectly.”

Do you have any formal training at all or did you learn on the job?
“No, this was my first serving job. Like I said, I was a retail brat who only worked in retail until I came to Baker’s Crust.”

Do you have a favorite type of customer?
“I have a lot of regular customers that come in, and I have a great time talking with them and getting to know them.”

When you are not behind the bar do you have a favorite establishment that you like to frequent?
“Not really. I really enjoy sitting home, honestly. When I do go out to eat though and splurge it is usually to someplace like Firebirds, or I like some of the bars in the Fan.”

Do you have a signature drink?
“I have been working on some new holiday drinks for the bar. I started making a gingerbread drink, and I make peppermint martinis and a Christmas cookie drink. I am trying to experiment with a few different things, but I do not have a signature drink just yet. I am working on it though.

When you go out to the local restaurants and pubs what is your drink of choice?
“Unfortunately my wallet allows me to enjoy Miller Lite. However, if I was going to go out and splurge on something it would probably be Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shooters.”

As a bartender I am sure you have seen many funny things. Is there perhaps one story that stands out in your mind as being exceptionally funny?
“I have had lots of couples ask me if I could date their son. That is probably the funniest thing that I get.”