A chat with Patricia Lusty from Landmark Americana
So, do you go by Patricia? Patricia, Tricia—doesn’t really matter.
Alright Tricia, how long have you been in West Chester? I went to school here, so I’ve been here about four-and-a-half years.
I’m having a sense of déjà vu here. Where ya from? Wallingford, so DelCo.
I’m guessing you plan on sticking around? Yeah. I’ve been at Landmark four years, and I go to school here.
Oh, still in school? Well, I graduated in December with a business management degree, and I’m going back in January for dental hygiene. I have a second job as a dental assistant. I’ve always wanted to be a dental hygienist but thought it’d be smart to get my business degree. After I get this degree, I won’t just be helping the dentist out, I’ll actually be cleaning teeth.
Certainly not my cuppa tea. I’ve successfully avoided the dentist for a good dozen years. You’d be surprised how many people say that. Some people will go a decade without, and they’re fine—maybe a small cavity or something. Then you’ve got people who go just a few years and come back and their teeth are shot.
This interview is taking a strange turn for “Bartender of the Month,” but that last answer needs a follow-up. Why? There’s a variety of reasons: poor habits, having a lot of saliva, even genetics.
Back to the topic at hand: how’d you get into bartending? I served at Landmark for two years, then I asked to be promoted.
That seems to be the general story for most people. Promoting from within is smart, not just because you know the computer system, but you also know the regulars, the culture; it’s an easy transition.
Is bartending more involved or difficult than serving? Sometimes. Serving is also difficult, especially in a large restaurant. When you’re serving you’re spread out when you’re busy, and as a bartender you’re localized so it’s easier to catch up.
What do you like most? I enjoy working lunch shifts where I can talk to people, and I like Friday mornings, where we have a good base of regulars who come in.
Mornings? Well, not quite morning, but we have people that come in for lunch, people who come in when they’re done work. The bar gets busier earlier on Fridays.
What do you like about WC? In this town in general, but especially in the bar business, everyone is always willing to help each other out. I think that’s more specific to this town than it is to the industry. Plenty of people who don’t work in restaurants are still friendly and willing to help out.
Got anything going on right now worth mentioning? Right now we’re prepping for our annual golf outing on September 12th. We’re working with the Friends Association, a local charity that benefits placing children and single mothers into safe homes all around Chester County. All the proceeds we raise through signups and hole signage, raffles and sponsorships, all goes to the friends association. Drop by the bar to find out how you can help!
Photo: Andrew Hutchins
Interview: Dan Mathers
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