3 minute read
Meet Jane Riley, HopLore Brewery, Leesburg
August's nominated bartender: JAne RIley
• story + photos by Sue Pais
Lake life embraces laughter. It involves friendships, family and good times. Hey, it’s living the Good Life. And often, it’s those mixing your favorite cocktail or pouring the perfect draft who add to the fun. Cheers to that.
Born lakeside. Raised lakeside. And at any given time, near the lakes she will be.
This 28-year-old mom is a service industry veteran, we might say. Already with thirteen years’ experience serving the public, this green-eyed gal has built a life for herself that feeds her passions of today, on the daily. Jane is centered around all that matters most: her 5-year-old boy, Oliver, the lakes, art, music, reading, traveling to explore new adventures, enjoying social fun—including her job at HopLore Brewing—and the occasional getaway to visit her parents in Saugatuck, Michigan.
LAKElife Magazine? Meet Miss Jane Riley
Tell us where you grew up.
I was born in Valparaiso, and moved to this area when I was younger. I grew up on Sawmill Lake, which is part of the Barbee Chain of Lakes.
How have the lakes been important in your life?
A major part of my life revolves around the lakes—and the Barbee Chain in particular! The nice thing about growing up on Barbee is each of the seven lakes has its own atmosphere. I have so many great memories because of the lakes, too. My family would always visit in the summer, and so many friends have lived on lakes all around the area. It’s fun everywhere.
What’s most important to you?
My son, Oliver.
Give me your perfect day.
I love to spend time with Oliver, and going to check out new things. We like to go to parks, beaches and explore the woods. When I’m not with him, I enjoy checking out different towns and cities around the Midwest. I love breweries, restaurants and festivals.
Describe your customers at HopLore.
HopLore is in the middle of nowhere, but in the center of everything. Our customers come from all over. And, whether they’re traveling from Chicago or drove up from Fort Wayne, there’s always an eclectic group of people who come to check out the brewery. Everyone is super friendly.
What do you enjoy about working there?
I love working at HopLore! The whole atmosphere is really laid-back, and I really enjoy my coworkers and the customers. Working at a brewery is so much different than the restaurants and bars where I’ve worked in the past. It’s a different, more relaxed feel.
How would you describe the brewery to someone who’s never been?
I’d share that it’s very relaxed and kid-friendly. People come to eat, drink, play games, and listen to live music. It’s a big building with plenty of places to get comfortable and just hang out.
Tell me about your ‘regulars.’
I absolutely love my regulars! A lot of them I would consider friends more than customers. Again, it’s such a different group of people who all come together for the love of craft beer.
Do you remember customers’ drink preferences?
Of course! And, I always suggest new beers to try if I know they are into a particular style.
What’s the most fun drink to make?
The Bees Knees martini. It’s made with gin, honey simple syrup, and lemon juice. It’s super simple, and my favorite to drink as well.
What would you like to say directly to LAKElife readers?
There are so many fun things to do in this area. Branch out and explore all the lakes and what they have to offer—and visit us at HopLore!
Anything upcoming from HopLore we should know about?
We are opening a second location in Winona Lake in the near future. We also offer outdoor live music throughout the summer with a great variety of local musicians. We also just started serving locally-distilled liquor, and we added a small, creative cocktail menu. Also, ‘Lored of the Hops’ is our annual beer fest. It will be pushed back to Halloween Night due to COVID-19. So it will now be a costume party as well. Mark your calendars!
What to look forward to at your location this summer?
Lots of live music, new beers, great food, and plenty of good times.
Do YOU want to nominate your favorite bartender in Kosciusko County? It’s easy. Just email Sue at sue@lakelifemagazine.com. She’ll take care of the rest!
