Amanda Lease, Danny’s Sports Bar, Warsaw

Smiles, Sun + Fun

by Deborah C. Gerbers | photos by Sue Pais + provided

For Warsaw native Amanda Lease, a smile, a laugh, and a little fun can go a long way in spreading cheer and joy. As a bartender at Danny’s Sports Bar (loved by locals for its delicious pizza and burgers in a cool, sports bar atmosphere), she loves to see the smiling faces of her customers and reciprocates kindness wherever she goes.

Folks, meet Amanda Lease, a hometown gal with a sparkly personality full of fun.

Is Kosciusko County home for you?

Well, home is where the heart is. I was born in Warsaw, and then we moved to Florida when I was three. I returned here as an adult in 2014 (24 years later!).

How did you get into bartending?

It was really just the next natural step. I started as a hostess at Bob Evans at age 13. As time went by, I learned food running, salad, and dessert plating, became lead expediter, then server, then bartender as soon as my age would permit.

Who are your personal heroes and why?

Currently I have to say my personal heroes are all the staff members who stuck it out over the past year. Anyone who stayed with their restaurant and worked their tails off deserve a huge thank you. This has been one of the toughest years yet.

What are the best parts of your job and why?

Hands down, my favorite part of the job is creating relationships with the guests. I absolutely treasure the connections I have made. Some of the most influential people in my life have started out as guests, became friends, and now feel like family.

What are good qualities for a bartender to have?

I have to say that’s a really tough question to answer. For example, all of the women bartenders upstairs at Danny’s Sports Bar bring something to the table. Every girl has a quality that makes her special. But if you really wanted a ‘starter pack’— a good smile, great attitude, organizational skills, and maybe a couple of cute one-liners.

Do you have a favorite summer cocktail recipe you'd like to share?

In the summertime I enjoy a Moscow Mule. It’s a simple drink with vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Light, tasty, and it has a little zing to it.

If you could do one thing to change the world or make a positive impact, what would it be?

I just want to bring love back to the world. This year has been extremely frustrating for I think everyone— staff and guests alike. I look forward to seeing smiling faces. I think of the sun and look forward to the fun of summer. As for me, I’m going to keep on smiling, I’m going to get a little weird with to-go orders over the phone, and I might even do a little dance here and there. And hopefully, just hopefully— it will make someone smile. Those are contagious, you know.

Danny’s Pizza and Sports Bar

3620 North Barbee Rd., Warsaw 574.834.1111 Barbeehotel.net