Libations

Positive Vibes Only with Karla Walker

by Deborah C. Gerbers photos by Sue Pais

Armed with a positive attitude, a bright and welcoming smile, and a

weakness for Big Brother,

Warsaw native Karla Walker is a fun-loving gal who lives life to the fullest— and keeps the (cocktail) glass half-full.

Meet Karla Walker, this month’s ‘Libations’ nominee. Say hello to her at Chubbie’s Pub-n-Grub (located inside the Wawasee Bowl in Syracuse).

Chubbie’s Pub-N-Grub

1201 S. Huntington St., Syracuse 574.457.3855

Is Kosciusko County ‘home’ for you?

I grew up in Warsaw… I had a great group of kids to grow up with and we had so many good times! I love all the things Kosciusko County has to offer. I’ve lived here most all my life and I’m finding new things to do all the time!

How did you get into bartending?

When I moved to Syracuse, Arnelda (Ardie) Losee was looking for some extra help. So, I started working at Louie’s on the weekends, not knowing I would still be bartending 20 years later! I was trained by John Losee, who many people I’m sure remember. In my opinion, (he was) one of the best. I worked there for several years, then started at Chubbie’s… I’m going on 10 years and still loving it!

Who are your heroes, and why?

My mom is my hero. Growing up I never realized how much she sacrificed for us. Being a single mom and a waitress herself, she did not have it easy and I rarely cut her a break. The older I get the more I appreciate her... I get my work ethic from her. She was a very hard, dedicated worker… she had to be to keep the bills paid.

If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?

I’m not sure my one thing could change the world, but I feel like if every person woke up in the morning and made a conscious decision to work on being a better person than they were the day before, the world would have to be a better place.

What are the best parts of your job?

The people. It starts with the owners: Jim, Jeff, and Jeremy. Their whole family are some of the hardest working people I’ve met and I respect that… they’ve been so good to me, and I really enjoy working for them. And our customers are the best! I’ve waited on so many of them for so many years and lots of them have become close friends, really they’re like family. I love getting to meet so many wonderful people.

I had a customer the other day, who I didn’t know, tell me my smile was contagious. Things like that is what makes it so fun, and that’s how I want to make everyone feel when they come to Chubbie’s. Oh, and the new draft system has made my life so much easier. I love it!

What does lake living mean to you?

To me it’s all about community. I love that the lake always brings people back home, and I meet people from all over the country. It’s a ‘vacation every day’ feeling.

Favorite summer cocktail and recipe?

Pina Colada hands-down. It’s not a drink for every day, but there’s nothing like that icy, coconut-y, pineapple yum. But, there has to be extra pineapple juice and it’s got to be Bacardi rum.

Fun, little known fact about yourself?

So, this is a little embarrassing but I am sucked into watching Big Brother every season. Pour a big glass of wine over ice, and I could watch for hours.