Ashley Gillespie
Zodiac Restaurant & Lounge
561 N. DuPont Highway (inside the Holiday Inn) • 747-5050
5 p.m. to 1 a.m. everyday
Ashley Gillespie, 23, of Smyrna, has been working as a bartender at the newly opened Zodiac Restaurant & Lounge — which is located inside Holiday Inn — for the past several months, and she took a few minutes to explain what the bar is about and why she enjoys serving customers.
Q What are the differences between your bartending jobs, working at Applebee’s in Middletown and a hotel bar?
A The variety of customers is great here. It’s travelers who aren’t from around here; truckers and people from out of state. There also are some local customers who have become regulars.
The cool thing about working two places is I can bring people from there to here and here to there. You’re bringing people together from Middletown to Dover.
Q What do you like most about being a bartender?
A I like meeting people. I’ve seen it all and everyday is different.
You’ve got your regulars who come to you — when they have a bad day — for whatever they’re missing. I’ve got regulars who I vent to. You get to know people. I know so many types of people. If I ever need work on my house done, I could make a phone call. There are lonely old men who need someone to talk to, and when they come in we say, “Hey, it’s your husband.”
Q What’s your advice for customers on the best etiquette at a bar?
A Be respectful, it’s general manners. You always have to take of the person taking care of you.
Q What are the some of the things you’ve noticed about working for a bar that just started?
A It’s a little scary, but it gives us the chance to get ourselves known. We can do luncheons, banquets, whatever. We’re here to serve.
We’re a hotel bar, so we can’t be too crazy but we’ll have speed dating, comedy nights. It’s comfortable for people.
We’re trying to get our name out there and do it right.
Ashley’s favorite drinks
Patron perfect margarita
Bud Light Lime
Most requested drinks at Zodiac
Vodka martini
Moscato wine
Scorpio, a specialty drink
Three Olive bubble vodka
Splash of ginger ale
Splash of cranberry juice
