West End Ale Haus

     As many people walk around the town of Bloomsburg , they notice a new restaurant called West End Ale Haus, formally known as Russell and Kate, recently opened. Upon entering, a hostess welcomes everyone to the restaurant. Walking around, the aroma in the room is a combination of fried food and alcohol. The division among the bar itself initially catches the eye of consumers who first enter the restaurant. The two different bars seem to offer two different experiences. They are cleverly named the west side and the east side bar. Straight in front when entering appears a dinning area where costumers enjoy their food without constantly hearing the clinging of glasses as people offer cheers. Comfortable chairs, and clean kept tables fill the dinning area.

     West end offers a moderate décor along with a diverse menu, which surprises some being a bar in a small college town. Many waitresses carry around a wide variety of food on their trays, from burgers to wings. A seasoned waitress would recommend the Grilled Cheese Burger in the burger section of their menu. Amber, one of the waitresses on staff, has worked at West End for a year to date. Many familiar faces fill up the bar as the night progresses. The rowdy crowd gathers on Wednesday nights to enjoy the crowd favorite forty cents wing special. A brown haired, young waitress, approached one of the tables and willingly agreed to answers questions about West End and her employment experience.

     Many of the workers appear young and in their early twenties, making the atmosphere in the bar more laid back. Each worker wears casual apparel. In order to work at West End, there are specific qualifications such as being RAMP certified. As Amber, a waitress at West End explained, "RAMP certification is needed to work at any bar or establishment that sells liquor or beer." Upon applying, Amber received her RAMP certification and got welcomed back for an interview. " I was so nervous for my interview, because I wasn't sure what questions would be asked and I'm not very good when I'm put on the spot," she stated. Amber went on to say, "Once I sat down and got a feel for the atmosphere I felt more comfortable." The next day she got a phone call informing her she got the job and could start whenever she was available.



Figure 1

     It's easy to notice physical differences between West End and other bars, but Amber emphasizes how West End offers two completely different bars that contain two very different atmospheres (Figure 1). She points out that the one bar fills up with a younger crowed and contains many physical differences, such as the darker light that was omitted, louder music. Amber says, "One of my favorite things we have here at West End is the pool table, because people are continuously playing." As she takes in the atmosphere of each bar, she explains the other side of the bar has higher celling's and brighter lighting. Amber ends with saying  " I've definitely never seen another restaurant set up like that before. It has a lot to offer".

     As most people already know about West Ends wing special, Amber tells of other themes to attract customers. To name a few, Tuesdays they offer "takeover night" with karaoke. Wednesday nights attract crowds for team trivia and forty cent wings (Figure 2). "Wing night is one of my favorite nights to work, because it attracts so many college kids, and I meet so many new people" Amber explained.


Figure 2

   People come back to West End for many reasons, but Amber reiterates by saying "The food rocks. We have specials all the time and most of the time some form of entertainment. The waitresses and chiefs take pride in their work and like to have fun with the customers while doing it!"

     The dedication and hard work of the staff its clear to the patrons at West End. The staff at West End makes it seem effortless and pleases the costumers. It's hard for people to always  have fun, but the atmosphere at West End allows the workers to proceed with their duty's while enjoying their time there.