FIRST: Brittany Garner, Barflyy Retro Bar & Arcade

Brittany Garner started bartending at 21. Seven years later, after coming back to the profession, she is now the general manager at Barflyy Retro Bar & Arcade at 100 E. Erie St. 

“I’ve created many close relationships thanks to Barflyy and for that I’m grateful; I love all of my regulars,” Garner said. “I just want to thank everyone who voted for me again this year. I hope I make your weekends a little brighter, just like you do mine.”

Barflyy’s bar manager, Devon Elkins, said Garner goes “above and beyond” for all their customers. 

“Her smile and energy light up the room,” he said. “We couldn’t be prouder that she’s earned best bartender again but are certainly not surprised.”

Garner can be found bartending on the weekends, serving up Barflyy’s top signature drink, the electric lemonade, she said.

“I’ve learned more skills doing this job than I ever have during my education,” Garner said. “I truly love the atmosphere and connecting with new people every week.”

Barflyy Retro Bar & Arcade can be contacted at 330-474-5151.

SECOND: Megan Fullerton, North Water Brewing Company

Megan Fullerton is a Kent State alum who has been bartending full-time for two years at North Water Brewing Co. at 101 Crain Ave. in Kent. 

“It’s pretty exciting [to be in the top three],” Fullerton said. “It’s awesome for me and the brewery. I really take a lot of pride in my job to make sure everyone feels welcome there.”

Having not had a bad beer during her time at North Water, Fullerton has gained significant knowledge about the types and tastes of beer and the brewing process, she said.

“I’m very appreciative to get to learn more, work side by side with friends and make friends along the way,” Fullerton said. “It is really fun to connect with the customers that come in and when they come back you start to build inside jokes with each other.”

In celebration of Women’s History Month during March, all of the women working at North Water Brewing created, brewed and named their newest beer ‘Smile More,’ a strawberry wheat ale. They will be donating profits for each beer sold from the batch to local women’s shelters, Fullerton said.

“It’s a really cool idea,” Fullerton said. “I was really happy to be a part of that.” 

Fullerton runs trivia and Run Club at North Water every Thursday, building relationships with regular customers, assistant manager Ashley Vogias said.

“Megan is a great bartender and just a great person — she is very friendly and helpful to all of our customers,” Vogias said. “Megan is always there when we need her, upbeat and getting shit done, even on the long shifts and busy days.”

North Water Brewing Company can be contacted at 330-778-4677.

THIRD: Matt Yunk, Zephyr Pub

Matt Yunk has 12 years of bartending experience and feels he has grown closer to the area over the years. 

“It’s hard to single out a moment from 12 years of bartending, but it is a wonderful way to feel like you are part of your community,” Yunk said. 

Yunk said he started his bartending career in 2012 at the Stone Tavern, which is now closed, in Kent.

“It feels good to be recognized as being good at one’s job,” Yunk said. “I am happy to have been voted for.”

He has been working at the Zephyr Pub located at 106 W. Main St. in downtown Kent since 2016, Yunk said.

“I know hundreds of people in town and the majority of my close friends are people I met while bartending or booking shows and running sound at Zephyr,” Yunk said.

Yunk can not only be found making drinks at the bar, but he is involved in the production and organization of the live music, performances, karaoke and more at Zephyr.

“Being at the heart of the music scene in Kent is the most gratifying part of my job,” Yunk said.

Zephyr Pub can be contacted at 330-678-4848.

Lauren Bischof is a beat reporter. Contact her at l[email protected].