In light of recent tragedies, much town talk of late has centered around supporting a movement to obtain a taxi service in West Chester, and the countless amount of lives such a service could save.
Enter a bar ahead of it’s time: Duffer’s. No doubt you’ve glimpsed their colorful shuttle cruise by at some point during your weekend out and abouts. Duffer’s two shuttle buses run from 9 p.m. to last call on Friday and Saturday nights throughout their three locations. One shuttle serves both The Pub and The Tavern, and will pick you up and drop you off within a 15 minute radius. Also, you may use the bus to travel between the two bars if you want a midway change of atmosphere. The second shuttle will pick you up and drop you off within 15 minutes of their newest location, The Mill. Oh yeah, and did we mention it’s FREE?
“It’s such a wonderful service they provide,” said Kristen Tordone, this month’s featured bartender. Tordone is a spirited, vibrant West Chester native and long-time member of the Duffer’s cast and crew, whose charismatic bartending style has kept her a crowd favorite for many years. You can find her on Friday nights, serving up saucy charm at the newest addition to the Duffer’s family, The Mill.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
West Chester, 29 years born and raised! Hobbies: Skydiving and fashion design. My family – expecting their first grandchild – super stoked!
How long have you been at Duffer’s?
I’ve been here for roughly 11 years–9 at The Tavern, 352 Location, and 2 at The Mill, Naamans Creek Location.
What do you love about working at Duffer’s?
My co-workers and the owners, the Slachta family- they’re a wonderful family to work for and with– fair and upbeat, open to opinions, and lead by example. Employees have a long tenure, so we’ve all grown to become like family–weddings, baby showers, deaths, concerts, games, vacations together, etc. Some of my very best friends have come out of my years there.
How do you stay calm when encountering rude or wasted customers?
I try to remind myself that everyone’s been “that” customer…so you press on, vent to one of your co-workers, and move on until the next rude/wasted customer shows up!
Favorite memory of working at Duffer’s?
Concert Bus Trips! (Especially) Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of The Moon” and “The Wall.”
Favorite way to make a slow shift go faster?
Load the jukebox!
Day crowd or night crowd?
Night crowd, for sure. It gets ugly at times, but the crowd is way more entertaining than the day shifts.
Best/Worst tip you ever got?
The customer paying cash all night who tells you they’ll take care of you at the END of the night (laughs).
Best/ Worst pick-up line you’ve overheard?
Do your feet hurt? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.
Favorite West Chester summer pastime?
Dining outside! Favorite outsides: Side Bar, Ryans, Limoncello, Iron Hill and Teca.
It may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but…
Drunken karaoke…never again.
On my day off, I can’t wait to…
Catch up on sleep, play with the pup, and hang with my honey.
Signature Drink?
Applesauce Shot: Goldschlager, Apple Pucker and Pineapple Juice. Can’t take the credit for inventing it, not sure who did, but it’s certainly my most favorite to make and impress customers with.
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