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Tony’s Corner Pocket Bartender: Brad Bonn
By Johnny Trlica
Bartending is considered one of the most stressful jobs in the hospitality industry. It is a challenging environment that requires long hours on one’s feet, quick thinking and a great deal of patience.
A study by Oysterlink showed that 27 percent of bartenders do not last longer than one year on the job, and only 6 percent make the position a life-long career.
Longevity in any vocation is commendable but especially when alcohol is involved. Brad Bonn has 25 years under his belt of making people happy from behind the bar and is one of the most popular, well-known bartenders in the Bayou City. He is our Bartender of the Month.
Name:
Brad Bonn
Hometown:
I was born in San Antonio, moved and lived my preteen years in Vernon (which was a great all-American town) and ended up here in Houston when I started high school.
Married, single or “I ain’t telling”?
I’m single and taking applications!
What are some other places you have worked?
I bartend at Tony’s Corner Pocket. However, most just refer to it as Tony’s, or TCP and I have been here for 10 years. Prior to this I worked for the amazing Ed Moniger at EJ’s for fourteen and a half years! Funny story, Tony was manager of EJ’s and was going to hire me for part-time door security, however, Ed worried something might happen to me because I wasn’t a very big guy! Tony tells me this upon arrival and tells me, “You still have a job. You’re going to be a bartender!”
He asked me what went into a couple of simple drinks, then asked what’s in a Long Island Iced Tea. I told him I knew it was a bunch of liquors with a splash of Coke and lemon to which he said, “See, already solving problems. Now get to work!”
What is your specialty drink?
It changes with new flavored liquors coming and going. This summer’s drink was a Spicy Mango Rum Pirate’s Punch, or if you’re starting your day a Smoky BBQ Bourbon Bloody Mary! Trust me, it sounds totally weird, but amazingly delicious!
What is your philosophy on being a good bartender?
My philosophy on being a good bartender is to be honest, respectful and thankful to my customers, which I refer to as “family”. Simply, it is to treat others as you would like to be treated.
Besides the money, what do you enjoy about being a bartender?
The opportunity to meet so many amazing people, whether regulars or international travelers! It’s incredible the friendships that come from this as well as being able to work in a club where so many people come together to do so much for our community. Our “house” bar gives an open space for all of the organizations in our community to use for fund raising. It’s truly incredible!
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen from behind the bar? Well, working behind a bar for almost 25 years, baby, there’s been so many! Oh, LUEY weekends were off the chain, and I was in them a lot of times!
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
My hobbies are drawing, painting, anything artsy crafty. Also, I love to cook and am an avid autograph collector. And let’s not forget how much I love Galveston Island and all my friends there.
What was the best Christmas you ever had?
Christmas is and has always been a magical time to share family, friends and way too much food!
What is your Christmas wish for this year?
Things have been a little crazy this year, however I hope everyone can take this time to remember we are all in this together! Be kind to yourselves and each other, please. We only get one life so use it wisely. Remember one person’s life can touch and change the course of so many others.
Big Christmas hugs from myself and all of us at Tony’s Corner Pocket!
Where and when can we catch you for a drink?
I work at Tony’s Monday and Tuesday 12 p.m. ’til 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ’til 9 p.m. Come see me, and again, Merry Christmas to everyone!
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