01/24/2026
If Mallory was the heart of Bodega, then the staff were its soul.
They weren’t just bartenders. They were incredible people who happened to pour beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee. From the very beginning, they brought warmth, humor, care, and authenticity into the space, and that’s what people felt the moment they walked through the door.
Mallory had a rare gift for finding the right people. She built a team that reflected what she wanted Bodega to be: welcoming, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the community. The staff didn’t just represent Bodega, they were Bodega. They took care of our customers, our partners, and one another in a way that was sincere and consistent.
Some of them had never worked behind a bar before. One is a rocket scientist. One works in disaster response. Another comes from finance. A few are teachers. Just like a real bodega offers a little bit of everything, our staff came from different professions and walks of life. What united them was their pride in their work and their respect for the people they served. That professionalism showed every single time they stepped behind the bar.
They were instrumental in building the reputation of Bodega Beer Company, and before that, Fiction Beer Company Parker. The trust and loyalty our community showed didn’t come from a logo or a menu. It came from the people serving them day in and day out. For that, “thank you” still doesn’t feel like enough.
And Brooke, Mallory couldn’t have asked for a better right hand. Your energy, your passion, and that unmistakable southern drawl were infectious. You had a way of making people feel comfortable the moment they spoke to you, and it showed in how deeply you were loved by our customers and by the community. You carried the spirit of Bodega with confidence and heart, and that impact was felt every single day.
And James, while you might be the smartest person I know, you are also one of the most genuine and caring individuals. You came to us simply looking for an opportunity to socialize outside of school, and along the way you became a customer favorite. People didn’t just enjoy seeing you behind the bar, they were invested in you. They cared about your journey and your success, and that says everything about the presence you brought into the space.
And Abby, I couldn’t have been happier when you joined us. You quickly became a local fan favorite, and for many customers, you were their introduction to who we were. You brought energy, passion, and warmth into every shift, and it showed in how deeply you were loved by the people who walked through our doors.
And ADK and Patrick, while your time with Bodega may not have been long, the impact you made was real. From the moment you stepped in, you represented Bodega in every way that mattered. Our customers felt that, our community felt that, and we couldn’t be prouder that you were part of us, even for a short time.
To Christina and Hollis, you took a risk and joined us at the very beginning. You helped shape who we were before there was anything established. You were instrumental in crafting an identity built on service, care, and truly taking care of our customers. Your work mattered then, and it remains part of the foundation and legacy of Bodega.
And Kevin, Josh, Devin, the Montoyas, and Sara, while you were not officially employees, you absolutely deserve recognition for helping Bodega become Bodega.
Kevin and Josh, you never hesitated to step in and help fix something behind the bar or improve what needed improving.
Devin, you volunteered your time and skills and completely transformed the Bodega Wall in ways that people noticed and appreciated every day.
To the Montoya family, you may be terrible at math, but the shelving and display cabinets you built made Bodega warmer, more functional, and more beautiful.
And Sara, you were every bit a part of the bar staff. You jumped behind the bar, rang tickets, helped customers, and treated the space as if it were your own.
To all of you, it says something meaningful that Bodega was a place you cared enough about to give your time, effort, and talent so freely. That kind of pride and generosity is not common, and it will always be part of what made Bodega special.
To every member of the Bodega staff and extended family, past and present: what you gave mattered. You helped create something real, something human, and something meaningful. The care you showed, the relationships you built, and the pride you took in your work are what people will remember long after the doors closed. That is something to be proud of.
