Whenever anyone asks about my job, you know... do you like it? I have always answered the same, "Not always, or usually, but I love some things I do and I love the people I work with." The next question that doesn't revolve around the current job usually is something like, "What was your favorite job?" Most people would expect me to say the Secretary of State's Office or my current job, since I am still there. (ha!) But they'd be wrong. My favorite job that I've had in the last 14-odd years of working? Damon's Grill. It's gone now. Closed in April of 2004. But for those of you that need a reminder... it was in the Holiday Inn on 50th Street in West Des Moines, which is now a Sheraton.
I was 19 years old. A college sophomore in a sorority, in need of cash. (I've always seemed to be in need of cash.) I'd been drinking for a year and thought that qualified me to be a bartender. (again, hahaha, right.) I started by looking in the phone book. (Pre-internet) I saw an ad for Damon's Grill, and it seemed like magic. My last name was Damon, a somewhat unusual name. It was meant to be. So I filled out an application. And I waited. And waited. and waited. Finally I got an interview. At the time I was also working at Drake's D-Shoppe, the Secretary of State's Office and had just started as a bridal consultant for David's Bridal (a horrible experience that can be discussed later.) At my interview, I sat at a high top in Beethoven's trying to look all professional for Darin Boots. We talked. He told me that they did train bartenders, no experience required. But (but?!?!?!) They weren't hiring bartenders, only servers. But it was a step in the door, I could be a bartender in months. I was hired after my 2nd interview. Which was good because I had quit the bridal business.
I had a rough start: evil trainers who didn't share tips after I did all the work, blisters, ill-fitting uniform shirts, you name it. But then I settled in. I started working a few nights a week. I really enjoyed it. I loved socializing with most tables. I made friends, great friends. I grew up at Damon's. I had 3 amazing managers, though a few times I wanted to beat them to death. Darin reminded me so much of my Dad in size and personality. I used to get hugs from him when I missed my dad more than I could bear. And I know that he probably took advantage of that sometimes... especially when a shift needed covered. Eric was a like a big brother, a total teddy bear. You could get away with almost anything if Eric was there. Especially during the days... 4 projection screen TVs and no customers = fun for us all. He is also the only manager to make me cry in front of him. Over broccoli. Don't worry, I totally let him have it once the tears were dry, and I've never let anyone talk to me like that again. And then there's Andy. The Hot One. (The one who sang the Title to this Post all the time. I've been singing it to Weston since he was born.) He was like a big kid. He flirted, probably a little harassment, but it was ok - it was Andy. He was always joking and he made you feel great, just as you were. Don't get me wrong... he could rant and rave and yell with the rest of them. They all could. But they could drink with the best of them too! I was a server, a hostess, and a Bartender. I did it all, had it all. An illicit fling with another employee... best friends made... crushes bloomed and wilted (can anyone say Matt Kiel? Allison can, maybe Katie too, definitely Katie Nickrent can)... drinks poured and shared. I made a life-long friend in Jess Nelson, now Jess Jones. She was a sister when I needed one, a bridesmaid when I wanted one, always a friend - still is to this day. She actually introduced me to my husband. It's a weird circle. If it weren't for Damon's, I wouldn't have my family. It's funny how it all turned out.
Andy Pederson found me on Facebook yesterday. I have reconnected with some of the best years and people of my life. It's brought back so many great memories. Its funny to see the families and babies of the people who shared my single life. Who watched me through college; who watched me fall in love with Scott. You see, I left Damon's April 2nd, 2003, to move to Sioux City to be with Scott. I clocked out at 2pm, changed clothes and returned to the bar. Andy made me my first and last drink at Damon's. Apparently this was a tradition. Jess and I had our last dinner there during their last week being open. It was so sad, but it felt right to have one last hurrah. I'm not sure if I have any pictures from Damon's, I can't remember taking any. Maybe all I have are the pictures in my memories: Going to Friday's after close, then shutting them down. Doing Karaoke at Mulligan's. Drinking at Bradley's (which I did not like.) Becoming regulars at Limey's. The Jukebox at Limey's (God how I miss Limey's.) Days spent playing hooky with Matt Kiel, the endless car rides with Matt. Becoming family with Jess, watching her babies grow up. Burke... we'll also leave that one alone. (Shut up, Shannon and Jess.) There are so many things, so many memories.
Now to give you an idea of what a day in the life was like... rent the movie Waiting. It's about 65% like that. Ok... maybe 80%.
And I will leave you with that.
Now and Always,
Erin Damn Damon
Erin Damn Damon
(another Pederson name.)
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