23 Aug GENERAL MANAGER FOSTERS FAMILY ATMOSPHERE
There is nothing quite like the comfort of strolling into your favorite cozy bar in the wintertime, catching up with your bartender and bellying up to enjoy a few drinks and your go-to menu item; no one knows this quite like Strohm Edwards. A veteran of the restaurant industry, Edwards has been working in restaurants nearly 20 years, but when he started at Bethany Blues Lewes in March of 2014, he knew that he had found a home.
Co-owner Kevin Roberts, who had known Edwards for years preceding his Bethany Blues hire, admits that he may have “followed” Edwards around a bit looking for the perfect moment to hire him. “He’s one of the best, if not the best, bartender in town,” Roberts says. And in a company who is well known for hiring like-minded people, Roberts says he recognized some of himself in Edwards, too.
Since coming on in 2014, Edwards bartended, learned the ropes of Blues, and in Spring of 2015, shifted into the General Management position. He’s the first to take on the position since it had formerly been Roberts’ responsibly, but with a strong team in place, Edwards was ready to take on the challenge.
In speaking with Edwards, one will immediately find him down to earth, friendly, and above all, the kind of manager whose focus on teamwork gives way to a humble demeanor. He mentions his teammates by name, stressing that it’s not him that makes Bethany Blues run with such efficiency, but the hard work of the cohesive staff that keeps the wheels turning—and it perpetuates an atmosphere of true kindness within the ranks of the employees.
It is this culture of kindness at Bethany Blues that really speaks to Edwards, who is a proud husband and father of three boys ages nine, five and just one year. “The owners want you to have time with your family—they don’t want you to miss out.” This ultimately enhances his time at work, and gives him more peace of mind.
In fact, is it this focus on family that Edwards naturally extends to his customers. He loves getting to know patrons by name, asking about their own families, and keeping up with their lives. “Our customers,” he explains, “I get to know them, and they turn into friends, and in many cases, those friends become like your family.”
With great specials, like mac and cheese night on Sundays, and smoked, fried chicken night and the make your own sundae bar (free of charge for the kids) on Tuesdays, Edwards is looking forward to getting on a first name basis with more customers this winter. It’s the perfect time of year to slow down, come enjoy the roaring fire in the bar, and let Edwards introduce you to their extensive bourbon collection—another passion of his.
“Bourbon is not a scary word,” he says very seriously. “I have a menu of bourbon cocktails, and there is really something for everyone.” Come on into Bethany Blues of Lewes, and let Edwards make a bourbon believer out of you! He and his staff are pouring all winter long, and are ready to show you why Bethany Blues is one of the best places to catch good feelings.
For more information visit http://bethanyblues.com or call 302-644-2500