Flying Saucer Draught Emporium wouldn’t be anywhere without our amazing staff. The jobs of Beer Goddess, Beertender, Kitchen Staff, and Manager are not easy. The training is hard, the standards are high, and the work can be exhausting (especially over the last two years).
That’s why it makes us extra proud when our staff’s efforts are recognized and rewarded by those outside the inner circle. It happened recently when Mary Katherine Peek from Little Rock Flying Saucer was named Best Bartender in Arkansas by readers of the Arkansas Times. We wanted to help celebrate Mary Katherine and shine the spotlight on her by picking her beer brain a bit.
So, read on and learn more about Little Rock’s Best Bartender.
GET TO KNOW LITTLE ROCK’S & ARKANSAS’ BEST BARTENDER
How long have you worked for Flying Saucer?
I have been at the Flying Saucer since 2013. I can’t believe it’s almost been a decade! I guess time flies when you’re having fun.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is definitely the people I get to see everyday. My coworkers, new customers, regulars. I’ve met so many phenomenal people along the way and some have even become like family to me.
What does being named “Best Bartender in Arkansas” mean to you?
To me, it makes me feel really thankful. I truly love my job because I get to tell people all about something I’m truly interested in: beer. It also makes me feel appreciative because people must like my presence as much as I enjoy theirs. *cue warm and fuzzy feeling*
What’s your superpower?
Definitely speed. I’m always going so fast. If I were interviewing for The Flash, I would knock it out of the park.
“…it’s illegal to mispronounce Arkansas.”
What’s the most random fact you know?
There’s an old law still technically on the books that states it’s illegal to mispronounce Arkansas. Which I think is hilarious because locals do get a bit offended if you pronounce it Ar-kansas.
What’s your favorite beer?
Samuel Smith Taddy Porter. It’s funny to think that I used to be a domestic beer kinda girl but jumped right into loving porters and stouts and never looked back.
What’s your favorite drink to make?
French 75. Super refreshing and has an interesting story behind it that dates back to World War I. Gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and champagne. All of my favorite things.
Do you have a favorite Saucer story?
Actually my favorite Saucer story is how I got hired. I was sitting on a bench outside and was talking to a friend of mine about needing a job. Slade (who is now my manager) just happened to be standing next to me and said “You do? Want to fill out an application?” I did it right then and there and that was the start of thousands of Saucer stories!
If you could choose any 3 people, living or dead, with which to have beers, who do you pick and why?
Harry Styles, J.R.R Tolkien, Jeremy Clarkson.
It’s time to close down the Saucer for the night and you get to choose the jams. What song(s) are you choosing?
90’s music all day!
There you have it! Thank you to the readers of Arkansas Times for voting for Mary Katherine, thank you to the Little Rock Beerknurds, and thank you to the entire Flying Saucer staff family for supporting the Best Beer Bar in Little Rock and Arkansas!
And CONGRATULATIONS Mary Katherine! A very well-deserved award. Thank you for all you do!
Read more about other Toast of the Town winners in Arkansas Times’ Best of Issue.
Do YOU have a favorite Flying Saucer staff member you feel needs celebrating? Let us know! More importantly, let THEM know!
