Brenden Chrisman was hired as temporary staff to help with the New Year's Eve celebration at Roscoe's Tavern as the calendar clicked in 2003.
He still remembers the shrimp cocktail sauce from that night.
"I was generally impressed [with Roscoe's], but it was not what I was thinking it would be. It was a business, not just a bunch of people drinking," said Chrisman, who toted multiple platters of shrimp around the bar throughout the evening and10 years laterstill recalls them dripping everywhere, over everyone.
Chrisman was hired full-time at Roscoe's months later and has since held almost every possible job at the popular Lakeview drinkery, including barback, bartender, security, front-door staff and more.
He now has a desk upstairs at Roscoe's and manages a staff of about 60.
"It's a fun job, but not at all what I thought I'd be doing at this point [in my life] … but I couldn't be happier," said Chrisman, who wanted to become the Secretary of State due to his interest in the foreign aspect of politics.
Chrisman still tends bar once a week, often to observe and interact with customers and staff: "I want to hear customer feedback first-hand, especially from those who don't know my title."
Chrisman also works close with vendors, stocking product, pushing support for Chicago's diverse LGBT community and working to expand Roscoe's beyond the stereotypical gay bar "because that doesn't cut it anymore."
He often is looking to add events to reach a wider audience, such as live band karaoke on Monday nights. (Amy Armstrong hosts.) In addition, Chrisman is proud of Roscoe's Sin Thursdays, featuring alternative/indie and rock videos and hosted by Mistress Mercedes and burlesque, fetish and sideshow performers.
"I've invested a lot of my life in this industry; Roscoe's in particular, almost 10 years," Chrisman said. "Gay bars are continuing to change and, in 10 more years, I still hope to be a part of [the bar industry]
"I really enjoy my job; it was honor to be here for [Roscoe's] 25th anniversary [earlier this year.] I don't think everyone can say they are proud of where they work, but I definitely can."
THE STATS
Age: 31
Relationship status: In a relationship
Job title: General Manager, Roscoe's Tavern
Hobbies: Music, rollerblading, "just being involved in the community and experiencing everything Chicago has to offer."
Favorite movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Favorite Chicago restaurant: Portillo's
Little-known fact: Traveled the world in a children's choir at ages 10 and 11