Naked City - Volume 1 Issue 1 - (Page 37) >iconology ICON Sullivan, who started in this business waiting tables in San Diego, will soon graduate from Wichita State University with a degree in Business Administration from the W. Frank Barton School of Business. Naked City sat down with Sullivan at Sumo’s sleek, modern bar to learn about this busy, popular bartender. NC So, to what do you attribute your success at Sumo? BS We have the absolute coolest clients in the whole city here at Sumo. NC Okay, enough sucking up, Sullivan. What’s the best thing about tending bar here? BS It’s fun. Everyone comes here to have a good time, and we provide that atmosphere. NC What’s the craziest thing that you’ve witnessed as a bartender? BS No comment. NC Come on! BS I don’t talk. That’s why I’m a good bartender! NC Tell us about this bar. What’s your specialty? BS We specialize in vodka. Our martinis are well known. So is our Saki. NC What is the most important trait a bartender in Wichita nakedcity 37 nakedcitymag.com > volume 1 issue 1 tender moment Brent sullivan > sumo By namBara Four bartenders — with a combined 20-years experience — make for a rollicking good time at Sumo by Nambara. But there’s more behind the crazy antics than anyone would expect. They’ve managed clubs, bars and have college degrees. They’ve earned their places behind the bar. One bartender in particular stands out among this distinguished group, Brent Sullivan. “He’s Mr. Entertaining,” said long-time Sumo diner, Aaron Michaelis. “You just know you’re going to have a great time.” Jordan Essenburg has been going to Sumo for about a year. She keeps coming back from Kansas City for the Sushi and for Brent. “ He’s fast. He’s accurate. He pays attention. He knows what you need and takes care of you,” she said. must have? BS Be innovative. There’s a lot of competition. We started theme parties on Thursday nights to extend the fun our patrons were having. We have theme parties once a month, beginning in March and ending in October. We bring in DJs and live music. We also offer two-for-one martini nights. NC What are you going to do with your business administration degree? Will you leave the bar biz for a cushy corporate job? BS I refuse to work in a cubicle! NC What advice do you have for young Wichitans that want to get into this business? BS It’s not easy. Find a good bartender that you respect. Pay attention. Start at the bottom as a bar back. Pay your dues. Learn everything you can. And have fun! NC I hear you’re off on a trip soon. BS I’m going to the Dominican Republic on a medical mission. I’m going to assist doctors with doctor-type stuff. NC So, you’re an entertaining bartender with a heart of gold? BS Well, mostly. I occasionally trash my fantasy football league. They’re pretty weak. >>> Do you know a bar tender everyone else needs to know? send a one-paragraph summary about them to profile@nakedcitymag.com, and they just might get a naked profile. http://nakedcitymag.com
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