There are 19 bars located in downtown State College, each equipped with a team manning the madness behind the bar, but have you ever really taken the time to get to know the bartenders? That’s where we come in with our series, Better Know a Bartender, where we sit down and get to know the brave men and women who serve the insatiable thirst of Penn State students. 

Over 11 years ago, this series left off with Better Know A Bartender: Cafe 210 upon the previous author, Becca Erdman’s, graduation. Since then, it has lain idle, but today I breathe new life into this endeavor and return State College’s most courageous to their rightful place in the spotlight. Our quest begins in the heart of South Allen Street with Champs Downtown, as I sit down to chat with their valiant bartender, James Drass. 

Age: 20

I’m still in shock — can you imagine spending that much time at Champs without ever tasting the glory of a Dirty Sprite? Me neither. James plans to celebrate his 21st at the Banana Bar Crawl next month, so if you see him there, be sure to send one his way!

Major: Finance & Accounting

James describes himself as “looking like a basic business bro”, but you know what they say: looking the part helps you get the chance to fill it. 

Hometown: State College

That’s right, y’all, Champs’ finest was born and raised right here in State College. He cites this as a positive in the hiring process, since he’s always in town to work over breaks.

Experience: Two Years & Counting

James started his bartender career at Champs about two years ago, as his freshman year final exams approached. We all know what freshman year can do to a person’s checking account, and while on the job hunt, his older sister mentioned a friend who was under 21, but worked as a bartender at Champs downtown, and the rest was history.

Signature Drink: The Beyoncé/John Wall Shots

The Beyoncé, a lesser-known Champs drink, is a vibrant shade of blue and includes raspberry vodka, blue curacao, and lemonade. The John Wall shot is an even blue-r concoction, composed of raspberry vodka, blueberry schnapps, Sprite, and vodka. Maybe it’s just a hunch, but I think this guy might have a favorite color.

Craziest Story: Travis Scott Encounter

Pretty early on in his time as a Champs bartender, James was scheduled for the weekend of the Travis Scott concert. Champs is a known spot for special guests to pop up while passing through town, but he surely didn’t expect the award-winning artist to get up on the bar and give a concert only two feet away from him. He remembers the swirl of everyone dropping what they’re doing to pull out their phones and can recall similar experiences with stars like Sexxy Red and Waka Flocka Flame. Above all, he likes to reflect on how crazy a concept it is that such notable names pass through our small central Pennsylvania town. 

Favorite Part About Champs: His Coworkers

James cites the people he shares it with as the thing that makes the job truly special. He especially enjoys the close relationships he has fostered with his coworkers and managers through staff retreats, fantasy football leagues, and the energy everyone brings to their shift. “Everyone there is family,” he said, and he has a specific appreciation for his manager, Deucie, who originally interviewed him before he was hired.

Favorite Bar Song: “The Days” – CHRYSTAL

Maybe the business bro self-accusation does hold some weight after all… “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District was a close second for him, though, which is a choice I think we can all applaud. 

Typical Night: Two Scenarios

Week nights typically run at a slower pace, “Go in, get ready, make sure there’s ice and fruit cut everywhere, cups set out … you can talk with customers and get to know people”. These nights typically keep bartenders busy until 2 or 3 in the morning, as opposed to the 3 or 4 a.m. bedtime that comes with a weekend shift. These busier shifts start with a bang if you’re not the opening bartender, but the music is going, people are having a good time, and the fun extends behind the bar, where even the bartenders dance and sing to the DJ’s tunes.

Favorite Creamery Flavor: Death By Chocolate

Coming from a long line of chocolate lovers, he feels it’s only right that he follows suit. 

Dinosaur of Choice: Triceratops

It wouldn’t be an Onward State interview if we didn’t ask the age-old question, “If you could be any dinosaur, which would you be?” James’ answer did not disappoint. If he could be any dinosaur, he would be a triceratops, “because they’re big and strong, not predators; they don’t hunt and kill, but they can still hold their own. They’re awesome, like a rhino but better.”

10/10 reasoning, no notes here. 

What’s Next?

James hopes to graduate from Penn State with both of the aforementioned bachelor’s degrees and plans to pursue a career in trading and securities, with an interest in banking, Wall Street trading, or the wealth management industry. Perhaps an MBA lies further down the road, but for now, he’ll see where the road takes him. 

Closing Remarks: “Come to Champs, it’s a great time, it really is.”

Think you know a deserving candidate who should be interviewed? Reach out to my contact below!