Photos and story by Grace Galbreath
–
AVALON – This week’s featured bartender is Bobby DiPeso, from Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair Restaurant. The Rock’n Chair is a family establishment, and Bobby is clearly a part of the family. He grew up in Avalon and has been working with his family at the business for the better part of the last twelve years, with the last five of those years having been dedicated to bartending.
The Rock’n Chair celebrated 20 years of service in March, and even today the business maintains its status as an Avalon staple! The restaurant boasts a large food and drink menu, and offers live music and trivia, in addition to a daily happy hour. The business also has a dedicated and friendly staff, with Bobby being one of their many popular bartenders.
Bobby has enjoyed the time he has spent working at the Rock’n Chair with his extended family. He said, “It’s cool! I mean there are definitely challenges here and there working with family members, but it’s a positive experience, I would say. It is very close knit, between my immediate family, my sister and my parents, my cousins, and my aunts and uncles. Even my grandparents are here every day. I get to see just about everybody here.”
He is very grateful that the Rock’n Chair has allowed his family to work together and cherishes the time that they spend with one another. “If I weren’t here working with my family, I probably would never get to see any of my family. Everyone spends about every waking hour of the summer here. In one way or another, everyone is here. If they are not working, they are either at the bar or eating here just about every weekend,” he said.
Having bartended for years, Bobby has met a lot of people, and his favorite part about the job is getting to know them. He said, “My favorite part about the job is meeting new people and creating relationships. You meet a lot of interesting people in Avalon.”
Off the clock, Bobby enjoys relaxing. In his free time, he likes to surf and spend time on the beach. He also enjoys hanging out with friends and traveling.
When asked to name the Rock’n Chair’s signature drink, Bobby did not get a chance to answer before several patrons chimed in, recommending the Rock’n Chair’s famous Espresso Martini. Bobby agreed wholeheartedly with their recommendation. “I would have to say an Espresso Martini. It’s kind of been our signature drink for the last twenty years,” he said. The drink, dubbed the Rock ‘N Chair Espresso, consists of Tito’s vodka, Kahlua, Tia Maria, and espresso. “People come here just for our Espresso Martinis,” Bobby said.
This summer, stop by Bobby Dee’s Rock’n Chair Restaurant for trivia, live music, and drink deals. Say hello to Bobby and the rest of the family, and make sure you try their Seven Mile Island-famous Espresso Martini!
