**Celebrating 40 Years of Service: A Bartender’s Legacy at Topeka Hotel**
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In an age where job loyalty seems increasingly rare, one woman in Topeka, Kansas, stands as a remarkable exception. Bev Huntsman, who prefers to be called Bev, has been a steadfast presence at the Endeavor Inn & Suites for an impressive 40 years, having started her happy hour service on June 10, 1986. Her unwavering dedication to her guests has earned her a special place in the hearts of both visitors and staff alike.
With a cheerful disposition, the 73-year-old bartender insists that her work is more than just a job. “I love all my customers, and it’s a great job,” she told PEOPLE. Her main responsibility during the hotel’s happy hour, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., is crystal clear: ensuring that every guest feels welcome and happy. She recalled, “When they hired me, they told me my job was to make sure everybody was happy from five to seven. I said, ‘I can do that.’”
Over the years, Huntsman has established a unique bond with her “hotel family.” Many loyal guests return regularly, with some even visiting specifically to reconnect with her. “Every night, I have somebody saying, ‘Oh, the reason we stay here is because of you,’” she shared, reflecting on the friendships she has forged. General Manager April Nagel recognised Huntsman’s influence within the hotel, noting that many visitors send her cards and gifts, a testament to her joyous spirit and the relationships she has nurtured.
Huntsman originally juggled her work at the hotel with a position in the retirement financial services sector, which she didn’t particularly enjoy. When she transitioned to the hotel, however, she found her calling. “I had never dreamed of having a job like this,” she explained. Now retired from her previous role, Huntsman continues to pour her heart into her part-time bartending.
The impact of her commitment is not to be underestimated. Huntsman’s friends and colleagues at the hotel rallied to celebrate her 40th work anniversary with an extravagant surprise party. A neon sign, proudly proclaiming “Bev’s Place,” was erected at the bar, further solidifying her legacy. “I’m thinking, what in the world’s going on? They had the biggest party,” Huntsman recalled, clearly touched by the celebration. “After 40 years, I got my name in neon lights. That was the biggest and best surprise I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
Moreover, Huntsman attributes her motivation to a deep sense of kinship within her workplace. “People have said, ‘When are you gonna retire?’ I said, ‘When I’m not in here anymore, you’ll know I’m retired, and I’ll probably be at the cemetery,’” she joked. Her ambitions don’t end with her 40 years; she is now shooting for 50. “My mum worked until she was 86,” she noted, demonstrating her determination to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Despite currently recovering from an injury that has her in a cast, Huntsman remains undeterred. “I have to hobble in there, but I said I’m gonna go in as long as I can,” she said with her trademark optimism. Her commitment to her job is not just a testament to her work ethic but also a joyous part of her daily routine. “It’s what I do, and I look forward to it every day. It’s a story that’s not ending yet.”
As Bev Huntsman continues her journey at the Endeavor Inn & Suites, her infectious enthusiasm undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact on guests and staff alike. Her approach, centred on genuine connection and service, serves as a reminder of the importance of community in the hospitality sector. In a world that is fast-paced and ever-changing, Bev remains a pillar of consistency and warmth, championing the idea that a job can be a source of joy and fulfilment.