Tuesday, August 30

joy j.

Joy J. | Server
Years of Industry Service: Lifer
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Joy is a music fanatic. She grew up learning to love music, works mainly to be able to see her favorite bands, keeps every ticket stub of every show she's ever been to and writes and promotes the music scene in Kansas City. Joy's first concert was Michael Jackson's Victory Tour in 1984. Her aunt and brother, however, taught her to love rock and roll, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd. This summer, Joy has been to at least 50 shows, Phish, Mötley Crüe for the sixth time and U2 in St. Louis which changed her world. Mötley Crüe, Joy says, "was the top show of the year. It blew me away. Beautiful girls, a roller coaster, pyrotechnics. It was the best rock-n-roll party ever."

"Music makes me feel good," Joy says. "I've maxed out a lot of credit cards to see shows. I love music, but it doesn't pay shit." So she does what the rest of us have to do to follow our passions, she has to work. In addition to running, writing and promoting local artists for the non-profit Central Plains Jamband Society, which she helped start in 2001 and recently celebrated its tenth year this month, Joy has also been steadily working in the service industry all her life. She grew up in the restaurant world. Her great-grandfather was the maître'd at the original Harvey House in Union Station for 43 years. He waited on every president from Truman to Reagan. Her grandfather was the food and beverage director at the Hilton.

Although Joy studied political science in college, the service industry "ended up being a career for me." Her stint at Ponak's began nine years ago. "When I was hired, I didn't even have scheduled shifts. I got up every morning and called and waited for someone to give up their shift." She loves her job because it's such a fun, family environment. Every morning and afternoon, the staff eat together. And there are so many customers who fit this Kansas City Mexican restaurant into their regular dining schedule. "Friendly faces make the place," Joy says. "If you're from Kansas City, you have a story about Ponak's." Go see Joy and ask her for one of their Liquid Attitude margaritas. Then enjoy the show in the parking lot.

  Make KC Better » Bring great rock-n-roll bands to Kansas City

5 comments:

Cakes said...

Way to go Joy. I'm so proud of my girl. Woo Hoo!! You deserve this. You know I will always have to have my Joy and Ponaks fix at least once a week. Love ya Joyfull and see you soon. Love ya, Cakes

Cakes said...

Love ya Joufull, see you soon.
Love ya, Cakes

MARZ said...

SEXY BABY!!! YOUR SERVICE IS SO GOOD!!! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! YOU ARE TRULY ONE OF A KIND AND JOHN PONAK SHOULD GIVE YOU A RAISE! THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING!!! YOU ARE THE BOMB.COM!! LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR SERVICE! THE PERSONAL TOUCH IS GREAT!

Ms. McGarry said...

Hell yeah!

Ms. McGarry said...

Right on Lady!