Top of the Morning, May 3, 2024
May 3—Bellying up with ...
Lucas Gregg might just be a bartender at Lu and Denny's in Tolono today, but he hopes to be the future heir to the family business.
"I've worked a bunch of different jobs, and I enjoy this the most. If I can do it for the rest of my life, then it won't really feel like work," Gregg said.
The bar has belonged to his family for 64 years; Gregg would be the third-generation owner.
He described his other jobs as mostly warehouse positions and not as fun, in his opinion, as bartending over the last couple of years.
"Here, I get paid to talk and have fun with people," Gregg said.
And it didn't take him too long to learn the trade.
"Maybe it's in my blood."
Lu and Denny's mainly serves beer and simple mixed drinks, but Gregg also likes serving up the bar's homemade apple pie shots, which he says are the best around.
Gregg knows most of the patrons at the smalltown bar, or he knows their kids, and his favorite moments at work are when it's busy.
"It's a great time to get to know everyone. We'll mess with you and stuff, but that's only because we love you," he said.
Parking lot parties are a great time to visit and check the place out, Gregg said, especially the big one coming up on May 19.
The bar plans to host 18 bands that day in partnership with CU Bands and Fans.
