Jayme Kleve, 24, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Assistant Manager and head day/weekend bartender @ Chrome Horse Saloon

What’s your history behind the bar?
I was working at my hometown bar when I was about 15. I did everything from cooking, serving and helping out behind the bar. It really gave me a sense of all aspects that go into a bar and restaurant. I started at Chrome five years ago, and have been there ever since.

What draws the crowds to the Chrome Horse?
The Chrome Horse is a family and business friendly spot during the day, then turns into a saloon-style hang out at night. People love the unique décor complete with Harley theme and great live music. It’s never the same crowd twice.

I love the variety. Obviously there are a ton of bike, from the crotch rockets to the classic Harleys. Does the variety in patrons ever surprise you?
I think that’s what sets us apart. You see such a variety of people who love the place, from business men with modern bikes to the die hard bikers that have the classic rides. The best is when the young guys come in with their jazzed up bikes and the older guys are like “Hard to believe we were once like them!”

Chrome Horse was in the throws of the flood. What kind of impact did it have on you?
It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. There were five or six of us that would come in every day mucking, hauling out pieces we had set up on the second level thinking that would be a safe height. (Chrome actually ended up with 13-feet of water). I really got to know my co-workers and it made me really appreciate the people I work with.

Your regulars had a hand in the rebuilding process too, right?
They were great. We’d be working all day, and our regulars would come in with food, water, help out for a little while, whatever we needed. At the end of the day we’d just hang out like we would when we were all at the bar. It made all the difference.

Now that Chrome Horse is officially back, what’s new?
It’s much more of a saloon style, a lot more woodwork, rustic feel. We now have an 84-foot horseshoe-style bar which seats 45. It’s great. It’s still the Chrome Horse, just some fun additions.

 
Himay Hummer
1.5 oz. Vodka
1.5 oz. Southern Comfort
1.5 oz. Amaretto
1.5 oz. Peach Schnapps
1.5 oz. Captain Morgan
1.5 oz. Pineapple Juice
A pinch of grenadine

Mix and serve. Jayme says this drink is a temporary cure for anything.

DETAILS: 1202 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; eat-in or carry out; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday; call (319) 365-1234 or online at www.chromehorsesaloon.net