Get to Know the Staff: Kaitlynn from Spanish Fly

by: Amanda Savage

“Get to Know the Staff” is a new, weekly feature intended to introduce the world to the people who make the famous nightlife scene of Scottsdale possible. This week, meet Kaitlynn Bormann, an established bartender in Scottsdale who currently works at Spanish Fly.

Nicknames: Kait, little one, minion, nugget, Kool-Aid, Bor.

AFM: What’s your story?

I came out to Arizona from Long Island in August 2006 with a full-ride scholarship for gymnastics at ASU. I graduated in 2010 with a degree in Kinesiology, but wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, so I decided to get into the industry at Barney’s Boathouse Tempe. Between then and now I jumped around a little with my life. I was out of
the industry for about a year and coached gymnastics and worked at a couple different physical therapy clinics. Last April I decided to go back to school to pursue a nursing degree and got back into the industry at Barney’s Boathouse Scottsdale. From there I moved to Spanish Fly where I’m at now! I also have worked at Outback Steakhouse and have done about 2 combined years of promotions through Red Bull, Activate Water, and Miller-Coors products.

AFM: What makes you great at what you do? 

I don’t think there’s just one specific thing that sets me apart. It’s more of a combination of who I am as a person. I have a hard work ethic but know how to have fun and give great customer service.

As an employee, I’m an observant person and can always see what needs to be done around the workplace. I get along with everyone and am all about being a team player. I move quickly, do a thorough job, know my menus, know how to up-sell and make great recommendations. I’m also somewhat of a perfectionist and clean freak!

As a bartender providing service to customers, I’m a little tiny adopted Asian from New York so people are kind of surprised when they find out I’m not your stereotypical Asian girl by any means! A lot of people think I’m a valley girl from California because I’m pretty laid back but at the same time I’m feisty and my east coast attitude can definitely come out. Wherever I work, I like to bring 110% and really try to devote myself in all ways possible. I’m also a passionate
person who really cares, listens to, and gets to know my customers!

AFM: What do you bring to Spanish Fly?

I bring my hard work ethic, outgoing personality and marketing skills to Spanish Fly. I really want to set that example for those around me and be a contributing member of the Spanish Fly team in all ways possible.

AFM: Why do customers love you as their bartender?

Customers love me as their bartender because I strive to optimize their experience and make it memorable. I’m also the one who does things like get excited at every song that comes on saying it’s my jam and dancing to it.

AFM: What do you love most about your job?

I’m definitely a people person and just love being around people. I love meeting new customers as well as getting to see my regulars come back every time. I definitely plan to stay in the industry for a while even after getting my nursing degree. It’s too fun of a job!

AFM: What do you like least?

Probably cleaning ha ha but it has to be done right?

AFM: In this industry it’s a given that you get hit on. What’s the weirdest way anyone has ever tried to get your number or pick you up?

One night this guy beckoned me to come over so he could tell me that he had yellow fever.

AFM: What are you doing in your free time?

My nursing program is accelerated so I’m super busy between that and work!! Any free time I have is spent being active/outdoors, hanging out with friends and taking care of my puppy. My long board is way overdue to be taken out for a ride.

AFM: What are some of your favorite local spots to hang out at?

Camelback, Airworx, Postinos, D’lish and The Lodge.

AFM: It’s your day off, you have to work tomorrow and money isn’t an object. What are you doing?

Hmm… I would fly me and a bunch of my friends to California and spend the day at the beach or on a boat.

See Kaitlyn this weekend at Spanish Fly’s Old Town Mexican Beer Fest event!

Follow Amanda on Twitter @Amanda_Savage