Fast times at Churchill Downs' new 'Behave Yourself' bar

The quality of service in an internationally known sporting establishment is reliant on the character of the folks who love their jobs and do them well. For Jo-An Holleman and Angie Payton, serving the thousands of Churchill Downs patrons visiting for the 2018 Kentucky Derby and Oaks patrons at their second floor oasis, the two-day racing celebration requires preparation and consistent, rapid fire execution. The new bar, named for the 1921 Kentucky Derby winner, Behave Yourself, replaces the former “Silks” bar. And as Jo-An likes to describe its ambiance: “It’s a party every day.”

The Ladies stand ever ready,

And braced for a crowd,

Thirty-year Derby barkeep veterans,

Of endurance, they’re proud.

Fair-haired Jo-an and Angie,

Can sass with the best,

Yet for the guests they are serving,

Their hands never rest.

It’s a drink they deliver,

As fast and complete,

So, the fans can observe,

The Oaks and Derby horses compete.

Bourbon gets poured,

And the mint gets torn,

For thousands of juleps,

Blessed by J & A’s smiles never worn.

So, if you’re Churchill-bound,

With horses to play,

Come visit the ladies,

It’s a party every day.

It will be crowded,

You don’t have to walk far,

To get a bevvie and a smile,

At the “Behave Yourself Bar.”