By Kate Bartlett
Most locals are familiar with JP (John-Paul) O’Connell, the friendly face behind the bar at Villaggio, but few may know the complete story of his family’s deep roots in the Ellicottville community. JP has bartended for almost 10 years in The Ellicottville bar scene. His wife, Jenna, is active in the community and is currently running for school board. Their 4 children, Jordan (15), Juliana (14), Jack (8), and Josephine (3) are involved in school groups and sports including basketball, cheerleading, and soccer. JP coaches many of his children’s sports teams and is active in the Rotary Club. Without a doubt, the O’Connell clan is knit into the fabric of the Ellicottville community.
John-Paul’s story began in Illinois, as he grew up in the suburban/rural town of Bradley, just south of Chicago. He graduated from Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School in 2001 and served in the Air Force and Air National Guard from 2001 until 2007. After working in the telecommunications industry, he had an opportunity to take a position in Western New York which is the position that brought him to the wonderful town of Ellicottville.
He began his bartending journey at Dinas and has also had the opportunities to work in places such as Balloons, EBC, Finnerty’s and his current position as the bar manager of Villaggio. “I have enjoyed working at a variety of places around town. Every bar and restaurant has been a learning experience. I was fortunate enough to get to know many talented restaurant owners and members of the community.” JP has always enjoyed meeting new people, and enjoyed bouncing around the Ellicottville scene. “I love talking with people and learning their stories, so it’s really the perfect place for me.”
JP joined the Villaggio team in September 2022, searching for regularity with his schedule in order to spend more time with his family. He has been enjoying the people of Villaggio, the staff and the customers. “Villaggio is such a great space with a casual, laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great family restaurant and we strive for personalized customer service, and a warm friendly environment. And the food…the food is absolutely outstanding. Anyone who knows me, knows I love food, and Villaggio is a total Mecca for my palate.”
His favorite thing about bartending is getting to know people. “It’s such a unique opportunity to be able to get to know the locals and tourists alike. I’m so fortunate to get to know people from all over the country, and be a part of their experience here in Ellicottville. I love serving good drinks and I pride myself on knowing what our regulars drink; having it ready before they even reach the counter sometimes.”
Outside of work, JP keeps busy with his family and is enjoying his work-life balance. “I’m loving having time with our youngest, Josephine (3). I’m soaking in these toddler years and just enjoying being a dad.” Their 3 older children keep busy with sports, many of which JP coaches. In addition to running for school board, his wife, Jenna, works at Eville Events, a wedding planning business ran by local Sam Nelson. JP is active in the Rotary Club, and helps out with many community events. He was most recently involved in helping raise money for the Frank Pitillo Lighting Foundation and also the Kentucky to Ellicottville trip that provided aid for victims of the Tornadoes.
JP is proud to be raising his family in Ellicottville. “It reminds me of Mayberry! It’s a perfect little ski town where everyone gets along. The community here is like none other. Everyone is always willing to help out, especially during times of need.” JP recalls when he ran a donation for Tornado victims in Kentucky, and had a semi-truck full of contributions in less than 2 weeks thanks to the generosity and giving nature of the community. “Ellicottville is such a caring place. People open their hearts and their homes. We love to rally around community members and help out in any way we can.”
Recently, JP also began a start-up company called Deego Guides, which teaches people how to use cell phones. The service offers bill consultations and training on how to use Apple and Android phones and will soon move into servicing small businesses. For more information email info@deegoguides.com.
Eventually, JP plans to open his own bar in Ellicottville. But for now, he’s loving his position at Villaggio and is enjoying more time with his family. Stop down to visit JP for a drink at 7 Monroe Street, and get to know one of Ellicottville’s treasures.
Excerpt from Kentucky Outreach article, December 2021.
Humanitarianism at its Finest
The Ellicottville to Kentucky Group Provided For Those In Need
By Jessica Schultz
“If a natural disaster strikes your community, reach out to your friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. Lend a helping hand.” – Marsha Blackburn.
We all know about the horrible storms that struck the Mid-West and left many families in a state of despair. Marsha’s quote truly embodies what a local Ellicottville group accomplished last week. The Ellicottville to Kentucky group put together a large truck of donations and drove down to Kentucky to offer their help with the recovery effort.
The Villager had a chance to speak with one of the founders, J.P. O’Connell, about how the group began and how the trip went.
The Villager (V): How did this idea come together?
JP (J): “It all started when I was drinking my morning coffee scrolling through Facebook. I saw a story of a gentleman and his family that had lost everything from the tornado. His story really called out. I put myself in his shoes…his wife and daughter were in the hospital, no home, no cars, nothing but the clothes on his back. After that I knew I had to help. So I reached out via Facebook messenger and asked what he needed, what his neighbors needed? Then I told him I’d be there in 1 week. After our conversation, I put down my phone and started planning.”