By Kate Bartlett
Amy Moore is no stranger to Ellicottville. As a bartender at John Harvard’s for over 14 years and Humphrey resident since 2006, Amy is well versed in cocktails and customer service, and has a deep instilled passion for the great outdoors.
Amy was born and raised in Newark, Delaware and attended the University of Delaware for Hospitality Management and Business Administration. Searching for adventure in the great outdoors, she took a summer internship in Crested Bute, Colorado, at Three Rivers Resort helping manage the café. “It was an amazing experience to live in the mountains of Colorado, especially coming from Delaware. I was fortunate to live on the river and went kayaking and white water rafting every day; it was incredible.”
She met her now husband, Michael, during her summer in Crested Butte. Originally from Great Valley, Michael was working at the Three Rivers Resort as a whitewater raft guide and maintenance man. Amy finished her Senior Year in Delaware, then moved back out to Colorado with Michael and worked as a server and bartender at Harmel’s Horse Ranch Resort. “We soaked in the great outdoors and took as many adventures as possible. My experience in Colorado helped shape who I am as a person today.”
Amy was then hired to be a corporate manager trainee at The Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, a few months after relocating, the position was eliminated as a result of the decrease in hospitality and travel following September 11. Since she had just moved across the country, Amy made the most of the situation and found various jobs in the customer service industry including Enterprise Car Rental and waitressing. She became pregnant with their daughter, Cyrene, and they decided to move back to the east coast to settle down and start a family. “Our summer romance turned into lifelong love. 21 years and counting,” says Amy. They bought land in Humphry, NY, built a house, and had their son, Errol, 2 years later.
With a great love all things outdoors, Amy pursued a job at Holiday Valley. “I wanted my kids to grow up knowing the slopes. We embrace adventure in nature, and Holiday Valley is a perfect fit for us.” Amy started out serving part-time at the resort and was head wait for the bride and groom at many weddings. She furthered her experience in customer service and bartending, and became head server when John Harvard’s Brewpub opened at Holiday Valley in 2010. She has since worked her way up to become bartender/supervisor. “It was exciting to have a brand-new hotel and full-service restaurant with slope side dining. It’s always been a casual atmosphere with amazing views of the slopes year-round. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer in your ski boots, pizza with the kids, or to celebrate a special occasion with an amazing salmon or steak dish and a glass of wine.”
During her 16 years at Holiday Valley, 14 of which have been at John Harvard’s, Amy has witnessed the resort transform from a winter ski destination into an all-seasons resort. “Holiday Valley has done an amazing job attracting tourism during every season. From skiing in the winter, the pool and Cabana Bar in the summer, the Adventure Course, Mountain Coaster and chair-lift rides in the warmer months, the resort really doesn’t have a down season anymore. Between conferences, weddings, music and events, there’s always something going on with catering as well. It’s been great to witness this first-hand and take part in the expansion of the resort.”
While Amy enjoys her time serving customers at Holiday Valley, she keeps busy with a variety of hobbies during her personal time. She is active in the community of Humphry with her mentor and good friend Lois Hilton with Tickle Town, a center for promoting a local and sustainable economy. “We’ve had great fun bringing people together for full-moon potlucks, workshops and teaching about protecting our local land. I’ve learned so much from her about bee keeping, making syrup and living a sustainable lifestyle.” Her creative outlets have led her to hobbies including basket weaving, winemaking and making balms and slaves from beeswax she harvests.
Amy has also been training in Karate at Shurhari Karate Dojo in Salamanca for 3 years, and recently earned her Brown Belt. “It’s such a great balance for me. I have a boisterous, outgoing personality and Karate helps me focus on my introspective, disciplined side and quiets my mind.” She also recently added Pickle Ball to her ever-growing list of extracurricular activities, and has competed in several tournaments with the Olean Picklers at the Olean YMCA. “This club is great for any level, beginners to competitive, and I invite anyone and everyone out to play! Only $5/visit, non-members welcome.”
Visit Amy at John Harvard’s Brewpub at Holiday Valley located at 6557 Holiday Valley Road and follow on Facebook and IG @ John Harvard’s Brew House.