Behind the Bar at CoolToday Park: A Braves Fan’s Dream Job
Order a drink at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar in CoolToday Park, and you’re almost guaranteed to find Tonia Copelan serving up her signature cocktails with a smile. There she stands, a fixture of the bar, blending passion with hospitality, revealing why this opportunity feels like the perfect fit for her.
A Lifelong Connection to the Braves
For six years, Tonia has devoted her time to Braves Country, but her devotion to the team dates back to 1984 when she first watched Dale Murphy grace the diamond. “I grew up watching him,” she recalled fondly, reflecting on those formative moments that shaped her love for the game. Tonia embodies Georgia pride; her affection for the Braves runs deep. “I love the Braves. I love the Bulldogs, too, but the Braves are my number one,” she confessed with genuine warmth.
From Lunchroom Management to Bartending
Before her time at the Tiki Bar, Tonia spent two decades managing a school lunchroom, pairing together serving meals with her passion for mixing drinks as a side gig. Her plans were straightforward: retire in North Port and return to her career in schools. That was until she caught wind of something monumental—a Spring Training facility in her new backyard.
“I went up to a local pub, and they mentioned, ‘The Braves are building a stadium,’” she said, excitement lighting up her eyes as she recounted the day. “I thought, ‘Are you kidding me?’” In an instant, she pivoted, racing down to CoolToday Park, where she would land a job in just two short weeks. It felt as if the universe had conspired to bring her to this moment.
A Home Away from Home
Every day Tonia steps behind the bar, she feels at home. This role isn’t merely a job; it’s a connection to her beloved team and its supporters. “The Braves fans are awesome, and we have a lot of them coming in from all over the place,” she said, her passion radiating. One of her standout memories is a kind-hearted customer who gifted her a generous $100 tip for her birthday, a token of appreciation that left her feeling cherished.
Creating Connections
While watching her beloved Braves play during the spring holds a special place in her heart, Tonia’s greatest joy envelops the relationships she builds with both her coworkers and the patrons. “My favorite part is being with the employees and my customers. It’s all about them,” she added, underscoring the sense of community that permeates her work environment.
In Tonia, there’s a whirlwind of emotion, a reflection on dreams turned into reality. Working at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar defines not just a job, but a celebration of devotion, camaraderie, and the unforgettable moments shared between a fan and her team. This joyful and heartfelt journey illustrates how sometimes, life’s greatest adventures unfold when you least expect them.
