In Grey Bruce Simcoe County’s hospitality industry, few figures stand out as vibrantly as Cody Somers. With a career that began in the modest confines of a coffee outlet and evolved into a dynamic journey through some of Sauble Beach’s most beloved establishments, Cody has become a cornerstone of the local bar scene. His dedication to service and passion for the industry have made him a cherished figure at Amabel Hospitality’s Heydays, Bartiki and The Dunes.
Cody’s journey in the service industry started early. “I started in the service industry when I was fourteen, working at Tim Hortons,” Cody recalls. “I enjoyed the fast-paced environment of making coffee and tea, cranking out quality products as fast as possible. I learned I was great with customers, so I wanted to continue in the industry.” This foundational experience at Tim Hortons laid the groundwork for what would become a flourishing career in hospitality.
At nineteen, Cody’s path took a pivotal turn when he began bartending in Sauble Beach. It was here that he encountered Evan, a customer who quickly recognized Cody’s skills. “Evan noticed my work ethic and customer service skills and immediately wanted to hire me at Heydays,” Cody remembers. This encounter led to Cody becoming an integral part of every business Evan and Emma Baulch have owned in Sauble Beach. “Currently, I bartend for The Dunes, Heydays, and Bartiki and love every minute of it.”
What sets Cody apart in the industry is not just his experience but his passion for the work and the people he encounters daily. “I enjoy maximizing the efficiency of the workplaces I’m part of and interacting with customers,” he says. “Meeting new people and providing the best service for everyone’s individual needs has always been a challenging highlight of the job for me.”
Cody’s love for his coworkers and the camaraderie they’ve built over the years is evident. “For the past four years, we have built a great team under what is now called Amabel Hospitality. Everyone has such a unique personality and provides different skill sets to the workplace. We frequently get together to hang out outside of work.”
Cody’s dedication to an organized bar speaks volumes about his professional ethos. “I have a little bit of OCD when it comes to clean, friendly work environments. Organization and efficiency are my number one consideration for a smooth working bar/restaurant,” he admits. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every drink he serves and every interaction he has with a customer is top-notch.
Speaking of drinks, Cody’s favorites to make are those that come with a bit of flair. “I love all drinks I can flair and make an experience for the customer like Mai Tais and Singapore Slings at Bartiki, as well as Whiskey Sours at The Dunes,” he shares. When he’s off duty, Cody enjoys a simple Vodka Cranberry or a Sea Breeze if he’s feeling extra fancy. His sweet tooth, however, is a source of amusement among his friends. “I love Sour Keys with Sourpuss and Apple Juice, or any sweet drink, which all my friends love to poke a little fun at me for liking such sugary drinks.”
Cody’s time at Heydays has been filled with memorable moments, but one of his favorite stories involves a hilarious incident during a Drag Brunch. “Last year, we had a wonderful opportunity to host a Drag Brunch at Heydays and The June Motel,” he recounts. “During the performance, the Drag Queen was attempting to drop a bill on the ground then bend over to pick it up. On their first attempt, an attentive host walked by and retrieved the bill, handing it back to them. They went for a second attempt and this time a server walking by noticed the bill and handed it back to them again. At this point, the Drag Star threw their hands up in defeat with a loud laugh from the audience and continued to dance and perform around the venue.”
Cody Somers embodies the spirit of the hospitality industry in Sauble Beach. His love for his work has made him a beloved figure at Amabel Hospitality’s establishments. With dreams of one day owning his own restaurants, Cody’s journey is far from over. For now, patrons can enjoy his expert bartending skills and infectious charm at The Dunes, Heydays, and Bartiki.
Words by Krista Kulbach
Photos provided by Cody Somers
