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Kimba Works Her Magic Behind the Alehouse Bar

Since the very beginning—June 21, 2007, to be exact—Kimba has worked behind the Auburn Alehouse’s massive concrete bar. She was there when the Brewpub opened, as she says, “More than half a million pints ago.”

Kimberly “Kimba” Bazzaroni joined the Alehouse as an evening bartender, but Monday through Friday these days you’ll find her tending bar during lunch time and until 5 p.m. “I enjoy the diversity of my job,” she said. “I’m passionate about beer and getting other people excited. . .it’s all about sharing knowledge of our products.”

Born in Citrus Heights and raised in Penryn, Kimba graduated from Del Oro High School in 1997. Last October she was married to Ray Rooker and they make their home in Weimar.

Kimba just doesn’t serve beer, she genuinely appreciates the complexity of the golden beverages she pours. “My favorite beer depends on my mood—that’s such a chick answer,” she laughed. “If I want just a quick beer, I’ll have an IPA. . .otherwise it depends on what I’m eating, the temperature and the season.”

Expanding her purview beyond the bar—raising it so to speak—Kimba has also participated in the brewing process, twice assisting with the making of Scarlet Harlot, a seasonal beer released in March. “We make this beer to help support an organization called ‘WEAVE’ and to celebrate women in brewing,” she explained, adding that WEAVE stands for “Women Escaping a Violent Environment”.

Anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant is keenly aware of the teamwork required from both the front and back of the house. “Our crew is amazing,” Kimba said. “Like a family, we’re able to go through the trials and tribulations, but we work through it and shrug it off. . .at the end of the day, we always love each other.”

In her spare time, you’ll likely find Kimba out-of-doors. “We’re always camping somewhere and I love to run,” she said. Along with her husband, Ray, Kimba digs anything with a motor. . .boating, off-roading in the their Jeep or undergoing “throttle therapy” on their matching Honda CVR600 “crotch rockets”. She has been on two wheels for four years now and loves it.

As a bartender, what challenges does she face? “I love difficult customers,” she said. “They’re like a big psychological puzzle and I love it. Keeping up with new beers and changes in the menu keeps it interesting,” she added.

What’s on the horizon for Kimba? “I’m always thinking about what I can do in the future, but I’m happy I have my job and Brian and Lisa Ford have been good to me,” she said. “They provide a platform for growth and opportunity if you have the potential.”

A true ambassador, she summed her feelings succinctly: “The Alehouse is kinda my baby, too, because I have been here since the beginning.”

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