Meet the Team in Watertown
The menu might bring people in, but it’s the team that keeps them coming back. Jake and Lucas are two of the friendly faces behind the scenes, each bringing their own energy, personality and style to every shift. Whether behind the bar or out on the floor, they help create the kind of place where it’s easy to relax, connect and feel right at home. Let’s get to know them a little better.
Meet Jake Rippetoe:
Where are you from?
Stafford, VA
What is your role at Bottleneck and at what location?
Bartender, City Works in Watertown, MA
What do you enjoy about your job?
What I cherish most about bartending is the genuine human connection it fosters. Standing behind the bar, you’re doing more than just mixing drinks—you’re building an environment where people can relax, rejoice, ponder and bond. No two shifts are the same, and every interaction offers something new, which makes it deeply satisfying to play even a small yet meaningful role in someone’s day. Whether it’s crafting a flawless cocktail or simply being there to listen, it’s the chance to touch lives in small but impactful ways that makes this work so rewarding. It’s a powerful reminder that true hospitality comes from the heart, not just the service.
What do you do when you are not at work?
I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I’m an avid camper and, when able, take trips to disconnect and recharge in nature. I also make fitness a priority by going to the gym regularly. When I’m looking for a quieter moment, I like to read—mostly non-fiction but I also enjoy the occasional novel here and there.
Current favorite drink?
Blueberry Gin & Tonic
What is something that people probably don’t know about you?
I’m fluent in four languages: Russian, German, English, and ASL (American Sign Language).
Favorite TV/Movie Quote?
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Biggest party foul?
In my opinion, the biggest party foul is over-serving a guest. It not only puts the individual at risk but can also endanger others, damage the establishment’s reputation, and violate laws. When on shift, I believe it’s crucial to read the room, recognize when someone’s had enough, and handle the situation professionally and safely. Maintaining a fun atmosphere while prioritizing responsibility is key to a successful night behind the bar.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Biscuits and gravy
What has been your most memorable experience at Bottleneck Management so far?
There’s nothing quite like the magic of bridging cultures in real-time. During one unforgettable shift at City Works Watertown, I had the joy of leveraging all four languages I speak to connect with guests from every corner of life. Whether cracking a joke in English, troubleshooting in German, sharing a heartfelt до свидания, or guiding a deaf family through our menu, every interaction wove me deeper into the vibrant tapestry of our community. It wasn’t just about translating words; it was about sparking smiles, dissolving barriers, and reminding us all that humanity’s beauty lies in its dazzling diversity. That day, I didn’t just do my job—I lived it, heart first.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Wonderwall by Oasis
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Seek first to understand then be understood.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
Boston has some of the best food I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying.
What’s your favorite item on our menu?
The breakfast burger! So simple & so delicious!
If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would you choose and why?
Static Shock, he was my favorite character growing up.
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
30 feels right. Old enough to see the world and young enough to be amazed.
What is your most-used emoji?
If you had to delete all but three apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?
Honestly, I’d go back to a flip phone.
It has to be chess – creative, mind over matter and accessible to all.
If you could have the power of teleportation right now, where would you go and why?
I’d go visit family in California.
Meet Lucas Rondan:
Where are you from?
Los Angeles, California
What is your role at Bottleneck and at what location?
Server, City Works in Watertown, MA
What do you enjoy about your job?
I enjoy working with my coworkers and meeting the guests that come into the restaurant.
What do you do when you are not at work?
I am a full-time law student, so most of my days are spent at school or in the library.
Current favorite drink?
My current favorite drink is the Spicy Margarita.
What is something that people probably don’t know about you?
Something that people probably don’t know about me is that I have been a server for over eight years.
Favorite TV/Movie Quote?
My favorite movie quote is “By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.” The Devil Wears Prada
Biggest party foul?
The biggest party foul is leaving the party early.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat pizza for the rest of my life if I could.
Share a moment of personal triumph.
A moment of personal triumph is that I received my Juris Doctorate in May 2025, and I achieved that while working over 20 hours a week!
What has been your most memorable experience at Bottleneck Management so far?
My most memorable experience has been learning about the backgrounds and lives of my coworkers.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Unwritten, by Natasha Bedingfield
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to turn back time.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You should work at your own pace, and if you work hard enough, you will receive the benefits of your hard work.
What’s your favorite thing about your city?
The diversity of food and people.
What’s your favorite item on our menu?
Definitely the Scorpion Burger with fries.
If you could hang out with any cartoon character, who would you choose and why?
I would want to hang out with Sponge Bob because he is hilarious.
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
I would choose 21 because you’re still young and can have fun, but you get the privileges of being an adult.
What is your most-used emoji?
It’s probably the laughing while crying emoji.
If you had to delete all but three apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?
I would keep Instagram, TikTok, and Messages.
What is your favorite sport to watch and why?
My favorite sport to watch is soccer because every minute is super engaging.
If you could have the power of teleportation right now, where would you go and why?
I would teleport to the beaches of Hawaii so I could tan and lay on the beach.
Is there anything else you’d like us to share?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at City Works, and I really enjoy working here!
Whether you’re craving a next-level Blueberry Gin & Tonic or just a friendly face who knows your order, Jake and Lucas help turn every visit into something memorable.
Follow us on Instagram for mouthwatering bites, handcrafted cocktails and a behind-the-scenes look at the team in action.