Meet Tina Meza, the director of events at Ironhorse Bar & Event Room (ironhorseroom.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – We are an event space with an elegant and intimate atmosphere specializing in life’s big moments such as rehearsal dinners, small wedding ceremonies and receptions, birthday parties, and showers. We also recently expanded our hours to be open on Wednesdays as a laid-back place in downtown Lincoln to grab a drink and socialize. We’ve been filling up our weekly event calendar with trivia nights, live music, bingo, and more.
How did you get started in the business? – I started in the industry at 17 when I first moved to Nebraska. I have been bartending for the last 15 years. I got my start bartending while I was working at the Starlite Lounge. I have been with Ironhorse since we opened six years ago. I enjoy working here because we get to know the clients while helping plan their events. I love seeing clients that come back to host more events with us.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Max and I have four cats—a mom and her three boys. I have five sisters and two brothers who all live back on the East Coast.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My days off are usually spent with my husband watching shows or movies. I make time to play video games and do crossword puzzles. A considerable amount of time is spent hanging out with the cats and birdwatching together.
Who inspires you? – My dad. He is pretty awesome. I have never known him to not be working on something. Growing up, he was always building things, hunting, fishing, and hanging out with us.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would say teleportation, only because then I could go to see my family at the drop of a hat.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I love to cook! I cook most every meal from scratch and my favorite thing to make is fresh pasta.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Something with animals. I love to care for the animals in our neighborhood. I spend my mornings filling all my birdfeeders and setting out food for the neighborhood cats. I even feed the squirrels!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I enjoy reading mysteries and true crime books. The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton is one of my favorites.
What is your favorite movie? – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or Better Off Dead.
What is your favorite TV show? – Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Venue Restaurant & Lounge. Their fried chicken is my go-to whenever I eat there.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 840-2596; tina@ironhorseroom.com; ironhorseroom.com.