One of the island’s most beloved bartenders will serve his last drink Wednesday. Kenny Quinn, the affable, lovable bartender who’s served up drinks at Aqua Bistro for the past seven years is leaving island.
“It’s the best thing that could have happened,” Kenny said Monday. “It’s good for me, but after 20 years, it’s going to be hard for me to leave people on island.”
Kenny came to St. John back in 1995 right after Hurricane Marilyn tore through the territory.
“There wasn’t a roof left on island,” Kenny said.
He came to work in construction and then spent seven years bartending at Island Blues. For the past seven years, he’s called Aqua Bistro home where he’s known for his great conversation and his classic Betty Ford Clinic visor.
“Outpatient,” Kenny joked. “Or else I wouldn’t be here.”
Kenny’s next chapter will lead him up to New York where he plans to retire – Kenny turns 68 on Sunday. In the meantime, Aqua Bistro plans to throw him one heck of a going away party during his last shift tomorrow, April 16.
Kenny’s last shift will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be live bands around 2 p.m. He is also working today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. so be sure to stop by and say hello.
“This isn’t an end,” Kenny said. “It’s a beginning.”
I have to say Kenny – you will certainly be missed.
Good luck Kenny. My husband and I were on island years ago for a benefit at Island Blues for Kenny after he had a stroke. Wish we were on island for send off by Aqua Bistro and rest of island.
First off Kenny, Cindy and I wish you all the best sorry we are going to miss you we arrive at the end of the month. we will certainly miss the “hoo hoo” cry! take care friend. AB will not be the same.
Kenny, you will truly be missed by everyone who came in contact with with that whoop whoop and that great smile. As for Jan and I we hope this a new beginning and look forward to seeing u on the cape and catching up with as much as possible. Your the best, thanks for all the laughs. Love You, Jan and Lee
Best of luck to you Kenny. Lynette and I will miss you. We will be on island in June and will certainly toast you and wish you the best in your retirement. Sorry to see you leave.
Kenny, you have brought fun and joy of life to so many. I still dream of all those trips on “Saloonatic.” I love the flower garden on her. Msy she sail again from her birth by the Coral Bay fire house! Happy times on the Big Island!
“Hamptons Kenny” soon come. Can’t wait! oot oot!
I haven’t been in a year, but if i remeber correctly, he was the only bartender aside from the tourist trap that could make a drink right drive left or whatever it was called … After two you cant remember anyway.
Not too many people i remember or that remember me , he was one. Rich from lime inn always remembered me. I guess no sense in pining over days past. But it was cool to come back and they sort of knew you and that’s when you don’t feel like a tourist i guess..