Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Di Chiro.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Four of us Amy Di Chiro, Jamey Nelson, Peter and Krista Cook took over Mission West in January of 2026. This is a long standing local bar on the west side of Santa Cruz. Formally called Ye Ol’ Watering Hole. Amy and Jamey have been working in the bar and restaurant industry since they were teenagers and Peter and Krista have been in the real estate business for over 30 years. Together we formed a team that was able to purchase the bar and invest tons on energy into making it a thriving neighborhood spot. We are focused on supporting our community though providing a place for them to gather and have fun, Our incredible team of seasoned bar tenders are also huge contributors to the positive environment we have created.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha. Has any business experienced a smooth road? I’d love to hear about that! The transition was one of the smoothest I think in the history of bar ownership. This came from our ( Amy and Jamey’s) personal experience. We have been through a few ownership changes in the past as employees and suffered for it logistically and emotionally. Even the way we let the news of the switch leak into the community was calculated.. We kept on all of the staff, consistently communicated with them about the changes coming up, gave them months to get their paperwork in order, and worked with them to restock the entire bar. The former owners stopped ordering booze about a month before we took over so the shelves were pretty bare. I sat with my lap top open for the first couple of days and any issues we found on the POS I fixed immediately. It took about 2 months before we felt like things were in our hands completely. That being said, the road is never easy in this business. The laws and regulations regarding distribution changed drastically in 2026, all purchases required credit approval before hand. In the past we would always pay COD (cash/check on delivery), this time around that was impossible. So before we could order anything we had to wait for our credit applications to be approved. I believe we use about 20 different distributors? Also, we were strangers to all the regulars. We had to prove to them we cared, were trustworthy and that we could deliver. AND THEN THE WEATHER! It rained on our grand opening. A huge parking lot hoe down with live country music and vendors. We put our heart and souls into that event. However, we still got about 400 people to show up after the showers, so not a total loss but definitely a struggle. Finally, we are dedicating every waking hour to this project. And that still does not feel like enough. It takes everything we got, and we are seeing our hard work pay off, but we are giving up tons of surfing to do that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a partner in Mission West, a five star dive bar on the west side of Santa Cruz. I am also the General Manager of The Crepe Place, a live music venue/bar/restaurant in the midtown of Santa Cruz. I have spent most of my career working as a waitress/server/bar tender/ dishwasher/ line cook. I specialize in event coordination, customer service and scheduling. I can throw an awesome party and can encourage large groups to get together to have a grand old time. I am known as someone you can rely on to get the job done. If things are going wild I am called upon to smooth them out, be it customer relations, the plumbing, or the staff not showing up to work. I am most proud of the beautiful relationships I see blossoming all around me in the venues that I am in charge of. The way people interact with one anther and become good friends who love each other dearly. The way artists are taken care of from the moment they walk in the door. The feeling of coming home, being accepted and respected. I think what sets me apart from others is that I came up from the bottom to the top. I have done every job imaginable in the service industry and I continue to do them now. Nothing is “below” me, I am always here to help.
What’s next?
We are planning another Parking Lot Party at Mission West that I am super excited about. Featuring It’s Good To Be Here DJ Crew and the band Space Heater. As well as Bubb’s Burgers and El Buen Tacos. The West Side of Santa Cruz does not have as much opportunity for Live Music as the rest of Santa Cruz does. It really is amazing being able to bring these special events to my own neighborhood. We plan to continue to provide our west side community with awesome experiences that will keep them grinning ear to ear. Be it games, live music, art at the bar, hilarious bar tenders, or even line dancing. Having fun is the heart beat of Mission West, and we hope to spread that positive vibe to everyone who crosses our path. We want everyone to feel welcomed and stoked.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Missionwestbar.com
- Instagram: @missionwest.bar
- Facebook: Mission West Dive Bar
