Susie and Zoid Credit: Photo By Todd V. Wolfson

Susie Sandmeier and Christian Kazen

Dozens have served behind the bar at Steamboat, but none offered more consistent service than Susie Sandmeier (10 years) and Christian Kazen (aka Zoid, 8 years). Both say they feel like they literally grew up in Steamboat. “I feel like you would reflecting on your high school years,” says Sandmeier. In fact, she credits Danny and Leslie Crooks with making it possible for her to balance work and single motherhood. “Because of them and because they really did operate the club as a family, there’s a little boy in the first grade who wouldn’t have been there without their help.” Although Sandmeier recently cut back her bartending shifts to weekends, she says she won’t miss one last chance to work with Kazen & Co. and properly say her goodbyes. “Sunday night is going to be a hard night,” acknowledges Sandmeier. “I expect it will be like 10 years flashing before my eyes.”

This article appears in September 24 • 1999.

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