Set 'em up, Joy, one last time: Longtime Café L’Europe bartender retiring

Longtime Café L’Europe bartender Joy Colangelo is retiring, ready to begin the “next chapter” of her life with a man she met at the restaurant a year ago and married in July.

“I’ve never dated a customer, but one day he asked me out and six months later we were engaged,” Colangelo, who is in her late 60s, told the Daily News. “It’s been amazing.”

A private wedding last month in Kauai, Hawaii, followed by honeymooning in Maui, marked the official start of her marriage to electrical engineer John McKeeman.

It also reinforced her decision to retire after 17 years at Café L’Europe, where customers have always looked forward to seeing the bartender known for her buoyant personality, attentive service and such signature cocktails as a stiff Cosmo.

Colangelo’s last day of work at Café L’Europe is Aug. 27.

“Joy has such a big personality and loyal following, and she knows how to work a bar,” Café L’Europe co-owner Emanuela Marcello told the Daily News. “She’s a one of a kind.”

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Colangelo’s tenure at Café L’Europe began in 2005, when she worked as a florist at the restaurant, then locally renowned for its elaborate flower arrangements throughout the dining room.

Assuming a position in 2008 behind Café L’Europe’s bar built on Colangelo’s early career as a bar and restaurant manager, including in her native New Jersey.

“To be a good bartender, you have to enjoy engaging with people,” Colangelo said. “I approach each night as if I’m hosting a party — being a good hostess so everyone has a good time.”

After she retires, Colangelo plans to return as a customer to Café L’Europe, where “I’ve built such good friendships with wonderful people. … But I’m also ready for my next chapter.”

“We’re going to miss Joy so much,” Marcello said. “She’s been such an important part of the Café L’Europe family and always will be.”

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Café L’Europe's longtime bartender plans to retire this month