Food and Beverage Director Abbie Joyce joined KAF in 2019, working as a bartender at The Dark Room. She was familiar with the Weekly Jazz Jam and wanted to work in an environment with live music. After the pandemic, she stayed on to grow with the KAF team. Abbie studied Modern Literature at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she developed a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and the arts. She has since built more than 10 years of professional experience in the hospitality and beverage industry, with much of her career focused on beverage operations, events and arts venues.
What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?
The community service of it all is the most rewarding part. I enjoy the sweat equity of making big and great changes to our city for the better.
How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?
F&B supports the mission by curating great food and drink offerings and putting the revenue directly back into the stages we build to support St. Louis artists. The team I work with is filled with artists themselves, and they continually inspire me to be creative.
What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?
There is so much art here and everyone is talented, yet it can still feel like a small-knit community. I think a lot of artists here take care of each other, and advocate for each other. I love the camaraderie.
What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?
I like to read and write when I’m not working, dog walks in Tower Grove Park, and my novice rose garden. I love living in South City, there’s always something going on.
Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?
Our F&B team is full of talented artists that everyone should check out. Here’s a few – XX$TRABUTTA, Grim The Green, Bates, BAGFACE.
