We've got a GREAT staff here at the Saddle and hope that we can make your Big Gay Experience in Des Moines a memorable one. No one, and I mean no one, does it any better than we do because we're Always Dedicated To Community Service, but best of all - You Never Have To Ask For A Double! Hope to see you soon!
Bob Eikleberry - Owner
Bob Eikleberry (a.k.a “Mongo”) is the owner of the Blazing Saddle. Bob has long been an institution in the Des Moines Gay Community. Mongo’s credentials include Founder of the All Iowa AIDS Benefit, Founding Father of the Imperial Court of Iowa, and senior member of the CornHauler Levi & Leather Club, so you can see that he’s been around a while. Since his retirement, Bob can be seen at the Saddle regularly working on one project or another – Watch out for that nail gun!
Bryan Smith - General Manager
Bryan Smith, known to many as “Stinky”, is the General Manager of the Blazing Saddle. Through community involvement, Bryan sits on many boards & committees in Des Moines’ Gay Community as well as the City itself. If you want to schedule or find out what’s happening at the bar, this is the man to ask. Stinky arrives around 11am daily to make orders and take phone calls so you won’t run out of what you need to have a great time at the Saddle. His lovely sister, Stinketta, can be seen occasionally out and about on stage or even the Iowa State Fair. Questions or comments – see Stinky, any complaints go to Helen Waite!
Gary - Bartender
Gary Moore has been serving it up at the Saddle for over 17 years and is considered out “Senior Bartender”. Fondly known as “Miss Moore”, Gary has been active in community events in Des Moines, and particularly the All Iowa AIDS Benefit as Board Member and Volunteer. He is also our resident “decorina” and is well known for sprucing up the bar around the various high holidays throughout the year.
Jerry - Bartender
“Head Bartender” on Saturday Nights. He is our foremost authority on stage and screen, so if you are looking for the low-down about entertainment, he’s your man! With his quick wit, Jerry is the Queen of One-Liners and is just as speedy pouring drinks. You can see him every Saturday behind the main bar.
Chris - Bartender
Chris Pullen is our main Day Bartender here at the Blazing Saddle. Nobody runs a Happy Hour like Chris-Ann and he is most renowned for his Friday afternoon Martini’s. He was also voted Best Bartender & Best Happy Hour for 2005 in Des Moines’ Cityview. Being our most social bartender in the bunch and always talking, talking, talking, Chris hangs out for a while after his shift to visit with the “regulars”.
James - Bartender
James McLaughlin is one of the younger of our crew, but getting older every day. James has always had a flare for the dramatic and uses that to his advantage for the occasional stage appearance. Being an active member in the Imperial Court of Iowa and the Corn Haulers L&L club, these talents can come in pretty handy when he's helping out to raise money for any charity they choose.
Shannon - Bartender
Shannon Kindred is our only REAL girl on staff but she really is one of the guys! Always with a smile and a fun-loving attitude, Shannon works at a veterinarian clinic during the day, which certainly helps her to put up with the "animals" that come in here at night! She can be found in the Dance Bar on Thursday & Friday nights and every other Sunday night opposite Chris. She will make sure that your glass never runs dry.
Emilio - Bartender
Emilio Ramirez (a.k.a. Amiliana Shades or Em-Ho on occasion) has carried many a title at the Saddle (drag & male) and is always available to help with any show or benefit that comes along. He works both sides (of the bar) Tuesdays in the Main Bar and Fridays in the Dance Bar and is one of our main relief bartenders. He’s always ready to twirl whether behind the bar or on the stage and, yes boys, he’s always available.
Greg
Greg Chamberlin is our weekend bar back and makes sure that all the bottles are full and the glasses are shiny. As well as keeping the bar running smoothly, Greg is quite the “songbird” with the Des Moines’ Gay Men’s Choir, past president of Capitol City Pride, and is also the Leather Man that keeps Beasley occupied on his off time.
Beasley
“Beasley”, is another of our Saturday Night favorites in the Dance Bar and has quite a flair for decorating as well. With his witty repartee, he can pour a great drink and get you with a zinger with every order. Beasley has been on the Board of Capitol City Pride and is quite the organizer for any big gay event that may come along at the Saddle. He likes the Leather Boys but you can’t steal him away from bar back Greg no matter how you try.
Jennifer
Jen Hultman is our bar back for our “Tear It Up Tuesday” (TIU) crew. As an Army Veteran of the Gulf War, Jen is no stranger to hard work and we do our best to keep her busy! Jen is an avid Biker and annually participates in RAGBRAI and the MS Bike Ride along with doing the Breast Cancer "Race for the Cure" as well. A woman of few words, Jen parties just as hard as she works and is always a friendly face to see at the Saddle! And, yes Ladies, she is available ( if you know what I mean)!

Stevie-Lee Steve is our resident “Merry Maid”. He’s here everyday to make sure that the Saddle is clean and pretty and makes sure that Mongo makes it home after another “long night”! He also is our relief bartender and barback in times of need. Recently, Steve won the coveted title of Mr. Blazing Saddle 2008. He’s quite the Party Boy so look for him at the bar any Friday or Saturday afternoon to put a smile on your face!
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