– By Cara Aungst

In 2021, Megan Marcaurelle-Jones and her husband Cody moved to Bellefonte to open their very own cocktail bar. Their passion project,A The Republic, is located on the first floor of theA Gamble Mill, and Megan says that opening it has been aso rewarding.a

aWe have truly enjoyed getting to know the community of other small business owners and love living in this areaa

Over the past sixteen years, Marcaurelle has been involved in many environments in the service industry ranging from a family-owned Italian restaurant to an Irish Pub to a classic Victorian tea house to and a semi-corporate microbrewery. aIn my last position of nine years, I also had the opportunity to manage part-time and was used on our corporate training team to open several new restaurants,a she said. aThis gave me a vital understanding of the knowledge and skill it requires to take on your own business.a

She says that being her boss is a challenge, but itas also freeing. aThe responsibility can be daunting at times, but I love the opportunity to make decisions to better our business and bring a unique and enjoyable experience to our customers.a

Her favorite thing about her role at the Republic? aItas the connection that I can make with the customer,a she said. aI love making a cocktail for someone and watching their face light up as they enjoy ita| it makes the job very rewarding.a

aAt The Republic, our biggest priorities are environment, consistency, and service,a she added. aWe want customers to love our cozy atmosphere, receive outstanding customer service, and rely on the fact that their favorite cocktail will have the same great, consistent quality no matter which bartender is making it.a