Friends With Benefits: Dave Goida of Circa Resort & Casino
As a bartender at Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino, Dave Goida has one big goal. “I travel the world, I go on vacations, and there’s always that one employee—whether it be the taxi driver, bartender, the server, the busboy—there’s always that one employee that you remember on each vacation you take,” he says. “I strive to be that person. I treat people the way I like to be treated when I travel. I like to build relationships with my customers—they come back and see me again and I know what drink they’re having.”
Goida has been building relationships through bartending since he got his start in the industry nearly three decades ago, beginning in his home state of New York. In 1998, he made the move to Las Vegas to further his career and eventually helped open Palms, where he still works today, part time. Goida was a lead bartender at Palms during its heyday and transitions, heading up the bar at legacy nightclubs like Rain, Playboy Club and Ghostbar; today he helps bartend for the property during its banquet events.
Goida’s full-time gig, though, is working the bar at Stadium Swim; he joined the property when it opened in 2020. “This is my first time doing daylife bartending, and I love it,” he says. “Stadium Swim is very customer-driven. It’s also a sportsperson’s paradise.”
He also loves being a part of guests’ memories at Stadium Swim. “The more people that come to my bar, the better,” he says. “People come back several times a year, and I appreciate that. I meet people from all over the world, and I love that.”
Libation: White Strawberry Lemonade
Guests of Stadium Swim will be delighted to know that it has one of the biggest specialty cocktail lists at a pool. Try the White Strawberry Lemonade, a perfect seasonal sip mixed with Skyy Infusions wild strawberry vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon sour and strawberry slices.
Benefit: Check out watch parties for UEFA Champions League quarterfinals May 9-10, playing on the 40-foot-tall screen.
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