Back in 1994, after a long 10 hour drive from South Carolina, I found myself cruising into my home town sometime in the early evening. A town I left right after high school. I didn’t know much about the bar scene at the time, but what I saw as I was driving along the main street was a childhood friend standing on the side of the road. Naturally I pulled over due to the large crown and my friend. I was quickly introduced to a guy who just opened up a little pub. When asked, I jumped on the opportunity of a job. At 22 years old, I was pumped to find employment one hour back in town. My job was to be a doorman, which turned into a bouncer/bar back/do anything the owner asked job! This pub taught me how to work and how to deal with every and any issue that would or could arise in a bar. From checking ID’s to kicking people out, I found myself soon getting promoted to cook/dishwasher. Here is where I spent the next couple years. Cooking wings & burgers and a boat load of fries, I realized behind the bar is where the magic happens. On my free time, I put myself through bartending school and eventually approached the owner about the new job opportunity. With some reluctancy he finally accepted and this is where my true colors shined! This owner was my mentor, who became one of my best friends and eventually married into the family and, being from a small town, you know it! Family is everything! “La Famiglia e Tutto” I learned a ton from this man! I learned accountability, I accepted failure, I understood what the job was and to never let the boss do the work of an employee. I was the factotum! This business was eventually sold and I found myself working at a much larger restaurant. This restaurant ran by a childhood friend and his wife, I took the only position that was available and that was to be the morning prep and lunch cook. I worked here for several years before moving on. While working this restaurant, I again became the factotum! Due to a debilitating injury, the owner was unable to perform daily tasks. This is when I stepped up and became the do anything and everything guy for my friend and his business. I understood what it took to make the business successful and what was needed to build this business. While doing my best to help out I quickly realized I’ve made it to a point in life where it’s my turn to be the boss, owner & proprietor. After years, of fighting, carding youngsters, cooking, bartending, changing deep fryers & grease traps and mopping up puke and being a repairman and a call me anytime guy, I wanted my own business. I wanted my own factotum! I know own my own restaurant and I built something fantastic! I’ve taken all that I have learned over the years and put into one place and made it great. The problem is, I don’t have a “me” that works for me. What happened to the hard working, dedicated people? What happened to the work ethic and the caring about the job? Now, 50 years old I again find myself doing the work of the employees! Times, they sure have changed and I honestly don’t think in todays world people exist to be there for you and your business. I hope that I’m wrong and I keep my fingers crossed that one day I will have the employees who, like myself, will understand that job and what is required of them, opposed to leaving early or not caring that the boss or owners are doing their work!!! As always, happy reading and until next time, ciao!