Will Davis, Del Chuco
How long have you been in the service industry?
It's been 12 years since I joined the service industry. Initially I was a grill cook during my sophomore year in high school.
What do you love about serving?
People. People make places, things and events worthwhile. I actually really like people, so that helps.
Your energy is so lively and contagious. What keeps a smile on your face even when you're not having the best day at work?
Breathing, and remembering why I am here. Life practices like exercise and meditation. More often than not though, my community. They are my back bone.
What have you learned the most about people in your time as a server?
Most people have the same desires in life. Eat, sleep, love, laugh and prosper. And most of the time people aren't actually upset at you, just seems like it. (Life be lifeing)
Sean Spillane, Beezr
How long have you been in the service industry?
I started bartending in the late 70's. After traveling all over the world and serving in various places like Berlin, I ran into Ron at the 2020 Mardi Gras Parade and he invited me to join him at Beezr. I've been here ever since.
What do you love about serving at Beezr?
With Huntsville being an international city with so many draws to come here like space camp, or business, or the abundant nature that north Alabama offers, I get to meet locals and people from all over the world who come to enjoy a meal or a craft beer at Beezr. I love hearing about travel experiences and building relationships with people who become regulars.
What makes for a good day at work?
When customers tell me they've enjoyed their time at Beezr and that I've done a great job creating a good experience for them.
What have you learned the most about people in your time as a server?
I have served everywhere from Huntsville, to Auburn, to the German Alps. People, no matter their background or location, want to enjoy their time when they go out to eat. They want to make memories and have an experience to look back on.
Jessica Tripp, Domaine South
How long have you been in the service industry?
My first job in the service industry was in 2004 to 2005. I've been in the service industry ever since getting to meet all sorts of interesting people because of my job.
What do you love about serving at Domaine South?
Working at Domaine South truly feels like you are part of a work family that cares about you and your well being. Kristian makes sure we are all well educated on our menu and the wines we serve, and she gives us the history behind the dishes as well. Nothing is just food or wine at Domaine. It is a place where sharing a meal feeds the soul and I'm grateful to be a part of that.
What makes for a good day at work?
A good day at work is when I know I've done something special to make someone's day better.
What have you learned the most about people in your time as a server?
What I've learned most about people is that everyone just needs to feel seen and be cared about. When you genuinely take interest in other people, they automatically warm to you.
James Watkins, Cotton Row
How long have you been in the service industry?
19 years. 16 with Boyce
What do you love about working at Cotton Row?
When I started here, Chef Boyce and Susan gave me a new outlook on the way we dine on a night out in Huntsville. I get a lot of excitement out of working with new dishes and the way they are prepared for guest. The look in which the food is plated can bring a person joy before even taking the first bite.
What makes for a good day at work?
Communication is key to every successful restaurant. When our team / staff are working together and communicating effectively it makes for a great night of service for the staff and patrons alike.
What have you learned about people throughout your time in the service industry?
Everyone’s looking to have a great time when they walk through the door. Our job as a team is to make the experience one of a kind. Memorable moments that they want to talk about and tell all their friends about.
Gerod Berry, Cotton Row
How long have you been serving?
I have been working in the service industry for 21 years. I started bussing tables at a little BBQ restaurant in Cullman, Alabama when I was 17. From there, I moved on to a bar and grill, and worked hard to perfect my craft, and Chef and Suzan Boyce gave me the opportunity to start working at Cotton Row in 2014. It has been my home ever since.
What do you love about working at Cotton Row?
There are several things I love about working at Cotton Row. I have to say that our clientele is the best in Huntsville. We have the most gracious guests in the city and maybe even the United States. They are the reason that I love coming to work. Chef and Suzan Boyce set an amazing example for leadership. They have passed their knowledge down to our GM, and effective leaders are PARAMOUNT in such a structured environment. They push us to keep working to better ourselves, not only professionally, but personally as well.
What makes for a good day at work?
A great night at work would be a full restaurant with the hustle and bustle of our guests thoroughly enjoying their experience with us, laughter, the sound of martinis being shaken, the food, everything that makes the restaurant scene so intoxicating. Busy nights always fly by and meeting new people and introducing them to Huntsville is always the best. I can't count how many times I've heard "This is really a hidden gem in Alabama, this is the kind of place we see in New York". Hearing things like that make me truly feel like I am a part of something spectacular.
What have you learned about people throughout your time in the service industry?
You know those short videos saying "Restored Faith in Humanity"? I have learned that people ARE like that. I have seen so much. I have seen people hit rock bottom and be given a hand to help them to their feet. No matter what emotion people are going through, whether they are celebrating, sad, or just blowing off steam, we are lucky enough for the service industry to be there for them.