Allow me to introduce Shavetta White. Shavetta ranks at #5 in tenure with High 5 Hospitality joining our team at BWW in March 2008. That’s 14 years serving up guests in our sports bars! She was the back-to-back winner of MVTM at Buffalo Wild Wings Newark in 2011 and 2012 and continues to set the standard having collected several of the H5H values STARS. Her smile is contagious, and her commitment is unprecedented.
So, here’s the question that I asked her: Why Do you serve?
I could say I’m a server because I didn’t finish college, and this is the only career path I could find. The truth is, I didn’t finish college because I couldn’t justify spending money on a degree that wouldn’t fulfill my needs and desires. Honestly, 17-year-old high school graduate Shavetta wanted a career that was fun, full of adventures and helpful to others. It took some time for me to find a career that would grant me the ability to have all those things. I’ve been in every position from dishwasher to acting General Manager for nearly a year.
Why do I serve? Because people need a place to kick back, relax and allow someone to cook, serve and clean up the mess. Whether they are alone or with family, friends and co-workers. I’m here for it! Don’t get me wrong, there are days when the last thing I want to do is serve a family and clean up every crayon, straw wrapper, fry or whatever they eat that their kids dropped on the floor. There are days when I don’t want to help businesses celebrate their team members’ promotions or retirement. Those are the days I have to tell myself this is helping a working family or group who may not have the time or energy to cook, serve and clean up. Again, I’m here for it! Because it’s not just about money, it’s about helping people relax and enjoy those precious moments. I’m honored to be a part of some of those moments that matter.
My favorite part of serving is getting to know some awesome people. I’ve had the pleasure of engaging with famous athletes, actors and musicians. I’ve had great conversations with ordinary people, like me, about everything from hot topics in the media or personal issues they are working through. I believe that God put all those people in that seat for me (and them) at that very moment for a greater purpose that I may never know of. I’m confident that every interaction over the years has helped me connect with people and understand them more. Sometimes, I get to be their therapist, comedian, or even their spiritual guide. I’m thankful that I get to do all those things and more. I’m grateful I’ve gotten to build lasting relationships with my co-workers as well. My best friend and I met during training at my first restaurant job. I can’t imagine what else I’d want to do for a career that would allow me to be me all day, every day.
Listen, this can sometimes be a fickle business. There are great days and there are nightmare days. At the end of the day, I get to help meet the needs of others. That’s my purpose in serving. What about you?
“Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others.”
#SERVE
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