brenda n.

Brenda N. | Manager/Bartender

The Farmhouse

Years of Industry Service: 15ish

----------------------------------------------------

Brenda is one animated, vivacious personality. With her hands dancing, she talked about her double life in the service industry and as a massage therapist. They're different, but they both deal with people. So scheduling time off from both jobs at the same time is essential to keeping her sanity. As a downtown dweller, parking is the biggest obstacle for Brenda. She has to get up early every morning to move her car, like most urban dwellers in big cities. Aside from that, Brenda said, "I like everything else about this city. We've got great food and great art, great underground art, performance pieces. There are a lot of things people are missing out on, but I guess if everyone knew about it, it might not be so great anymore," she finished laughing.

  Make KC Better » Better parking for people who live downtown.  

david a.

David A. | Assistant Manager/Head Line Cook

Happy Gillis Cafe & Hangout

Years of Industry Service: 6

----------------------------------------------------

Before David came onto the food industry scene, he was a dog walker. The two careers aren't that different, he said. "Both need to be fed, both get cranky if you don't feed them in a timely fashion and you get dirty at both jobs." How's that for keeping things in perspective?! Now that chef/owner Todd Schulte has moved on to start Genessee Royale Bistro, day-to-day operations at Happy Gillis are virtually the same because their lean and effective crew have everything down. See Todd, they don't need you. In all seriousness, David said that Todd prepared them well and that's why the transition has been so incredibly smooth. Before he came to work at Happy Gillis, David was a customer and he is amazed how one little sandwich place has changed a neighborhood.

  Make KC Better » More focus on local grassroots businesses and fewer chains.  

leslie n.

Leslie N. | Assistant Manager

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange

Years of Industry Service: 14

----------------------------------------------------

Recently back to Kansas City after living in New York, Leslie is essential to making sure The Rieger runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And she does it looking absolutely gorgeous every day. Leslie has tried her hand at concert promotions, but "honestly, this (the service industry) is where I want to be." She used to be really, really shy, however, her daily interaction with people, with customers, has forced her out of her shell and taught her a lot about patience. 

  Make KC Better » Just one thing? Public Transportation.