You might be on a first-name basis with your server. But guess what? So is every other table. If you want to get to know the servers, hostesses and bartenders around town, you need to visit the Employee Lounge -- a new blog focused on the service industry from freelance graphic designer Linh Trieu and photographer Tina Magee-Jenks.
Fat City caught up with the creative duo via e-mail to learn about the new virtual hangout for restaurant denizens that launched last month.
What prompted you to launch the Employee Lounge?
and I kicked around for years. We talked about it more in a physical
sense, dreaming about opening up a restaurant and/or hangout where
Kansas City employees would relax and re-energize and then get back to
work. But instead, the Employee
Lounge became a blog about the service industry. They still have a place
to go check each other out, only it's virtual. It doesn't cost us
anything besides our time, and we still get to make a harebrained idea
into reality. I used to work with Tina's husband, Chris, and I
knew she was building her freelance photography business, so I asked her
to partner up with me.
Linh is what prompted me. We work really well together. Our
personalities just click. We have
so much fun when we're out interviewing and shooting. There's always a lot of laughter ... and what more could you ask for?
Why focus on people in the service industry?
work in it. My parents owned restaurants for about 20 years. Throughout
high school and college, I was a busser, a server, a hostess, and no
matter what position I held, somehow I still got stuck cleaning the
bathrooms. I met my husband and a lot of friends through my restaurant
jobs, so it's something I just feel connected to. Even though I haven't
worked in the service industry for years, George did and kind of still
does as a wine rep. Through my own experiences and his work
relationships, I still know a lot of people in the industry. Having been part of that world, I was familiar
with the craziness, the enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for food,
wine, cocktails, beer, you name it.
because I LOVE food and consider myself an amateur foodie. But the
people in the service industry are just so connected to their city and
are such unique and wonderful characters with great stories.
How have you chosen your subjects?
restaurants where I knew people. It was easy. They'd all jump in front
of the camera and tell me anything I wanted to know. But mostly, we walk
in, introduce ourselves, tell them about the blog and say, "Is there
anyone who has a few moments to talk to us?" We don't necessarily choose
our subjects as much as we choose our locations. One thing we have
chosen to do is focus on independent, local businesses. There's less
red tape from corporate headquarters, and everyone is just more open and
welcoming.
is willing and friendly. We love driving around (well, Linh
does the driving -- I'm horrible with directions, and she knows where
everything is) and finding new local restaurants and shops. It's the
most fun I've had at any job. I come home home every day and pinch myself
and ask if this is really happening.
Can you talk a bit about the final question of each profile, where you ask a subject how they would make KC better?
I borrowed that concept and asked everyone how they would make KC better. It
instantly made the blog into something more meaningful for me and gives
us a segue into another favorite topic of mine: Kansas City.
something that connects everyone on our blog. Besides being in the service industry, we love to hear how people
would make our little city a better place to live, and hope that it
helps spread the word about what needs to change and how it's such a
great city to be a part of.
about. I think you do that through people, their stories and their
experiences. I want to share the fun things I get to experience and know
about: the free wine tastings, the amazing dinners, the fun, fun
people all over town. That's about it. As for the future of the blog, we'd love for
it to make us into millionaires. Is that hoping for too much?
already grown more than we ever imagined, and in such a short time
period. But it would be amazing if we could turn it into a full-time
job. Yeah, that would be perfect.
Showing 1-3 of 3
It's cool to get a view of behind the scenes and get a feel of what it's like to bartend. It's far more difficult then most people give credit. Like being a teacher, you have to constantly be on your toes, prepared, know your stuff, serve well and maintain a positive attitude through ups and downs, and incredibly important for successful bartenders, be able to relate to everyone who comes through your door. But it can also be very rewarding. http://www.Bars-and-Bartending... is a complete FREE online guide to becoming a fantastic bartender. Everything for resume building to get your foot in the door, to tips, tricks, and techniques. Games and jokes to entertain patrons, and promo ideas to impress the boss. There's so much more in the world of bartending.
Cheers!
This is a very cool blog that I have found myself checking daily. They do a great job of capturing the personalities behind the aprons.
like
dislike
