I’d like to speak to the manager!!!

I have had amazing people work for me over the years. 

AMAZING.

All with different talents. 

Some were grumpy but could bartend like a champ.

Some were sweet and could calm every situation with a smile.

Some were just kind, nice, loving, and giving.  

Some were troubled, and sad, and we supported them as they did their jobs.    

All of them were talented and I still love all of them.  They know who they are.  

Tonight.  

One of those people had their last shift with me.  

He gave his notice a month ago.  

He’s taken a real job.  (Real jobs are stupid.  So is college.  Fight me on this).  

Since the real job will let him work from anywhere, he’s headed west to stay with friends.  

Idaho to be exact.  

It was bittersweet today during pre-shift when Chef thanked him for his service.  

I echoed the sentiments, reminding everyone that this was our third job together. 

He worked with me in Portland.  He worked with me in Ogunquit.  Both times less than 2 months.  Both times because I moved on.  

This time it’s been 18 months.

He has been an exemplary employee and more than that, he’s one of the good ones.

Tonight, he ordered a 2” NY Strip as his last meal.  Chef cooked it for him.  Then also served up a huge platter of French Fries, with chicken parmesan and a fried egg on top.  He and his cohort in crime enjoyed it while everyone else finished up.  

Around 11:00 we said our goodbyes.  

I gave him a huge hug and wished him well, after reminding him for the 2,956 time that real jobs are dumb. 

I wish him well.  And I speak for everyone at my restaurant when I say he will be missed terribly.  

Best of luck my friend. 

Go out and do great things.