“Welcome to Moe’s!”

Those are the words will forever be ingrained in my head and be part of who I am today. Growing up in a family owning a restaurant, I never went hungry, that’s for sure! But owning a restaurant isn’t all fun and food; I’ve gained a lot of experience that has made me the person I am today. Through the struggles and triumphs, I would like to share the lessons I’ve learned growing up with a family restaurant.

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You’re the manager

Starting out young means moving up the ladder fast. At age 17 I was managing the store all on my own. This was great until an angry customer comes through the door looking for the manager! You learn how to handle any and all situations quickly and professionally. Also, talk about a great resume a builder! Five years in management already, nbd.

Learn to get along

Try working with your sister — it’s not easy. As the older sister of two, it’s hard not to always be the boss. Of course we argue over who works harder or who gets more tips. But, at the end of the day we all work just as hard cleaning the grills and taking out the trash. Working with my brother, sister, mom and dad has taught me the true value of family. Together we are invincible.

If you have plans tonight, forget it

When you own a restaurant you’re the first line of duty when someone calls off. But what the heck, I’d rather make money anyway!

Holiday’s are extra special

When your restaurant is open every day of the year minus Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, the holidays become extra special. It’s the one of few days of the year you and the entire family can relax without worrying about the store. This year on Christmas we all just hung out together watching movies. That never happens!

You will never go hungry

I’m pretty sure I ate Moe’s every day growing up. Often times we would make our own meals at home using the same ingredients. So much for going to the supermarket when fresh produce is delivered to you every day. On the flip side, everyone always asks if I get sick of it but honestly I crave it! I think queso runs in my blood.

Your friends never go hungry either

Going to a party? We have plenty of chips and salsa to go around! Owning a restaurant comes in handy when you need to provide food for others.

You always have a job

Most college students have a hard time finding work over winter and summer break because no one wants to hire them for just a month or two. Not me! I’m always able to go home and make some money!

You learn how to respect others

Sometimes I can’t believe how unbelievably rude some people are. I will never talk to anyone the way people talk to me while I’m working. Ever. "Please" and "thank you" don’t even exist in most customers' vocabularies these days. I’m going to stop here before I get too carried away on this one.

You always tip

No matter what, I always throw at least a dollar into the tip jar at any restaurant. I know how hard the crew is working and they desire those tips!

But most importantly….

You learn to love your family

Owning a family restaurant isn’t always easy. But the mountains we’ve climbed we’ve climbed together. You learn to appreciate all that your family does for you and the good times you get to spend together. When I think of how hard everyone in my family works I feel so proud to call them mine.

If I didn’t own Moe’s I would probably be starving (LOL) and not be the person I am today. Owning a family restaurant has taught me to be grateful, work hard and never lose faith.