Json Keith

By Kathi Edwards

BusinessRockford.com

The Rocktonian attended a national Famous Dave’s training seminar and workshop in Minneapolis. Keith grew up in Rockford, graduated from Jefferson High School and attended business management classes at Rock Valley College. He is the training general manager at Famous Dave’s, 3303 N. Perryville Road, Rockford.

What’s new at Famous Dave’s? Are you hiring? We offer four Limited Time Menus a year. We’re setting up for several special events and catering jobs in the area, as well as graduation parties for local high schools and colleges. We’re always accepting applications for anyone who’d like to be part of something very special (best barbecue and simply a great place to work).

What was the national seminar like? Exciting, inspirational and informative about issues concerning new and upcoming menu items. We also reviewed company efforts and procedures concerning guest satisfaction.

Who could do your job? The No. 1 consideration should be that you must enjoy taking care of people. Our guests are the one and only reason we’re here. The service industry has seemed to be lacking in true guest service. That’s where we excel. We truly appreciate our guests.

How much do GMs make? The compensation package varies, based on experience and job knowledge. We offer opportunities for all hourly employees to move into key or management positions. I’m very fortunate for the opportunity to be general manager of such a great restaurant company.

Other than this job, what was your favorite job and why? That’s a tough one. I’d have to say, though I didn’t get paid for it, the opportunities I’ve had to speak to youth groups and businesses about my true core values of life. I have always been thrilled with any opportunity to help and inspire others.

What led you to the restaurant business? Any tips for others interested in this line of work? Actually, growing up, I had the pleasure of going with my mother and grandmother to Bishops Buffet as often as I could. I remember standing at the front door, holding it open for guests on their way in, and the smiles on their faces left a long-lasting impression on me about how important it is every day to do whatever you can, even little things, to brighten someone’s day. That’s what I get to do every day at Famous Dave’s.

What do you like best about this job? Knowing that all my employees and managers have the same goal in giving not only the best guest service in town, but the best overall restaurant experience.

Favorite Famous Dave’s meal: It’s hard to pick just one. We’re not just ribs and pork. We have so many items to choose from. I guess I’d have to say our award-winning 2- to 2½-pound slab of St. Louis-style ribs.

You would never find me leaving this field to do ... anything that wouldn’t allow me to be directly involved with people.

The ideal workday: Going to work and having the opportunity to prepare our employees so that they may take care of our guests above and beyond their expectations.

A business needed in the region: More so than a specific business is the need for continued involvement in volunteering within our community.

The best way to unwind after work: Going home and spending quality time with my wife and two children.

Staff writer Kathi Edwards may be reached at 815-987-1364 or kedwards@rrstar.com.