Old School

Many of you haven't had the opportunity to meet Ollie and Annabelle. They have worked with me for 1o years (since the restaurants opening) and continue to hold strong. They both worked at Talbot Country Club. Ollie was the Executive Chef there for at least 19 years. Annabelle was there for 9 years and worked in any capacity she was needed. She washed dishes, cleaned, did food prep and banquet preparation. That is Annabelles style, ask her what you need and she will do it with enthusiasm and perfection. Ollie left the Country Club because he retired. Annabelle left for other reasons. Ollie once told me that after he retired from the Country Club he prayed to the good Lord that he would find a job where he could just prep food and be in an environment where he was treated with respect and dignity. He told me his prayers were answered when he was offered the job at Out of the Fire. Tears welled up in my eyes. These are words you don't often hear as a small business owner and when they are uttered they have a profound impact.
Both Ollie and Annabelle deserve glowing praise and recognition for their work ethic, loyalty, enthusiasm and integrity. They remain in the background and that is the way they want it. Annabelle comes to the restaurant every morning at or before 6:00 and cleans the entire restaurant. She returns at 4:00 to wash dishes until we close. She is ecstatic when we are busy even though it creates more work for her. She knows that we all prosper when we are busy. Ollie comes in everyday and preps and washes dishes at lunch. His humility and willingness to do whatever it takes commands respect. Both of them know more about the restaurant than any of us. Ask them where something is that may have been put away in storage 5 years ago, but they will know exactly where it is. They are the brick and mortar of the restaurant. These two are old school. They can work circles around some of the younger employees. Annabelle once expressed concern to me that I would let her go because of her age and I laughed and said," are you kidding, this place would fall apart without you." That is no exaggeration! Both of them have been gifts to all of us. They are those rare people who have an abundance of wisdom and courage. They show up for life everyday and gracefully take on whatever is handed to them. When we are in their presence we are shaded by greatness. Thank you, Annabelle and Ollie for your valuable lessons.