One Of The Best Places I’ve Ever Worked

I am taking this “Q” from one of the people I have met working for the place I do and that is Chris Mahlmann. I read his blogs and am inspired by his positive insight and love for his family, the people and the community, by creating a positive news source like “ValpoLife.com” to write this.

I have had this job for a couple of years now. It’s not a job that is glamorous, or will win awards, make you rich and famous, but I love it. I remember when I was dating my husband 20 something years ago and said “that’s a job I would never want, I just don’t think I could remember all those orders, where they go, or clean up after people”,…little did I know, it would be a job I got out of necessity for our family and I love it. I am a “Waitress”. I work at “Mike’s” Premier Grill and Pizza King in Valparaiso. Not only do I work for two of the nicest people, Mike and Helen, but I have met some of the nicest people in town there and made some lasting friendships.

The people I work for, Mike & Helen, they own the restaurant and they have treated my family as if we were their own. Theo and Thea in their culture, which is Greek, or better known to us as Uncle & Aunt, to my kids and that is no small task considering my husband & I have four. They have been very warm and kind to us over these past couple of years and I’ve even picked up a few words of Greek. Mike is not only the owner, but he is the head chef. When he has the chance, he personally meets the customers, making sure they are enjoying their meal.

Some of the most amazing people come and eat at “Mike’s”. I have met (I am only going to use first names, or better yet the nick names of our customers) “Mr. Bob” and his wife “Betty Jo” A name I can’t forget because it is so close to my own “Barby Jo”. “Mr Bob” is an insightful man that loves his oatmeal in the morning, not only is he a friendly face I see in the morning, but we have had some very interesting spiritual conversations, he is a local minister after all. Then there is “Coach”, a former Valparaiso softball coach that is THE most amazing baker. We have exchanged recipes and every year he brings in a big plate of cookies for us to share at the restaurant. Coach’s wife Marlene makes the most amazing quilts. The quilts are photograph quilts of their grandchildren and family that are so detailed. There is also “Dave & John”, ornery and fun they keep me on my toes. That is a common thing among our gentleman customers, like “Fritz and Spencer” that come every morning for breakfast, but ornery doesn’t mean rude. Spencer loaned us his power washer without even blinking so we could fix up our deck this summer and Fritz once brought me back a hand painted coffee mug while on a trip to Mexico. Don’t tell anyone about their softer side because they have a reputation to protect.

We have been privileged to take care of so many kind people at “Mike’s”. We have “The Playboys” as they are affectionately known. The “Brickies”, yes retired Hobart teachers choose Valpo and come to “Mike’s” for their annual breakfasts. The “Liar’s Club” I have learned how to do their tickets so, hum hum, there is never any, well, we’ll say confusion.

I can’t leave out the “Breakfast Club” where I met the editor and publisher of ValpoLife.com, Chris. This is a group of guys that meets every Saturday morning to talk about golf, work, politics, family and more golf. I have had the privilege to take care of them week after week. Part of this fun group is Fred M. & Fred C. Don’t be fooled by their facade of orneriness these guys are two of the nicest people I have met. There is also Don, Rick, Rex, Jim, Jack, “Rose” as I refer to him, who doesn’t like a Rose? And Tom and….once there was close to 20 that showed up. When you take care of people like this, you are bound to go home with a smile on your face.

I can’t forget Colleen and Steve. Colleen has become one of my, as we girls say, BFF’s. We laugh and talk about our kids and now she is blessed with two grandchildren. I am a little jealous, but not ready for my own yet.

One of the best things of all is the fact that I get to work with one of my sons. My son Jake also works at Mike’s with me. He is 18 now, getting ready for college in the fall. Most people have asked “Is it hard working with your teenage son?” I say “No, we love it.” We get some one on one time together and that is a gift.

There are too many amazing people to mention, but if you want to meet some amazing people, have an excellent meal, talk to the chef yourself and have a great cup of coffee, come to Mike's Premier Grill and Pizza King. 2103 N. Calumet Ave. 476-1800. It is a job I love and I hope to see you there.

Your Friendly Server, Barby