Server Interview

Meet Gerry, one of our long-time employees! We loved learning a bit more about him...

1.How long have you been working here at Blackhawk Grille?
I have been here for 14 years, as I started in the summer of 1994.
2.What position did you start in, and how long did it take you to be a server?
When I first came here, I started as a line cook. I worked at all stations. My favorite station on the line was what we call “in the middle” it usually consists of me calling out orders and expediting. I did that for 9 years. I later moved on to the pastry assistant chef. After about a year, I got promoted to pastry chef. I was pastry chef for about 4 months, and then felt like I needed a change, so I moved to the floor as server for 5 years and counting.
3.Have you served at any other restaurants?
I was previously employed as a server at Scotts Seafood in Walnut Creek, Mudds in San Ramon, and Piatties in downtown Danville.
4.What do you enjoy most about working with us?
I feel team members are like family. I have a strong connection with all my fellow front of the house co-workers. I also love the always changing menu and wine list.
5.What do you enjoy most about serving your guests at Blackhawk?
I feel like the Blackhawk Grille is a neighborhood type of restaurant. I know about 70% of our guests and call them by their first name. I love when a good regular comes in and we talk about life and we laugh together.
6.What is your favorite dish that has ever been/is on the menu?
Seafood platter-lobster scallops shrimp mashed potatoes lobster cream, 24oz bone in rib eye- current dishes – halibut, short ribs
7.What about your favorite glass of wine/beer?
current list- Bennet Lane Maximus white, Caymus Cab 2006 – not a beer drinker. Beer gives me a belly.
8.What are your most and least favorite parts about your job?
My favorite part of the job is menu changes because the chef always prepares the dishes for us to try. Also when we get new wines, management lets us taste the wine which we further explore our pallets. My least favorite parts are when guests come in with the “look down” type of attitude. Here in Blackhawk, some guests think they are better then us and we run into the occasional guests who treat us with disrespect. I understand that we have to just ignore that fact and continue to offer superb service.

Say "Hello!" to Gerry if you see him when you come in!