Team Member Showcase
Team Member Showcase
At Fazoli’s we have AMAZING Associates… and we want to tell your story!
Each month, we highlight Team Members who represent different and diverse segments of our workforce. Join Our Team & Let Your Story Begin!
APRIL 2025 – Tiffany Jump
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 4+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Fan fav go-to: chicken carbonara, all time fav: sliders
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Learning about life and leading a team from MANY different angles
- My Story:
- I found Fazoli's in 2021 as a newly sober, single mother. I was hired in as a day time steam. Throughout all of my life my parents taught me that when you work hard, it works out. I apply that through every day. Coming into Fazoli's I knew that I liked being in the kitchen; I never knew exactly where it would take me. It took me approximately one year to make my way from associate to shift lead. Unfortunately, I was not ready to take on all Fazoli's had to offer me at that time. In July 2022 I decided to take my food experience a different route. It was approximately 1 year later when I came to the realization that where I was, was not where I was supposed to be. Fazoli's was where I belong. Shortly after deciding to try and come back to Fazoli's I had received a message about coming back to help run Florence. The plans took motion and I was hired back on as a shift manager in October 2023. I continue to learn the process of maintaining the store and eventually took the position of AGM in August of 2024. Fazoli's has supported me in the success and challenges of getting to where I am. Through getting sober, learning to deal with life, and becoming the best mother I can be there were MANY mistakes- a lot of which I've had to face consequences. But having the support system to celebrate with you when you succeed, to teach and correct you when you are wrong, accepts your apologies and supports change when needed is truly why Fazoli's is home.
APRIL 2025 – Carson Fakes
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Broccoli penne with mushrooms!
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I love getting to meet new people and interacting with customers. I am passionate about training new employees, and being able to cultivate a happy work environment. Fazoli's has given me the chance to network with so many people, and I love being a part of so many amazing teams and having the ability to continue to learn and grow every day.
- My Story:
- I started as an associate in May of 2023. I am currently in my Senior year of college, but at the time I was hired at Fazoli's I was in the middle of my Sophomore year of college. Due to my busy course load and extracurriculars, Fazoli's was the perfect job for me as it allowed me to work when I needed to due to the flexbile scheduling that was offered to me. I was promoted to a Trainer in October of 2023, and then an Assistant Manager in January of 2024. During this time frame, I decided to move to a new city, and I was so grateful to have the chance to transfer as a manager to another store in my same area, which allowed me to continue to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. I was then promoted in July of 2024 to Assistant General Manager, and have continued to dedicate myself to further growth and development. Fazoli's has always felt like home since I started, and I love learning new ways to improve not only myself as an employee, but as a coworker, boss, and friend. Working for Fazoli's has taken me as far as I have asked to go, and I love feeling supported in all my endeavors. Fazoli's has allowed me to focus on my schooling while also allowing me to focus on my professional growth as an employee, which is not something that very many people can say that their job has done for them. I am very grateful, and can't wait to see what comes next!
APRIL 2025 - Anthony Faux
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 10+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Old meatball smasher with the hot sauce.
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy the people the most staff and guests
- My Story:
- I started Fazolis in June of 2014 as a part time bake table person and I went from there to the night steam table person until I moved to the pasta person every morning and became Team trainer in 2017. I did that the first five years I was here then in 2019 I became an hourly manager then in 2021 I became AGM I've been to almost all the stores in the Louisville market I came back to the Etown store back in 2022 where I started 8 years ago still going strong my next accomplishment will become a GM hopefully in the near future.
MARCH 2025 - Christen Walters
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Less than a year
- Favorite Dish:
- Boneless wings every day!
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I love everything about Fazoli's. From the culture within the restaurants, to the food, procedures and guests, I am all about Fazoli's! Coming to work every day is exciting and never an aversive experience.
- My Story:
- Fazoli's was my first job, I originally started in 2007 when I was in high school as a dining room attendant so I have spent a good chunk of my life in this restaurant. I decided then that I wanted to make this a career and became a manager shortly after turning 18. Fazoli's helped me get the most out of my career by providing me the training, experience and opportunities to move up and reach my full potential. Fazoli's as a company helped in many aspects, but a major shoutout to Shannon Johnson as she took me under her wing and shaped me into the manager I am today. As soon as I mentioned making this a career, she was on top of my development. I ran a significant amount of time successfully as her AGM and together we were a powerhouse. As a GM, I led my team as a Certified Training Restaurant where I was given the opportunity to train and develop new AGM's and GM's, hit many record sales weeks, and was chosen to host "dark kitchens" such as Macaroniville and Wow Bao. In addition, most of my longest tenured friendships have developed from here, which in itself is an irreplaceable asset in my life. Although I have tried to pursue other career opportunities a few times, I have always found my home back at Fazoli's. I am forever grateful for the opportunities given to me here, and my next goal is to move into marketing or training when a position becomes available.
MARCH 2025 – Jessee Rohmeyer
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 4+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Angus Beef Mac & Cheese
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The relationships I have built with the crew and management.
- My Story:
- I have worked for Fazoli's on and off for 12 years. During that time, I have had 3 kids and 1 deployment and got my bachelors. Over the years, I have grown so much mentally and emotionally because of the amazing mentors I have had at this company. Being a single mom is tough, but there has never once been a time that I have ever had to choose between being a mom and having a job. 4 years ago I was faced with an extremely tough situation with my children, what got me through it was my peers. They stood by my side and never turned their back on myself or my children. Working for Fazoli's has been nothing short of a blessing. I have gained so many life long relationships not just for myself but also my children. I started out as a team member, scared to interact with customers. I isolated myself in the kitchen and was scared to even look at a customer. Having the right manager believe in me and bring me out of my shell, I will forever be grateful for! Since then, I have flourished in the company. I have been an AGM at 1 restaurant and a GM for 2 different restaurants. My goal at Fazoli's is to be that same light for the people that come here and to be that person that helps them grow!
MARCH 2025 – Christian Davis
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 2+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Carbonara
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I really enjoy the entire ambiance of the store. The smiles are contagious and the teamwork is infectious.
- My Story:
- Fazoli's has given me so much to be proud of. I started out as a regular hourly associate and have since made my journey into management. I have learned so much and am always eager to learn more. This journey has helped me grow into a leadership role and I really feel like the associates care so much because they see us, as leaders, care. I am now the Fun Ambassador at my location in which I really do enjoy updating our fun board as this is something that continuously makes me realize how attitudes are contagious and that we, as managers, can make a difference every day with the morale of the store. We clean, take care of our guests and enjoy working together. To me, that is what being a part of Fazoli's is all about.
FEBRUARY 2025 – Cameron Williams
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1 year
- Favorite Dish:
- Spicy Baked Ziti w/Chicken
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The people and customer service environment
- My Story:
- I was born in Kearney Nebraska, I lived there for 2 years before moving to The Bahamas, where my dad is from. I lived there for 13 years until moving back to America in 2019 due to a hurricane that destroyed everything my family and I owned. Long story short I went from an all black school to an all Caucasian school in a month and had to learn to fit in. It was hard but eventually I graduated with Cum Laude and w/an almost 4.0 GPA. I attended Metro Community College for business admin and am working on being a real estate agent here Omaha NE. I am graduating from Metro in May 2025. I will graduate w/an associates degree and 2 certificates. during school. I worked full time as a manager, Certified Trainer, and ALL AMERICAN employee at Fazoli's when I turned 18 and then a manager at another restaurant at the same time. I am now applying for a 4 year college where scholarships will pay for most. I am happy to be at Fazoli's because of the family dynamic it brings to my life. I am proud of my heritage and ethnicity and glad to be an American!
FEBRUARY 2025 – Eric Smith
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 2 ½ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Carbonara
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I like the pace of the business and serving our guests.
- My Story:
- My name is Eric Smith and I'm the proud father of a 5yr old boy and a 10yr old girl. They are the reason I strive everyday to be a better person. I'm very athletic and I spent 8 years playing Semi-Pro Football as a slot receiver. Not only do I enjoy sports, I'm also a jack of all trades. I have experience in cooking, construction, landscaping and building maintenance. Fazoli's has always been a great place to work. I originally started back in 2021 at the Greenwood location and worked my way up to a store Trainer. I eventually moved to where I'm currently next to the 86th location. I love the team I work with now and look forward to working my way up to manager. The best part of my experience has been putting a smile on my customer's faces. Sometimes a simple hello and smile can change someone's day!
FEBRUARY 2025 – Keyance Hughes
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 2+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Club sub
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli’s? I love the people I work with at Fazolis and working at Fazoli’s the last few years I have become the culture ambassador and guest ambassador. I love meeting new people and talking to the guests daily.
- My Story:
- I have grown up in a single family home most my life and have helped my mom raise my younger siblings since a young age because my dad was not really in my life,when i was in 10th grade i decided i didnt want to be in school so i got homeschooled and now graduated, when i was 16 i started working at mcdonalds and after i left there because managers was not so nice i came to fazolis and i love it here, i have learned so much working here and have now became the culture ambassador and the brand ambassador, I enjoy talking to the regulars that come in to eat and training our new crew members. When I am not at work I am either watching my sisters, hanging out with my boyfriend Owen, and I volunteer at different places in my area on weekends I dont work. Soon I am hoping to start my nursing classes to become a phlebotomist. I plan to stay with Fazolis for a while, the people here have taken me in as family and everyone here is so kind. I really enjoy my job and everything I have learned and will keep learning everyday.
JANUARY 2025 – Todd Hultman
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 13+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Loaded Baked Spaghetti
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy taking care of our guests. Good food and great service can really change someone's day.
- My Story:
- I started working for Fazolis as a pasta cook in October 2011. Over the first couple of years, I kept learning new positions and taking on new responsibilities. During that time, two of my children began working for Fazolis as well. They have now been promoted to management as well. I'm proud to have worked with them and watch each of them excel.
JANUARY 2025 – Kiley Hultman
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 9+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Gluten-Friendly Rotini with Meat sauce and chicken
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Being able to make some people's day a little better. I like being able to make people happy, and if fresh breadsticks are a way of doing that then I am all for it. XD
- My Story:
- Well I started looking for a job young. I started when I was like 14, and as you could imagine no one would hire me that young. My dad (Todd Hultman) started working at Fazolis in Oct. 2011 if I remember right. My sister (Teliecia Dickey) also worked there, but I am unsure when she started. Anyway, my dad was talking to his boss about me and his boss told him to have me put in an application as soon as turned 16. So 2 years and one interview later and I got hired and trained as their dining room closer. As a couple years go by I was promoted to Trainer, then to a Manager. I'll be going on my 10 years this coming August 2025. To think that I that been with Fazolis for that long... "Sigh" How time flies.
JANUARY 2025 – Mike & Ryan Lipphardt
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Serving the guests and that today is not the same as yesterday.
- My Story:
- My name is Mike Lipphardt. I have been the GM of the West Central Fazoli's since 2012. I found Fazoli's while looking for new opportunities after eleven years with my former company. Immediately I knew I had made the choice of a lifetime. Seeing something new and interesting, getting to be a part of growing it, was exactly what I needed to invigorate my work life and bring me the sense of accomplishment I think everyone wants to feel in their efforts. It allowed me to grow as a manager and a person as well as provide for my most valued priority - my family. Naturally, when my son, Ryan, wanted to get his first job, his first step into adulthood, I recommended that he apply with the other Fazoli's location in Wichita. I wanted my son to experience the same satisfaction and great work environment that I had and there was no doubt that Kathryn at Rock Road would provide that. Ryan started with our company just after his 16th birthday. Seeing him in his uniform for the first time gave me a sense of pride I imagine every parent feels, but it felt special and unique to me all the same. After a couple of years Ryan worked his way up to being trained for management and eventually found himself as one of the Associate Trainers at Rock Road, where I am told he carries on the tradition of excellence that he learned from Kathryn and her team - and I hope a little bit from me. Evidenced by the fact that since the inception of the Employee of the Month program Ryan has achieved the title on three occasions. I can not convey in simple words the pride I have as a father. Both for the person my son has grown into and for the Fazoli's employee he has become.
December 2024 – Crystal Yocum
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1+ year
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Carbonara
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I love the family atmosphere and the guest
- My Story:
- I have done a lot of Volunteer work from nursing homes to the local dog pound, I have always felt better about myself when I help people out, I have also helped with The local Christmas parade and food drives. I have helped with the homeless shelter and place homeless people in different programs Nelson County and Surrounding counties,I have recently help get baskets together for thanksgiving coming up,and will do the same with Christmas,I help put together angel trees at several locations for the upcoming holiday season,
December 2024 – Denyail Ashton
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 9+ months
- Favorite Dish:
- My favorite dish at fazolis are the baked italian meatballs or the the meatball sub.
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Everyone I work with is really friendly and it feels like a family when we are working together. I love being able to make people happy with food.
- My Story:
- I'm a senior at east high school, I take a 3rd year machining program and that has allowed me to volunteer with north high school with the girls STEM camp. We taught 5th and 6th grade girls about the manufacturing trade and I loved being able to show them all the different opportunities they have that they might not have known they already had. I've volunteered for this the last three years I've been at north high school and I love it. I've helped Jessica Schnepp a lot with restoring the crump theater and making it able to go in. I look forward to coming to work because I get to interact with so many different and amazing people. I'm glad for the opportunity to work here and with the people I work with.
December 2024 – Kenneth Valleroy
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 6+ months
- Favorite Dish:
- Meatball Sub
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The people I work with and how the customers are
- My Story:
- I have done over 7 years of St. Baldrics me and my friends have raised over $3000 for people to find a cure for childhood cancer I have also lost my house in the 2016 flood so when some of the other floods happen I helped sand bag for the people who were going to be affected I have also done multiple fund raisers for my Esports team and raised over $500 for it to go towards getting better gaming mouse and monitors I have also help out with mowing and shoveling my elderly neighbor yards .
December 2024 – Lacy Miller
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 2+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Broccoli Penne
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Getting to meet new people
- My Story:
- I volunteer with helping evolve recovery to help women sustain long term recovery by building connections, offering encouragement and emotional support. I also help provide clothing and other resources to women in different transitional houses.
November 2024 – Michael Kiekow
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Less than 1 year
- Favorite Dish:
- Three meat Tortellini
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The customers and the family atmosphere that you get when you walk through the door.
- My Story:
- Back in June of 97 I decided to Join the Marine Corp. After being sworn in and going to boot camp, I graduated in Jan. 1998. I was quickly promoted and transferred and trained to several duty stations including Japan and Turkey. After 7 years of service I was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. I went to jump school in Fort Benning, Georgia. I was on my 25th Jump when my parachute collapsed causing me to injure my right leg and back. I was medically discharged from the Corps. Looking back I would not trade the experience for the world. I however use my training and experience from the Corp in everyday life.
November 2024 – Lucas Buike
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 2+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Spicy Ziti w/ Sausage
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The opportunity to advance, the fun work environment, and the diverse group of associates that I get to work with.
- My Story:
- At 19 years old, I realized I wasn't accomplishing much in college, and needed to make a course correction. My dad would always joke that he would take me to see a recruiter that he knew (he was in Active Duty Air Force for 22 1/2 years). I surprised him by coming home and asking to go see her. I signed up for 6 years in the Nebraska Air National Guard as a computer repairman. I went to basic training and technical school the following April, and was gone for 1 year. I came back more mature, but couldn't get comfortable with studying. I changed into services (which involves food service, fitness, recreation, lodging, and field mortuary). I enjoyed the food service, and got in an amazing stride. I was promoted to Staff Sergeant, and eventually got the opportunity to be the Assistant Dining Facility Manager in Lincoln. I deployed multiple times while in, I went to Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, and back filled Offutt when they deployed. I served 20 1/2 years before retiring. I enjoy that I get to put my leadership experience, and skills I gained there in my day to day life at Fazoli's.
October 2024 - Diane Kramer
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 4 years
- Favorite Dish:
- Pizza Baked Spaghetti
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy working with my management team and seeing the smiles customer’s faces!
- My Story:
- 26 Years ago I had a brain aneurysm that paralyzed me from the right side down. I was driving with my cousin in the passenger seat and we hit a parked car. At first they said it was a seizure which was not the case. I could not talk or walk. I had to use a wheelchair and go to a speech therapist for about three months, and occupational therapy, and physical therapy for about a year and a half. I could not walk for about six to nine months. About a year later I had to retake my drivers test to see if I was still able to drive. I now have a left footed gas pedal and a spin knob to assist me while driving, and I had to retake that test every six months for 2 years. Today I am able to Tie my own shoes, the trash bags, run food, and pretty much do most everything that someone who has mobility with both arms, but with only my left. My job coach helped me secure this job, which has now led me to become a trainer. I have been trained to do prep, Drive Thru, And Most of all, the front registers. I do not work in a kitchen, but I have knowledge on how the food is made so I can give the best suggestions to my customers. The management has been very supportive throughout my time here and I couldn't be more grateful to work in such a supporting environment!
October 2024 - Sadie Casey
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- <1 year
- Favorite Dish:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The people I get to work with.
- My Story:
- My whole life for as long as known I've struggled with attention problems, emotional regulation and sensory issues. I was diagnosed with adhd and low level autism when I was 14. I remember sitting through all my school classes wondering what was wrong with me and constantly getting in trouble for sitting the wrong way, talking too much or daydreaming. I also heavily have struggled with foods/eating my whole life. I will not eat if there is nothing I feel comfortable with eating and I will get extremely emotional about it. Speaking of emotions, I have felt overwhelmed every single second of my 17 years of age due to these two things, I'm constantly feeling way too much and feeling like the whole world is squeezing me. My diagnosis has helped me in several ways especially in the realization that I wasn't the only one out there experiencing these things and has helped me find wonderful and amazing people.
October 2024 - Thomas Durkan
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 12+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Spaghetti
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Preparing pizzas
- My Story:
- When I was young, I hardly talked much. But after years of doing speech therapy, I am now highly vocal savvy. I have a brilliant imagination that I began writing fantasy stories and drawing fictional characters. In fact, within these past few years, I have written and self-published three light novels on Amazon. My families and friends were very proud of what I have achieved despite my disability. They bought my books and enjoyed reading them. I hope that you will purchase my books too and enjoy them.
October 2024 – Jesse Kidwell
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Baked lasagna, also I love the bacon.
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Meeting new guests and bringing smiles to their faces everyday, and having a management team and GM who appreicates me even despite my disablility.
- My Story:
- When I was about 5 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD and then I was about 14 years old, I was diagnosed with autism, but after all these years, I had recently found out that I also have PTSD, Bipolar, and in then I was also diagnosed with ODD. But I'll never let any of my disabilities stop me from doing my job, which I love. I will keep doing my line of work because of how much I love it. And I will admit, most of my fellow coworkers and my management team are like family to me.
September 2024 - Jennifer Renteria
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Less than a year
- Favorite Dish:
- Spicy baked Ziti
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Working with my teammates and managers.
- My Story:
- Hi, my name is Jennifer. My family came to the United States roughly twenty years ago, originally from Durango, Mexico seeking a better way of life and more work opportunities to thrive. We found ourselves in here in Wichita, where I was born and where my family has been able to build lives for themselves. I am very proud of my family and my heritage. We have worked hard and persevered through the immigration process and becoming Americans ourselves. I feel very accepted here at Fazoli's, the people are friendly and I enjoy the work. My Managers are great and amazing people with whom I feel I have built a comfortable and friendly relationship with. So great, in fact I am working towards becoming one so that they can be not only my Managers but my peers. Most important in my life are my children. My one year old daughter, Araceli and my unborn son, whom we are thinking of naming Junior or William. I am working with Fazoli's to provide a bright, strong future for them. I hope that by partnering with this company I can teach them the value of hard work, dedication and discipline. That being great at something is more valuable than being handed anything. I truly appreciate the opportunities being provided to me by Fazoli's and look forward to a long, rewarding career. Thank you!
September 2024 - Sofia Casillas – Cantu
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Less than a year
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Fettucine Alfredo or Mild Traditional Wings
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy the people around me, here at our Fazoli's it’s a very good community. We have good communication if any mishaps happen, and overall I enjoy Fazoli's itself. I love Italian food and I work here so it works perfectly.
- My Story:
- My name is Sofia. I was born in Winchester Indiana and I moved around pretty much my whole life. For my first child years I lived in Union City Indiana/Ohio, Texas, Mexico, and Tennessee. During covid times it was a hard time for my dad cause he was having difficulties with his papers so we spent the first 6 months of covid in Mexico. Now everything is good now that he is all settled. I'm currently a 17 year old senior in highschool. The older I get the more I learn history about my culture, I learn new things everyday and wouldn't change anything.