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!
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.
September 2024 - Melany Tapia Lopez
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Ravioli
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Meeting new people, and helping others out.
- My Story:
- I've worked at Fazolis for 1 year now and have met many amazing people. Both of my parents are Hispanic and have adapted to life in every way, and that has taught me to embrace my culture and always be a good person despite life's rocky road. This is my first job and it has taught me to be the best person I can be and how to step out of my shell. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others in every way I possibly can, even something as simple as serving a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs.
September 2024 – Omar Gallegos
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 14+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Fried Chicken Wings
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I love how family focused. I've gotten really close with the customers over the years, I enjoy meeting new people and training them in all positions that Fazolis has to offer.
- My Story:
- I came to Kentucky 14 years ago. I started working at Chilli's restaurant, at the time the GM over at Fazolis was looking for some help, so I decided to take my shot. During my time at Fazolis I have met so many people. Not only do I call them fellow co-workers, I consider them as my friends. I love seeing past co-workers and seeing what they have all accomplished in life. Fazolis hasn't been just a job for me, It’s also a family to me since my family is far away, I take a lot of pride in knowing that.
August 2024 – Anji Nowak
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 3-5 years
- Favorite Dish:
- Baked Sampler
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The atmosphere, my team makes me want to come to work every day
- My Story:
- I have been with Fazoli's for almost 5 years now starting out as an Associate Manager and I am currently a General Manager. These last 5 years have challenged me in ways I did not think possible. I have learned so many things about myself working for this company. My team is what brings me back every day though, they have become family over these years, I love when they are as interested in our results and accomplishments as I am. One of my greatest compliments is hearing that the "atmosphere in the restaurant is wonderful". There are so many accomplishments we still have to achieve here in Lima but with the team I have I know we can do anything we set our minds to. There are strengths in every part of my team that excites me to see, almost as much as watching them work as a team to overcome an obstacle. I spend a lot of time here at the restaurant but when I go home at the end of the day I feel accomplished and appreciated, something I have not found in the past where I worked.
August 2024 – Jessica Morales
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 5-10 years
- Favorite Dish:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The people and the flexible hours.
- My Story:
- I have had the wonderful opportunity to grow my knowledge and career with Fazoli's. I owe a lot of my professional and personal success to my job. It has been a very fast 6.5 years that I have worked here, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. This place is like a second home and my co workers are like a second family.
July 2024 - Onivefu Ebanehita Oboro
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Less than 1 year
- Favorite Dish:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The people here and how welcoming everyone is.
- My Story:
- I’m 16 in 12th grade. Moving from Nigeria to the USA one and a half years ago was a big decision leaving home but not one I regret. My mom always said this move was filled with dreams of new experiences and opportunities, so getting my first job was one of them. In Nigeria everything was different, from entering school early to the workforce where only adults that have finished school or dropped out were allowed to work or given jobs. Fazoli’s took a chance by hiring me, a chance which I’m grateful for. My first day was filled with a mix of nerves and excitement because navigating the challenges of language and cultural differences scared me a little, although I had been here for a year and a half, it was easy to tell from my speech that I had an accent. Being let to work upfront despite my accent and getting trained in what I applied for while still letting me branch out, help customers and understand the work has been very exciting. Working here has been a great learning experience, where everyone is respectful of your space and property, everyone makes you feel so welcome, interested in stories/ experiences of Nigeria, no one makes fun of your accent and everyone is ready to work. Learning to deal with cash and taking up responsibilities. I initially applied for this Job to be able to pay for my senior year as I didn’t want to give my mom that burden but with the short time I have been here, so many things have been taught to me. Example: me and my trainer had met a woman who came in to complain, the owner and general manager where there, that day and they used B- believe, A- apologize, M- make it right to deal with that situation, the customer left happy and not angry as we corrected ourselves. Each task provides me with valuable insights into the restaurant industry. I have quickly learned the importance of efficiency and customer satisfaction, skills that would undoubtedly shape my future endeavors. Here teamwork is a big thing, everyone helping each other, makes the job even better. I am grateful for the experiences and people I've met so far and working here makes me feel responsible for myself and not dependent on parents who have their own bills, unlike back home. My time at Fazoli's not only shaped my skills in customer service and cash handling but also instilled values of teamwork, and cultural appreciation because of how diverse it is. I enjoy the things I’ve learnt being here and the skills picked up so far and lastly, I am thankful for how comfortable I have been made to feel while working here.
July 2024 - Faten Alawadi
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1-3 Years
- Favorite Dish:
- Cheese pizza
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy working with my coworkers to take care of the guests to where they have a great experience when they come to eat so they will come back. It makes me feel like a part of the success of the store.
- My Story:
- I enjoy my job very much. I like that everyone works together as a team. I also like that I know multiple positions. Being able to work in Service and Drive thru have really helped me feel comfortable to open up to speak to people. I like to make our guests feel like they are at home away from home when they are in our restaurant. I feel appreciated at work from all of my managers which makes me want to stay because I'm happy. I think that is very important for all employees to feel appreciated. The kitchen has given me a sense of pride in the way my dishes come out as far as presentation and I enjoy challenging myself to see how quickly I can get the entrees out. I like that Fazoli's gives us the tools to be successful and grow as I feel like I apply a lot of the things I have learned with the opportunity that Fazolis has given me outside of the workplace.
July 2024 - Audrey Binkley
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 3-5 Years
- Favorite Dish:
- Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The environment and the people I work with
- My Story:
- I started this job at 16 when I was very shy and timid. I didn't really talk much to anyone but after a couple months I really came out of my shell. I made lots of friends that I would've never met had I not started this job. I've grown a lot here. I am now almost 20 and I feel like my work family here has watched me grow up and seen so many different stages of my life from all of my high school dances to me starting college. I have learned a lot about myself while working here and even became both a trainer and the Cultural Ambassador here at Fazolis.
June 2024 - James Shelton
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 3 months
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad with Giardiniera added!
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- In all honesty, my absolute favorite thing about the Fazoli's I work at HAS to be working with such an awesome and fun team. Every day is like a new adventure. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked somewhere and looked forward to going to work.
June 2024 - Jason Plewinski
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 10 months
- Favorite Dish:
- Pizza Bake with sausage
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Its a good pace for me since my cancer recovery. Alicia is a great manager.
June 2024 - Cyndi Newman
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 2 years
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The co workers
June 2024 - Myra Clark
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 3+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Baked lasagna
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy the people that I work with. I enjoy the customers. It keeps me active. I also enjoy fixing treats for my co-workers and bringing them in.
June 2024 - Jessica Fumelle
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1+ year
- Favorite Dish:
- Baked Penne Alfredo
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Getting to know the regular guests
June 2024 - Betty Ashley
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- 1+ years
- Favorite Dish:
- Lasagna
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The Team Work
May 2024 - Stephen Buday
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Carbonara
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- I enjoy working all of the different positions Fazoli's has to offer. There is always room for growth. Fazoli's is a very hands-on experience.
- My Story:
- Being a General Manager at 4 different stores throughout my 20 years with the company is one thing that I treasure. I enjoy teaching the employees the Fazoli's Fundamentals. I take pride in watching the employees learn the procedures and progress. There are so many learning opportunities that Fazoli's has to offer. I enjoy the stores and employees growth and creating a positive work atmosphere.
May 2024 - Patty Hinkle
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Favorite Dish:
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- The regular guests that come to see me, my coworkers and managers are like family, and knowing good days or bad days we all are all in it together. They are super people and have huge hearts.
- My Story:
- I have had knee replacement surgery and have to limit my schedule, which they always have been flexible with. They are understanding with doctor appointments and the fact that my memory and speed aren't what they were when I was younger. They include me in updates about their kids and their lives which helps me stay younger and younger. Rarely am I considered a senior but I am a proud grandma of grown kids! Watching the regulars age with me and being there with them as they meet obstacles that come with aging makes it less lonely and less difficult when I have hurdles. I can't think of a better, more accepting place to spend my golden years.
May 2024 - Karen Campbell
- How long have you been employed at Fazoli´s?:
- Favorite Dish:
- Spaghetti w/meat sauce
- What do you enjoy most about working at Fazoli´s?
- Working with the staff all this time has made it feel like family. I have enjoyed working with my managers who are wonderful at helping to accommodate my needs. I enjoy waiting on guests and developing friendships some. Some relationships have lasted 20 years.
- My Story:
- I started at Fazoli's in Wyoming. Mi, when it was under a franchise back in 2000 and then transferred to the Jenison location 6 years later. Now it has been 24 years later and the Fazoli's team has always worked with me through all my ups and downs, including health issues that have risen over the years. I deal with Rheumatoid Arthritis and my very bad vision in my right eye makes it a little more difficult to do certain things. Interacting with the guests and bringing them their food brings a smile to my face every day I work. If I see older people come into the restaurant, and I am always happy to assist and help them with wheelchairs, getting the door, and whatever need they may have. Seniors are so nice and fun to be around and they always are willing to strike up a conversation with me. We love to share stories about our families, and what's going on in our lives. It's about making memories. I love when seniors bring their children/grandchildren in to experience the restaurant, and some of which have been coming for over 20 years. It's nice seeing them and getting a hug. I have enjoyed my time with Fazoli's very much. It's a great company to work for.