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!
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.
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.