We’re celebrating anniversaries in May with a little Q and A!
Meet three wonderful employees that have been with Taziki’s for 10+ years!
Rachel
Rachel celebrated her
10 year anniversary with Taziki’s
on May 22th!
Q: What position did you begin with at Taziki’s?
A: I started as a Cashier in Charleston, South Carolina. I worked my way up to an Assistant General Manager and then to General Manager. From there, I was offered an ownership opportunity with my husband, Els, who has also been with Taziki’s for 10 years. We are now the proud Owner/ Operators of the new Jackson, TN location!
Q: What has motivated you to gain tenure here at Taziki’s?
A: First of all I love the healthy, fresh food and I love the culture. I had enjoyed Taziki’s as a guest before I ever worked here. The Taziki’s was right up the street when I was in college, so I always walked up there. No matter what Taziki's I work in, the culture is always amazing and the people are great. I also love the flexibility. As I have grown with the company, I have enjoyed watching the innovation evolve. Taziki’s is great at reviewing different processes and finding ways to make life easier while staying true to company values. I love that Taziki’s does not judge people based on their backgrounds or race, or age. The company embraces change and every employee for who they are and the work they perform.
Q: What is your best memory about working here?
A: Since I've worked at Taziki's for so long, it's hard to pick my best memory. There have been so many fun staff parties over the years and customers who made lasting impressions on me through thoughtful gifts and conversations. One of my favorite memories was Second Sundays. These were during my early days at Taziki’s on King Street in downtown Charleston. On the second Sunday of every month, the street would close down to cars and there would be a flood of people all over the street enjoying music, food, and shopping. At Taziki’s we set up a grill and table outside the restaurant on the street and served guests outside! We would be so busy on these days, and it was the best! It was also the first time I felt like I was part of more than a job. I was part of a family. Despite it being the busiest day of the month, the day we worked the hardest, we had so much fun!
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: I like to go to the gym. I also like doing anything outdoors. I like to stay busy. I also enjoy traveling.
Q: What is one thing that maybe not a lot of people know about you?
A: I studied abroad in Iceland. I did a “Maymester” there going into my senior year of college. It was the coolest place I have ever been. I was studying Hospitality Management, so the whole course was us exploring tourism in the country. We traveled by van from city to city staying in hostels, cabins, hotels and going on crazy adventures like white water rafting, ATVing, cliff jumping, and glacier hiking. We completely immersed ourselves in the Icelandic culture and tried all kinds of different foods. We also saw more waterfalls than I ever could have imagined. It was an experience I will never forget!
Q: How has the Taziki’s culture inspired your work over the last 10 years?
A: I think the mission and the culture really come together, so that they both represent what we go through in a day. We say “Live the Good Life” and I really try to embrace that at work. Even though it’s work, we try not to make it feel like work. We know it can be challenging and stressful, but we make it a fun challenge. There is nothing better than being busy and serving all of the people, then seeing them happy and hearing their positive feedback. When you see the values and the work you do all come together it’s such a sense of fulfillment.
“I am a walking billboard for ‘hard work pays off’.” - Rachel
Sharon
Sharon celebrated her
12th anniversary with Taziki’s
on May 19th!
Q: What position did you begin with at Taziki’s?
A: I was hired as an Assistant General Manager for Cool Springs which was the first location in Nashville. The Nashville area kept growing and adding locations, and I eventually became the General Manager at West End. After a couple years of being the General Manager there, I was offered ownership, so of course I accepted! I am now the Owner/ Operator of the West End location in Nashville.
Q: What has motivated you to gain tenure here at Taziki’s?
A: Really, I enjoy my job. I love my crew and I love my customers.
Q: What is your best memory about working here?
A: I threw our team member, Joaquin, a surprise 20 year anniversary party. His best friend helped me and he invited all of his family from states away. Keith and Amy (the Taziki’s founder and his wife) showed up and it was just so great. Joaquin had no idea and it was so much fun. It meant a lot for me to be able to do that for him.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: I like to swim when the weather permits. I like to do some crafting when the weather does not permit.
Q: What is something about you that not a lot of people know?
A: I am a very good joke teller!
Q: How has the Taziki’s culture inspired your work over the last 12 years?
A: I would say the Taziki's mission as it has been my mission, too. Giving really good customer service and connecting with people has always been my approach. I think they stole my idea! Haha!
Shavon
Shavon celebrated her
10 year anniversary with Taziki’s
on May 4th!
Q: What position did you begin with at Taziki’s?
A: I started in the kitchen on one station. I can now work at all kitchen stations and create all of our fresh food!
Q: What has motivated you to gain tenure here at Taziki’s?
A: I like the atmosphere and the food. I also love the morning prep. I like that it is not regular fast food and that we get the privilege to prepare the food fresh each day. I just really love being here.
Q: What is your best memory about working here?
A: When I started, David was just my supervisor and now he is like my brother. I looked up to him and soon we had a family relationship, like brother and sister. I had never felt anything like that from a job, so it has really stuck with me all these years.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: At this age I do not have any favorite things - ha! It’s the simple things that make me happy like just relaxing at the end of the day. I like to travel sometimes and I love sightseeing. I love the mountains and countrysides, really anything nature related.
Q: How has the Taziki’s culture inspired your work over the last 10 years?
A: I like my bosses and the challenges they give me. I love the challenge that comes with prepping catering orders. I make sure the details have been accounted for and help my team ensure all is perfect. When we are busy, the Taziki’s culture reminds me of why I am doing it all.
“I love it here!” - Shavon
To everyone with May anniversaries,
we appreciate your dedication and hard work.
We are so glad you have chosen to be a part of Team Tazikis!
If you know someone who is looking for a new career,
tell them to text TAZJOBS to 31063 or visit taz.jobs,
so they too, can live the good life!