Be Kind to Servers Month
Brio Living Services employs nearly 200 Dining Services team members throughout the state, many of whom are servers; the hard-working folks tasked with making the dining experience friendly, high-quality, and meaningful at Brio’s residential communities. Being a server at a Brio community differs in many ways from a typical restaurant. Residents in our dining rooms have not only the standard expectations of casual and fine dining, but also get to experience a true family-like atmosphere. Dining at a Brio community dining room is more reminiscent of a family gathering than an occasionally visited restaurant.
Servers at communities like Cook Valley Estates, The Cedars of Dexter, Chelsea Retirement Community, and Porter Hills Village, routinely serve delicious meals to residents that they’ve gotten to know very well. These servers take pride in providing them with exceptional service, all while getting to know their history, families, and maybe even their quirks.
For example, Hayden Kelly, server of two years at The Cedars of Dexter, knows how each resident takes their coffee. He knows how much ice they like in their glass with soda. He knows residents’ individual dietary restrictions, although he is certainly not expected to as a server. Jenny Levandowski, server at Cook Valley Estates, prides herself on that as well, and says, “I enjoy getting to know the residents and always seeing familiar faces at work. I am able to anticipate the needs of the residents before they even have to ask!”
For Hayden especially, The Cedars is more than a workplace; for him it was once even called home. In keeping that true family essence, Hayden’s father is James Kelly, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Brio Living Services. When the Kelly’s moved from North Carolina to relocate for James’ new job in 2017, they temporarily lived in a cottage at The Cedars! Hayden thinks back on that time fondly, of how welcoming the residents were and how neat it was to come in to say hello to Chef Mark, Executive Chef at The Cedars. Hayden’s little brother, Jack, will also soon be starting his working career at The Cedars in the coming weeks!
Jenny also has a special family connection through Brio, with her mom, Mary Jo Levandowski, working at Porter Hills Village. Jenny was asked about a fond memory of her time working at Cook Valley Estates and she shared, “My favorite memory with the residents is when I attended the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Giving Gratitude event. I had received a scholarship from the Foundation and was featured in the video program that night. My mom and I attended together, and the residents very enthusiastically told my mom how proud they are of me and that they enjoy having me work at their home. It was a very special night to reflect on my growth at Cook Valley.”
January is “Be Kind to Servers” month, and we at Brio Living Services would like to take the time to thank our special servers for their dedication to excellent customer service, but most importantly, the warmth and joy they bring to the residents with every meal. Also, our dining team is always growing! If you’re interested in opportunities at Brio Living Services, visit our Career website.