Sometimes You Have To Let Go
Presented by Society Insurance
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By Makara Berry
I remember the first day I walked into Bluegrass, a southern food and whiskey bar. At the time, I didn't understand what it would mean to me; housemade charcuterie, creative cocktails, and people that became my family. I created my own bitters, made cinnamon whiskey from scratch, and learned more about bourbon than you could imagine. I became the general manager, grew our social media presence, and won best restaurant. Then it was sold.
I watched everything I love: food quality, payroll, and staff disappear during the year the new owner took over. I couldn't bear losing all of the things Bluegrass once was even when I didn't get paid for weeks, even when I was cooking, even when I was spending my own money. I am still fighting for that money and it almost made me forget why I love this industry. This man was unorganized and had questionable standards. He took from us the thing that made that place spectacular... Us. He removed the employees that cared about their guests but also one another, and the place they worked. He made us feel like we were betraying our reasons for loving what we do, the knowledge, the respect, the beautiful experience of service.
Food and drink, made with love and skill, unite and bond us, through joy and sorrow. I am glad I let go before that bond was taken away too because for all its flaws this industry has given me an incredible life. Beware the owner who talks a lot but does not act on those words. See the red flags and leave with your good name. Fight for what you are owed and always try everything once.
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Society Insurance has been a leading niche insurance carrier since 1915. As a mutual insurance company, Society focuses on the small details that make a big difference to its policyholders while offering top-notch insurance coverage, service and competitive pricing to businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia and soon Texas.
Baltimore bartender, industry vet, curator of fine cocktails.
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Best Served. To achieve our mission of bringing more voices to the table, we are committed to sharing a variety of viewpoints across the industry.
