Sam Oliver has been working as a cook at Huey’s Poplar for 15 years now. He is a veteran and the life of the party, and we’re incredibly grateful to have him on our team. Congratulations on 15 years, Sam!
What has been your favorite part about working at Huey’s?
Mostly, it’s the people, and then the company itself. There is no other company out there that offers the package that Huey’s has. It’s a family atmosphere. Everybody comes together to get the job done, and I’ve never worked anywhere like that. I mean, I love it – I love it.
I’ll say this; for all the employees that work at Huey’s, stick and stay. It will get hard sometimes, but tough it out. Because in the end, we all win. It’s a family-oriented place, and not just toward the guest. It’s a family-oriented place for employees, too. We pull together as a family. It’s just wonderful. That’s why I’ve been there that long. With the benefits package, no one in the workforce can ask for anything better.
What’s the best part of working at Huey’s Poplar?
Coming to work knowing that my supervisor, Joe Blade, is going to be in the building. He’s my motivation. Regardless of how many people are on the shift, when he’s there with me, I know everything’s going to be done – everything. And the kitchen’s going to come together and we’re going to make it happen, regardless.
What’s your best memory from your time at Huey’s?
There are so many memories. On one employee’s last day, she was under the impression that everybody on the shift was going to take a bar shot to celebrate her last day after work. So, the bartender gathered the employees, she was thinking everyone was going to take a shot with her, but the bartender had a Styrofoam plate full of whipped cream. She was reaching for her shot, and he grabbed the plate of whipped cream and smooshed it all over her face. Everybody had their phones out. That right there, that was hilarious.
What’s the best part of working in the restaurant industry?
I’ve done it all my life. I’ve done it in the USA Armed forces for 10 years and I did it before then. And it’s just the atmosphere. Being born and raised in Hernando, Mississippi, I’ve always been taught the quickest way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, you know? And that’s just how I feel. If you truly want to make someone happy, feed them.