I’ve worked at Dempsey’s Pizza, a beloved pizza restaurant in my hometown, for a little over two years. A little over four months ago, Dempsey’s caught fire in the middle of the night. Even though the building didn’t burn down, the smoke and water damage to the restaurant was extensive. Dempsey’s re-opened last week, and I was able to go back to work. I realized that I missed many things about working as a salad bar girl at Dempsey’s, but here are just a few of the things I missed the most.

1. My coworkers.

I get the pleasure of working with some of my favorite people in the entire world. My coworkers and I joke around and cut up with each other while we get our jobs done. Yes, we sometimes get on each others’ nerves, but I know that I could go to any of my coworkers if I needed help, be it work-related or otherwise, and they would help me, just like I would help them. I really, really missed seeing my coworkers. We’re not just coworkers, but one big family. I wouldn’t have met some of the people I work with if it weren’t for Dempsey’s Pizza, but I am very grateful I did.

2. The rush and crazy crowds.

One of the best and worst things about working a popular restaurant is that there is hardly ever a “slow” or “dead” night. Even our slower nights are fairly busy. This past Friday night, we already had a line out the door when I clocked into work, and the line continued to be out the door for the majority of the night. Working in a busy restaurant has its overwhelming moments, but honestly, running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to fill up the salad bar is a more normal night at work for me than a slow night. Being busy keeps me occupied and prevents me from being bored. I missed the choruses of “Behind you!” and “Order up!” and trying to navigate through crowds of people who are trying to get their food from the buffet or salad bar. I love the fact that my job is never, ever boring, and I love that no two nights are ever the same.

3. Chocolate chip pizza.

Quite possibly my favorite dessert in the world, this glorious delicacy combines two of my favorite foods--pizza and cookies into a tasty treat. If you celebrate your birthday at Dempsey’s Pizza, you will get your own individual sized chocolate chip pizza, instead of a measly slice of cake. I certainly missed this while we were closed.

4. My bosses.

Mr. Tony and Mrs. Bert, the owners of Dempsey’s, are more than just our bosses, but are like family to their employees. Their standards for their employees are high, but they never hesitate to show their appreciation for a job well done. When people work at Dempsey’s, they don’t just stay for a few weeks or a few months, but often for several years, and that speaks more to the way Mr. Tony and Mrs. Bert run their business than it does to the employees who work there. Just last night, after a hectic and busy day, Mr. Tony still found time to ask me about my first semester of college. Mrs. Bert works harder than any of the women on the floor, but she also makes sure that “her girls” are taken care of. I am incredibly blessed that my first job has been working for these two incredible people.