I’ve worked several part-time jobs over the years: babysat, served, cared for an elderly couple, bussed, even did some excavating one summer. I’ve done most of the typical part-time jobs any other college student has done, but so far my favorite has been serving at an Amish-Mennonite Restaurant.
Honestly, I thought it might be similar to Disney- you love going there but don't really like working there. But I was wrong! Here’s a tiny picture of what it’s actually like…
1. You want to try everything. Some people say that after working at a place, they would never eat the food, but working at an AM restaurant, all you want to do is take a bite out of every plate you run. The creamy mashed potatoes, crispy fried chicken, and thick pieces of peanut butter pie…you’ll learn self-control real fast.
2. You meet new family members. Many of the customers that come in are either Amish or of Amish relation and are often curious about your family and where you’re from. As a Yoder born in the Midwest, I often hear, “Well who are you, parents?”. Surprisingly often they’ll laugh and say “Well I’m so and so, cousins with so and so” and we’ll find out he’s somehow my mom’s third cousin. Well nice to meet you.
3. You learn how to make pies. Some places have people hired to make pies all day, but where I am its part of the servers side work. So when I clock in at 3:45 I make cream pies for the evening and then more as we need them throughout the night. I've almost mastered the perfect whipped topping.
4. You feel at home. If you’ve ever been to an AM restaurant you’ll know what I mean. Everyone is welcoming and friendly and makes you feel like you’ve been there before. As a worker, the other employees start to feel like family.
5. You work as a team. I’ve served in other places in the past and it’s often felt a competition between servers with arguments and unnecessary bossiness back and forth. But where I am there seems to be a level of respect and kindness between everyone, no matter the level of experience or position. I’d be curious to know if this is a cultural thing or if I just got really lucky.
6. You’re proud of the menu. When people ask what I’d recommend I rotate between items of the menu because it's honestly all great. It’s also fun to see the looks of surprise when I bring out the huge portions. It’s not the place for a dieter but perfect if you’re looking for a cheat meal.
7. Your bosses speak Pennsylvania Dutch to each other and to customers. It always makes me wish I would’ve learned Dutch from my parents years ago, but again makes you feel at home. You also try to pick up some of what they say.
8. You always have Sundays off. As a Christian restaurant they honor Sunday as the Sabbath and close for the day. As a server with a varying schedule, it's really nice knowing you for sure have off on Sunday.
9. You love closing Saturday nights. Yes, the big crowds are amazing but the thing I always look forward to at the end of the night is taking home a slice of pie. Since we’re closed on Sundays we get rid of all the pies on Saturday night since they would just go bad by Monday. For some places that means whole pies at discount or one slice for free. Again, I’ve had to learn the art of self-control.
Before working where I am, I'd always loved going to Amish-Mennonite restaurants; when I was younger my family actually ran one out of a renovated school house. But working at one now I've really come to appreciate the quality in food, the warmth of the people and the environment that makes you feel at home.
If you haven't experienced an Amish style restaurant, go try one out!
