Thank You!

22 years ago my friend Scott and I got on our bikes and went up and down Route 60 in Fredonia. We spent the afternoon filling out applications for the local businesses on the strip. We then returned to my house to watch “The Brave Little Toaster” by Disney.

After that I received two phone calls one from Perkins and one from Ponderosa . I interviewed with Ponderosa first , then Perkins. Perkins offered me a job as a cook and I accepted . I took the job and I only wanted to work it for the summer. I was going into my senior year of High School and didn’t want to be tied down by a job.

My father then became ill and I needed to keep this job, and I am glad I did. Over the next 11 years I worked with some of the best people on earth . I met my wife Sheri there . I worked for a man who went on to help shape my life as well as countless other people’s life as well . Larry was and is such an important part of my life.

In 1999 the Perkins franchise sold it’s stores to Denny’s . We had two days to learn a new menu and new “Standards” . It was a difficult time, but one full of opportunity. I met Vince and he gave me a great opportunity to move into management with Denny’s.

In 2002 I transferred to the Angola location and had an opportunity to work with Vince , there I grew so much and within a year I was the General manager of the store. Vince has always been fair to me and has shown me respect . He has always taken an interest in me and for that I am truly grateful. It is tough knowing I will not work with him anymore.

I appreciated my time with Denny’s corporate. I always felt valued and appreciated. In 2009 Denny’s sold all of the stores to a Franchise Group and things began to change. The purpose of this entry is not to bash anybody , it is to thank them. I was not a good fit for this company (New Franchise) and they were not a good fit for me. I wish them luck and success in the future.

There are many of you that are reading this that have worked with me at Perkins or Denny’s. . I am blessed to have gotten to know so many people through the 22 years I have worked with you. I have so many close friends that I have met through work and many more friends I have met because of work. As I approach my last day with the company , I have to smile and be thankful to God for bringing such wonderful people in my life.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me since 1988, you will all have a special place in my heart!

DJ