Meet Janessa
Janessa was interviewed by a hiring site called Local Wise about what she has learned from working at Sanctuary Bistro. We loved her answers and thought we'd share here (first three questions). We finish this post with some questions from me. We feel fortunate to have Janessa work with us at Sanctuary Bistro and I hope this helps you get to know us better.
Three most important things I've learned working at Sanctuary Bistro
- One of the most interesting things I've learned is that when a business is built on kindness, it attracts kind people. I've really enjoyed getting to know the customers who come to eat at Sanctuary Bistro--they are truly interesting, kind and very diverse people. I've waited on customers in the military, who own hardware companies, who are investment bankers...the list goes on and on. And the food and beverage purveyors are amazing people as well--I'm excited to sell their products to the customers not only because their products are delicious, healthy and local, but because I want each and every one of them to succeed because they're wonderful people doing amazing things.
- I recently moved here from New York, where I waitered for the entire ten years that I lived there while pursuing acting and dance, and I thought that I just couldn't do it anymore--I was burned out. But working at Sanctuary Bistro, I have learned that when I work at a place that is in line with my beliefs, it is a very different experience. Serving food that I'm proud of, rather than cringing at it because I know the suffering that is unavoidable in meat and dairy production, makes a huge difference for me. It's very refreshing and inspiring, to say the least!
- I've also learned that locally produced kombucha on tap is about five thousand times better than anything you can buy in the bottle at the supermarket, and vegan desserts and cheeses can be better than those made with dairy--come in and try them and you'll see what I mean :)
Two things I'd recommend if someone wanted to be a server at Sanctuary Bistro
- First off, don't feel that you can't work at Sanctuary if you're not vegan or vegetarian--although the restaurant is vegan, the owners are in no way pushy about their beliefs, and welcome anyone who is enthusiastic about joining the Sanctuary Bistro team. Email Jennifer Jones-Horton at with your resume.
- Be prepared to work hard, as well as be reliable, self-sufficient and able to multitask. The restaurant is on the smaller side, which means that many shifts you will be the only person on the floor (on busier shifts there are two servers and/or a barista, but most shifts during the week have one server). You will be serving, seating people, running, bussing, and answering the phone to take reservations or to-go orders, in addition to side work at the end of the shift. If you're good at/comfortable with a great deal of multitasking and self-sufficiency then you will be a wonderful addition to the team!
Five most important qualities of a Sanctuary Bistro server
- Friendly and welcoming
- Comfortable with multitasking
- Self-sufficient
- Reliable
- Enthusiastic about serving Sanctuary Bistro's unique and exciting menu!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love anything outdoors, and you will usually find me in the woods or at the beach when I have free time. I also love volunteering at farm animal sanctuaries when time allows, and seeing great theater or films.
Missions Janessa is super passionate about
Farm animal welfare, which is one of the reasons I work at Sanctuary Bistro. I'm pretty much passionate about anything that involves raising awareness about the plight of those that can't speak for themselves.
Anything else you want to share with us?
Well, if you'd like to check out my acting website I'd be thrilled! www.janessaolsen.com.
Thanks, Janessa for being a part of the Sanctuary family! - Jennifer