Naf Naf restaurant general manager’s perseverance and dedication fuel Love’s career
Say hello to Linda O., a shining star on our food service team, who embodies exceptional service and unwavering dedication to our company. Since joining Love's in 2017, Linda has embarked on a remarkable career journey. From humble beginnings to her current leadership role as restaurant general manager of Naf Naf Grill at Love’s Travel Stop in Greenup, Illinois, she remains a testament to unwavering commitment and leadership.
Linda's passion for her craft shines through with a rich background in the food service industry. From working in her family's bakery to owning and operating a restaurant with her sister for more than a decade, her journey has been one of perseverance and progress.
At Love’s, Linda started in restaurant operations before stepping into various leadership positions, showcasing her drive and commitment to her craft. Her passion for Naf Naf Grill goes beyond her role. She aspires to make Naf Naf Grill a resounding success, aiming to expand the business and open more locations to share the tremendous flavors and healthy options offered by Middle Eastern cuisine.
“Honestly, this food is great! I love it. When I first came in, I was kind of skeptical, but with my cooking background, I quickly became excited. Middle Eastern food has so many options, healthy options. It's different, you can sit down and enjoy a sandwich, a bowl, or a plate. The options are growing all the time,” notes Linda.
Her initial apprehension transformed into excitement as she discovered the diverse range of choices available, from customizable bowls and plates to delicious pita sandwiches. Among the menu items, the build-your-own bowl stands out as a favorite and continues to be a best-seller, captivating taste buds with its combination of a base, protein, and an array of mouthwatering ingredients.
When asked about her favorite part of the job, Linda lights up with enthusiasm. She thrives on interacting with guests, making them feel like part of the family. Her tight-knit team shares this sense of camaraderie, where everyone contributes to every role, and versatility is the name of the game. Linda's leadership style fosters a harmonious work environment, eliminating the need for micromanagement and allowing her team to excel.
“I have a group of employees who are fantastic! Everybody has their role, but everybody contributes to every role. I have people cross-trained in all three concepts, jumping in to help whenever. They're very versatile, that's what I like,” shares Linda.
Looking towards the future, Linda’s thrilled for the company's expansion. She enthusiastically embraces new initiatives, understanding how they enhance the Love's experience and provide security for drivers on the road.
“I'm excited about expanding our brands. We're getting bigger and better every day. We're not only building stability in the towns we're in, but also building stability for all these drivers on the road on a daily basis,” says Linda.
This forward-thinking mindset and dedication to growth make Linda O. an invaluable asset to our organization. She embodies the spirit of excellence and inspires us all with her dedication and passion for service. We are honored to have Linda as a part of our team, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success as she helps us build a brighter future for Love's and all those we serve.
At Love’s, we strive to give employees across our family of companies the opportunity to grow in their careers. To accelerate your career with us, visit jobs.loves.com.