Nominated Business: The Buck Burgers & Brew
Who are the owner(s) and/or principal leadership in this company? Kenneth Kozminski
Where is it located? Saint Joseph
Nominated by: Madison Sutherland
How many people work at the company you are nominating? 50+
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
The Buck is a restaurant downtown Saint Joseph. Fresh is the key word on our menu because almost everything on the menu is handmade by our talented chefs. The Buck makes sure to hire the best employees possible so that they are able to give people the best service. Most of the employees there have worked there for a least over 5 years. It is a well-managed, clean business even through the busy summer months when there is a waitlist to be seated in the restaurant. The employees are treated great by the management and the managers and shift leads are very helpful at all times.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?I believe this company deserves to be declared one of the best places to work because the management is very helpful and organized. The first step to having a good, successful business is having an amazing management team. Each manager has a specific trait that suites them in the restaurant whether it be cleaning, doing the schedule, creating new menu items, or greeting customers. Even though each of them have different duties, they blend together to complete this big mission. They are always looking ahead and preparing for the future months of the business. Not to mention, there are many employees who have worked at the Buck for over 5 years. Many college kids are given the opportunity to easily come back to work in the summer. Besides the management, as an employee at the Buck, I can say you can make a lot of money here. Even as a host you are given a solid starting pay and get promoted from there. I was promoted from a host to a server quickly. I am proud to call myself an employee of the Buck and would recommend this job to anyone looking for a job.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Us workers are most proud of our variety on our menu. We are also proud of the quality and proportions that we are serving for the price of the food.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Google or Indeed. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
The Buck is a kind, warm-welcoming place to visit downtown Saint Joseph. The many choices on the menu ensure that I will find something that sounds good to me. The many beers attract many people.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
Welcoming
Loyal
Hard-working
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Ability to read minds
Fly
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? They consistently check up on us employees even just checking to make sure we’ve drank water that day.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? They are constantly planning ahead and coming up with new ideas to keep our menu fresh and up to date. This can include some trendy foods or food that goes along with holidays or special events. For example, we had a special Friday lent menu where we served lots of fish and also lower priced items for those participating in lent.
C] Keep communications open? I am always able to contact my manager right away about anything. They usually pick up their phones within the first couple rings or answer our text messages within 5 minutes.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
I can’t think of any specific moments since I have worked there but we have a very high ranking on Google and most of our customers are returning customers.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? Success is based on each person. If you are a good waitress, you will end up with a lot of cash tips by the end of the night usually. We are given employee discounts on food. Our managers are very uplifting and will tell you if you are doing a good job. They will also help you if you’re struggling learning something or need help.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? We socialize almost every day. We have a group chat on 7shifts which is our app we use for the schedule, taking time off, or communicating new changes in the restaurant.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? The Buck donates and sponsors many big events mostly downtown Saint Joseph.
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? We celebrate life through our regular employee parties. We are closed for almost every holiday. Even on 4th of July, we close to the public early so that the employees and their families can come celebrate at the Buck and watch the fireworks. Our owner throws a big party at the end of summer for everyone to attend to celebrate another successful summer. There are many, many life celebrations at the Buck.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
We go to Cedar Point or another big amusement park together at the end of each summer.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
Benefit 1: Half off your meal for a single shift and free food for a double shift
Benefit 2: Holidays off
Benefit 3: Good pay for untipped staff/good tips as a waitress
Anything else you’d like to mention about this company, its’ leadership, etc?
Not anything besides what I’ve already said.
