Written By: Dimitri Garrett
Anthorn Garrett Jr. has always had a soft spot in his heart for the restaurant business and knew what he wanted to do in life the moment he experienced a taste of the restaurant industry. He grew up seeing his father operate a truck-driving business after running a restaurant. This inspired my brother, Anthorn, to dream. His early exposure to the business side of food service only fueled his drive to establish a reputation for himself in the field and to provide unforgettable dining experiences. Anthorn is currently employed in Garden City at Seasons 52 as a server. He is profoundly known for his kind demeanor and commitment to making his guests feel ecstatic. He gets great fulfillment from his work since it combines his love of cuisine with his gift for making people happy. For Anthorn, working in the restaurant business is more than just a job—it fits well with his hobbies and objectives. But for Anthorn, waiting tables are the only start. My brother is motivated by our father's two businesses, and his end goal is to own a restaurant in his name. Anthorn thinks it would be a dream come true to create a place where people can enjoy his delicious meals and obtain a five-star service rating. This is just the beginning of my brother's journey. Find out more about Anthorn Garrett Jr.'s background, his experiences working as a waiter, and his future goals in the interview that follows.
Anthorn's career path took a significant turn when he transitioned from the back of the house to a front-facing role. "First, I started back in the house, and then I became a food runner. During the transition, I saw how much money servers were making," he explains. "The customer service aspect, as well as making money, forming relationships with guests, and providing a great experience, motivated me to become a server." About two years ago, Anthorn began working as a server at Seasons 52 in Garden City. The choice of restaurant was more a matter of circumstance than a deliberate decision. "I wouldn't say I chose this restaurant in particular," he admits. "I went around Roosevelt Field Mall looking for any job at the time after just recently graduating from Hofstra University." Despite the bizarre beginning, Anthorn has gone above and beyond in his role in Season 52. His bright smile and dedication to customer satisfaction made him stand out as a server. But his dreams go way past serving tables. Anthorn was Inspired by his father's two businesses and his entrepreneurship, Anthorn dreams of owning a restaurant in his name. Anthorn states, "Making a name for myself is a dream come true," and "Creating a space where people can enjoy great food and excellent service is what I want to achieve." In the following interview, Anthorn shares more about his journey to becoming a phenomenal server, his experience, and his hopes for the future. His story is very passionate and dedicated, showing a deep love for the restaurant industry and a journey of a dream to one day run his own business.
A typical day for Anthorn involves "providing a unique experience to any and every guest walking into the restaurant that day," as he puts it, "as well as excellent customer service." He strives to be one of the best at guest satisfaction, a goal that aligns perfectly with his long-term aspirations. The most important tasks Anthorn is required to do include managing a section of the restaurant, typically around three to four tables depending on the number of staff on the floor, and completing side work such as cleaning silverware and wiping and setting tables. Located near Roosevelt Field Mall, Seasons 52 predominantly caters to the older crowd. Handling high-pressure situations, such as a busy dinner rush, is something Anthorn has mastered. "I handle high-pressure situations to the best of my ability," he says. "My mind moves fast, so managing those tables and helping out keeps me in check."
Anthorn's strategies for ensuring excellent customer service are simple yet effective: "Smile and stay as respectful as possible. I just think of it as I'm going to be dealing with these people for about an hour—they can't mess up the rest of my life." His positive mindset benefits him in overcoming the difficulties of serving customers, such as handling wrong orders, improvising on the spot, and maintaining his composure when things don't go according to plan. A moment that Anthorn remembers is when a client came in expressing that they were having a rough day and walked out saying that he had made their day, wanting to thank him and leave a positive message to a manager. "The most rewarding thing about my job is seeing the smiles on the guests' faces when they receive their food," Anthorn says. "To me, it's like Christmas because I enjoy making other people happy." To stay motivated during long and busy shifts, Anthorn thinks of his family. This motivation drives him toward his future career aspirations within the restaurant industry and beyond. "My future career aspirations include becoming a general manager or director of operations. I have a dream that I will have a business one day with my name on it."
Anthorn Garrett Jr. going from server to potential restaurant owner truly shows the passion he has for the restaurant business. Every shift, he tries to better himself, learn something new, make new friends, and provide perfect service while he tries to pursue his long-term goal in the future. His father truly inspired him to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant where guests can eat amazing food and receive great service. Anthorn is well on his way to achieving his dream because of his determination and love for the industry. In order for him to achieve this, he caters to every detail, listens to their requirements, and, regardless of what the guests say or do, keeps a positive and welcoming mood during their visit. Anthorn reminds himself that every guest deserves the best possible service and holds himself to a high standard by aiming to be among the best in terms of guest satisfaction. With this kind of attitude as a server, Anthorn's dreams of managing or opening his own restaurant seem endless. With perseverance and aspiration, he will certainly achieve his dream of becoming well-known in the restaurant industry.