A Toast To 2017

As the year comes to a close we enjoyed a special night together as a staff, laughing and eating and drinking a bit.  We paused before dinner long enough for me to toast another great year; I shared My Wishes for 2017.
 
To our morning floor shiner and my father in law - thanks for your confidence in me as a businessman and caretaker of your only daughter, we all wish for you a very healthy 2017.
 
To our team of dishwashers we wish for you each to feel the respect you have earned each day.
 
To our young bussers, don’t wish your youth away, stay young, your youthful energy is contagious, and there are plenty of shifts where we benefit so much from all you bring in the front door.
 
To our young, new parents who work so hard each day so that they can provide for growing families, surround yourself with people that treat you the way you deserve to be treated – and soak up each carefree, sincere smile and laugh.
 
To our staff with growing families, as your young lives settle into routines, embrace the days that will pop up as Facebook memories far too quickly.
 
To our college student staff, college truly is filled with some of the very best days of your lives, remember that the most important moments don't all need to be photographed – soak up every single day that 2017 offers with your eyes wide open.
 
To those young ladies in love, may 2017 be a year of commitment to lasting love.
 
To those whose lives are settling into routines, (the real OG) – thanks for your maturity - your quiet support and commitment means the world to us.  May 2017 be filled with lasting contentment.
 
To our expecting moms, chaos is about to enter your world.  Days will seem endless but trust me, you will wish for them to return far to soon. Enjoy every moment.
 
To our young gun Chef, 2017 will be the year that you let yourself blow us away.
 
To our most seasoned kitchen professional, this is the year of healing.  May your soul have a peaceful 2017.
 
To our very talented Buyer, thank you.  Every person in this room is benefiting from your incredible commitment to Jake’s.  We are all going to be sure to show our appreciation in 2017.
 
To our Dining Room Manager, 2017 will be the year that you see in the mirror what all of us see each day, such a beautiful person.
 
To our Executive Chef, while we all appreciate your managed emotion, never let the passion fade one bit – the passion for your craft, your team, your chickens, your family, our local farmers and most importantly for your new fiancé is what makes you you, and what makes so many people’s lives better; never ever let it fade.
 
To a very special couple, Thank you for all you have both given, the year ahead is one that will be filled with change and new and exciting and scary (for me), we will all find a way to adjust to a different relationship but one that will always be strong.  We all wish for you a year full of love and happiness.
 
To my wife, thank you for your patience, your guidance and your unwavering love. 
​I promise to give you all that you deserve in 2017.
 
My heartfelt thank each of you, let’s let's make 2017 a year filled with meaningful moments.
 
Cheers.

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