How working at Menchie's on break has brought a little magic into my summer
When you think of applying for summer jobs, what places come to mind? Restaurant waitress, grocery store clerk, Starbucks barista... anything and everything customer-service. The phrase "customer service" usually gives me a feeling of uneasiness- after working several jobs in the industry, I found I was often met with messy, disrespectful, and downright rude customers on the daily. So when I came home on summer break from college this year, I set out to find a job that would change my connotation of customer service...
I found I was often met with messy, disrespectful, and downright rude customers on the daily
My parents live in a suburb just outside of Seattle. The whole area has been expanding the last few years to meet the influx of people moving to the region. Luckily for me, that means a whole slew of new businesses are opening in my area (YAY!) I set out looking to see what companies were hiring, and that's when I discovered the new Menchie's that opened in Smokey Point Marketplace...
I came in just to get a cup of yogurt with my family on a sunny Saturday. As we entered the building, I noticed how bright, colorful, and clean everything was. There were several people seated outside the establishment in provided patio furniture- laughing, playing board games, and making memories. We were greeted with a smile and a friendly "welcome to Menchie's!" upon entering, and asked if we had been in before. I have been to several Menchie's locations before, so I knew my way around a yogurt wall and topping bar. All the machines, counters, and tables were so clean, and the toppings were freshly stocked. As I sat down to eat my yogurt, it hit me: I wanted to work here.
As I sat down to eat my yogurt, it hit me: I wanted to work here.
I walked up to the counter to ask if they were hiring. The girl working smiled, said yes, and ran to the back to grab an application for me. I filled it out while enjoying my Pineapple Dole Whip Sorbet (if you haven't tried it, it is SO good!), and returned the application to her. I left with my fingers-crossed for an interview, while riding a serious sugar high.
About a week later, I got a call from the owner. She was so friendly, and set up a time to interview with me. She had even taken the time to call my references prior to offering me an interview! I met with her and her daughter a few days later for the interview...
At the interview, I found out their Menchie's store is one of many Menchie's franchises, and that their store is family-owned. I thought that was pretty cool that their family runs it together, as I am very close with my family, and value that in others. They told me how they look to create a fun, friendly environment for people to hang out and make memories. A goal of the company is to remove the customer service stereotypes, so they have a few rules: customers are referred to as "guests", employees are referred to as "team members", and everyone is greeted with a smile. They also have created a whole gang of exclusive Menchie's characters called the Sweet Friends- each with their own talents, personalities, and favorite yogurt flavors! How cute is that?!
I had mentioned on my application that my goal is to "create magical moments for people", and this was something that I later found out got me the interview. The owner and her family are HUGE Disney fans, and so they strive to give guests the same experience they get at the Happiest Place On Earth- something I admire and strive to uphold myself. I knew this was a perfect place for me.
I knew this was a perfect place for me.
I got the call a few days later that I was hired. I was so excited to finally have a seasonal job that wouldn't be a total drag. And I'm very excited to say that after being there for over a month, I still feel the same way about the store and they day I filled out my application. I plan to be there on some weekends during the school year, holiday breaks, and summers until I find my next adventure! Yay for a small Happily Ever After!
... okay, so now that I've told my story of getting hired, I bet you're wondering what it's like to work there? If it's a place you may want to visit, or a job you may want to apply for? Well, I'm happy to fill you in!
Working at Menchie's is exactly what we tell our guests: a smiley day. All of my co-workers are beyond pleasant to work with, the guests are almost always cheerful, and we have a lot of fun! Beyond helping guests and running the register, you get to do things like: learning how to operate the yogurt machines, decorating the store by blowing up balloons and making art on the chalkboard, and making guests' day with free surprises like 3D glasses and temporary tattoos with all the Menchie's Sweet Friends on them! I find our store never gets too messy, so cleaning tables and counters and floors is honestly really easy, and every team member is ready to lend a hand with chores around the store. All in all, its a really fun and relaxed time, and I'd recommend applying- or just visiting- to anyone.
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