Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Robert St. John: The Community Council

 Check out the Sesame Cheese Straws recipe posted below.

The corporate vision statement of the New South Restaurant Group states, “We exist to support our co-workers, delight our guests, and serve our community.” That is the vein that runs through the core of our business. All of the decisions we make are based within that context. Will it be beneficial to our team members, our guests, and our community? It has been my experience that if we prioritize our values in this manner, the business— and the personal lives of all involved— will be better.


  The statement has morphed a little throughout the years. In its original form it stated, “We are committed to our customers, staff, and community.” We put the customer first in the early days. I started business in the “customer is always right” era of the 1980s. Sometime in the mid 1990s that attitude morphed into, “The customer isn’t always right, but we damn well better make them think they are.”  

In the early 2000s we started prioritizing our team members over our customers. We learned that if we take care of the people we work with first— and prioritize things such as their work environment and overall well-being— that they will do a better job taking care of our guests.

We have always been community minded. That's one thing I learned while working for someone else. I had a job as a server in college and the owner of that restaurant didn't do anything for the community. He even bragged about not doing anything for the community. It was all take, take, take, no give. Sometimes one learns what not to do while working for someone else as much as one learns what to do. So, when I opened our first restaurant, I knew I wanted to plug into the community and plug in in a big way. Afterall, it’s my community. I grew up four blocks behind our restaurants.

That's why I started the New South Restaurant Group Community Council. The group was very active until the pandemic shutdown hit us back in March. We’re back on track now.

The New South Restaurant Group Community Council is an all-volunteer group of representatives from each restaurant. The general managers pick two team members to serve on the council. The 12-member council is an autonomous group who elect their own officers and decide which causes they want to support in our community.

Early on, I suggested we take a strong role in the elementary school that is in our neighborhood just a few blocks from our restaurants. Thames Elementary is my alma mater. I went there in the 2nd through the 5th grade, and don’t live too far from there today.

One of the things I appreciate in our Millennial workforce is that they are so community focused and community minded. Whenever we ask for volunteers to work on projects that help those in need, they step up to the plate in large numbers. That is something my generation lacked. We were more self-focused when we were in our twenties.

Over the years Thames Elementary had become a D-rated school. They needed help badly. 100% of their kids were on the school lunch program and a few came from families that were homeless. Several people in the community had been working with them for a few years when we came along. The team members of the NSRG Community Council dove into their work headfirst. Working with the fully engaged and enthusiastic school counselor, Heidi Hackbarth, they began volunteering to read in classrooms and assist teachers. We fed the teachers breakfast on their last days of school and treated the kids at our burger concept when they made the honor roll. They collected toys at Christmas and the teachers gave them to families who might not be able to provide much on Christmas morning. We also collected candy at Halloween and helped pass it out (in costume). Our team members loved every minute of it.

Earlier this year, just before the shutdown, the NSRG Community Council received the 2020 Governor’s Award for Partnership from the Mississippi Association for Partnerships in Education. We attended a nice statewide luncheon and picked up a certificate. It was meaningful to me because the members of the council got to see their efforts recognized. That was on March 5th. Everything shut down a few weeks late, including the school. 

Shutting down a school such as that creates its own problems, especially when so many depend on the school for breakfast and lunch every day. This pandemic has been tough on the kids on several fronts.

Seeing the NSRG Community Council at work is one of the most rewarding parts of my day. Due to the dedicated staff and administration at Thames Elementary— and the hard work of the students who scored well on their state tests— the school rose from a D-rated school to a B-rated school, an accomplishment that many in the district told them would be impossible.

The NSRG Community Council probably didn’t factor into raising school scores too much. All of that recognition should go to the teachers and administration. But we sure played a part in the celebration of that feat as we hosted and fed 76 of the kids who scored “advanced” or “proficient” on their tests at our burger concept.

It’s my belief that every business in every town should adopt a school. Seriously, if you own a business and have not partnered with a school in your neighborhood you are missing out on one of the most rewarding honors available to a business owner. It’s not always about money and giving. Often, it's nothing more than time spent with the kids, and helping the teachers, staff, and administration know that they are appreciated by the community for their hard, challenging— and often thankless— work.

There’s no better way to invest in the future of one’s community than to partner with a school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteer team members of the NSRG Community Council for their hard work and dedication. In the coming days they will be gathering candy for Halloween, feeding teachers, and collecting Christmas gifts for the students at Thames Elementary. I love my city.

Onward.

 

Sesame Cheese Straws

Sesame is a long-time staple of the southern larder and a perfect partner with cheese straws.

1 pound           sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups              all purpose flour, sifted

1 /2 cup           butter, softened

1 tsp                salt

1 /2  tsp           cayenne pepper

1 tsp                sesame oil

1 /2 cup           sesame seeds, toasted

 

Preheat oven to 375.

Process all ingredients in a food processor for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture forms a ball.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1 /4-inch thickness.

Cut into 4-5 inch straws, one-inch wide, and place on a ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Yield: 60-70 straws

 

7 comments:

Green Acres said...

I enjoy Robert's columns and thank you, KF, for posting them. I'll make the cheese straw recipe next month after I receive my hefty cheese order from MSU. Might even substitute MSU jalapeno cheddar for regular cheddar.

Anonymous said...

“The customer isn’t always right, but we damn well better make them think they are.” Well said.

Anonymous said...

He should run for governor.

Anonymous said...

Gosh, just think if any restaurant in Jackson had that kind of attitude. #Leadership

Anonymous said...

These articles are an appreciated escape from this crazy world. Much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

4:21, you should get out more often. You’re obviously not aware of this but Jackson has some of the best LOCAL restaurants in the state. And if you were to visit them instead of the fast food chains you no doubt frequent, you’d know this. Great food; great service. My favorites are in “The Fondren”. (Who came up with that? And who actually calls it that?)
And yes, Madison and Rankin have their share of good local restaurants too. Chick-fil-A is great but expand your horizons!

Anonymous said...

Robert St. John is a great guy who is helping transform Hattiesburg with his restaurants and I'm glad he will be opening an Ed's Burger Joint in Fondren soon.

At the same time, you can knock Jackson for a lot of things, but not for its restaurant selection. We have a LOT of great restaurants, especially for an area our size. I think part of the reason is our proximity to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. People in Jackson know a good restaurant and will patronize one. With guys like Bill Latham and Jeff Good still coming up with ideas, our waistlines should be in jeopardy for years to come!


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.