Far and away, this will be the most difficult blog I’ve ever written. Not really writing it for the exposure in any case. But I’m not much one for taking pictures, and the hugging isn’t my cup of tea either. But Champps really was my second family, and I’m going to miss it in more than just these words that I’m typing on this computer. I was going to actually do the 9, but thought that wouldn’t be fair to all the memories and experiences that wouldn’t make the list. So, it’s going to be a little bit of a freestyle, a big thank you, and a see you later, as opposed to a goodbye. I love you guys!!!
2001 – Going into it, I was never really interested in the restaurant industry and a little intimidated by talking to strangers. It didn’t really suit to my strengths, but my mom knew the manager and we hit it off instantly. I started at the host stand, and enjoyed doing it, but sometimes the 2 p.m. until the 4 o’clock replacement took forever! (Other daytime hosts will know exactly what I mean.) I officially became a part of the first self-proclaimed Champps “Dream Team”. Working Sunday brunches at the host stand with Dan N, Kristi C and Tracy C. I enjoyed every Sunday with you guys, and pretty much my only complaint was that dang Bears fan with the football helmet. But at least I never had to serve him! The management team was a blast to work with (although when wasn’t it a blast), and I want to do an official shout-out to Niece for letting me know that I was doing a good job! Those Renaissance festival tickets and NHL all-star tickets were pretty sweet!
Elite 8 with Steve K. – The first time that I really felt like Champps employees were my friends instead of my co-workers. I was to shy when I started to ask and sit at 91 with all the servers while I worked at the host stand, so I never really got that shot to make great friends. Well Steve and I hit it off instantly because of our love for sports. When he mentioned that he had a way to get tickets to go to the sweet 16 and elite 8, I was pretty pumped! I never got to do that kind of stuff! In any case, Steve and I had a blast, got an up close seat to the monster of the March Madness – Dwayne Wade – and I even blew a kiss to Ashley Judd when her Kentucky Wildcats lost. Needless to say, I didn’t get one back.
World Cup at Hunter J’s house – The host got an invite to hang out with the cool people!!! I figured it was for my love of soccer, but that still was one of my favorite times with all the “old” crew. We stayed up until about 8 in the morning and put away some alkie! My first experience watching a Champps hook up followed by the walk of shame. (Taking that to the grave though) It was a blast though, and really made me feel like I was part of the group after that.
Burt – With no bad feelings toward anyone else, the friendship/work relationship that I have had with Jason B was priceless. Not sure if even he knows this, but at first I was seconds away from packing up my stuff and heading over to PF Chang’s. A good friend/employee convinced me that maybe it wasn’t a good idea, and Jason’s style was different, not worse. Anyway, I stuck it out and I am so delighted it worked out the way it did. Every morning that we opened together, he would always bend the rules and we’d talk sports 10-15 minutes into every shift, before I got the wrath of the other servers. His opinion I trusted more than most when it came to fantasy sports, and I believe it paid off well. (At one point I won 3 of 5 Champps fantasy football leagues and made another final before getting destroyed by Dan D). I’m happy to call him a friend, and it brings me joy to know that he’s going strong and doing well.
Wedding – It really came together in a beautiful way for Champps and that special day in my life. Although it was tough not having any of the managers there because they were all working, so many valued friends came and celebrated that special day between Sara and I.
Powerhouse – Once upon a time, I couldn’t get a closing section to save my life. It didn’t hurt my feelings; I knew we had a ton of superstars. But during the years of 2006-2008, we had the most incredible serving staff. I don’t really want to just start throwing out names, but every and anyone that was a part of that special group knows that they always have a place in my heart and for keeping me in section 6 for the better length of almost 3 years.
Bowling – Blubbering like a baby... this team... not sure I can do this one. Thanks Dan, Charlie, Joel, Jon, Larry and all our other teammates that made Tuesday nights so special to me for 10+ years. And this MF’er right here not only threw a 299, but also finished my Champps bowling career with an average of 202. I’ll take that.
The Final Stretch – Our last group was so special. I remember a time when Champps did have a feel of day v night there. But from about the point of 2010 and on, it seriously was just one big happy family. Front of the house, back of the house, behind the bar, seriously everywhere. Devlin’s imitations of Tom, Patio parties, The Christianson dynasty, $4 calls was the greatest idea ever, some really interesting Christmas parties, the year of the twins, wah-wah, Friday breakfast, and all the other special moments.
Crushes, Blogs & Top 5 lists – Literally since day one, I’ve been running some form of what’s your favorite ____? We had some of our best conversations bringing up some of the stuff. Best servers, drinks, women, teams, managers, pretty much nothing hasn’t been rated at one time or another. Anyway, I just want to say how happy I am to have a wife that isn’t insecure about a husband who’s had a crush list since the day we met. In the words of one great Miley Cyrus, “That’s pretty cool”. A thank you to everyone for not taking it too seriously, and having fun with me.
Regulars – The other best part. I’ve made so many friends through the years just by meeting people that came and sat in my section. I by no way can name every single one, but if I can just categorize it, I’m sure you’ll know which one you fall into. My sports regulars, naturally. My not quite, many, many years away from senior citizenship regulars. My lunch time regulars. The bar table regulars. The window (70’s) regulars. All of Julie’s daytime regulars. My friends that came to visit of course, and former employees that came back to sit in my section. There was a time, probably around 2010, when Champps became more about the relationship than it was about the money. I can thank all of you for that.
The Big Ones – Only a few moments did I receive a financial gift that was greater than or equal to that of an entire shift. 5 of them stand out the most, and I hope that each of you know who you are. Thank you for that. Most of it went to my children and I wouldn’t have it any other way. For the San Francisco 49er fan that came in the day before Thanksgiving and gave me $100 on a $50 tab, I’ll take it to the grave. Since I know there is no shot of him and I ever reconnecting, I just want you all to know how awesome that was. Sorry you haven’t gotten your super bowl yet... Lastly to the Boston Scientific group of X-mas 2012, that was going to sit in my section the week before Christmas. There was supposed to be 40-50 of you, and Boston had pre-ordered food. Needless to say, 8 people showed up and the tab was over $800. He still gave me over 20%, and said it wasn’t my fault. That’s the spirit of giving right there. I’ll pay that back again some day.
My Best Friends – I truly hope you know who you are. Thanks for being a part of my life. For talking soccer with me (most of the amigos), for sticking by me during difficult times, for taking me to Sharks’ night club and doing cocaine while I sat by myself at the bar (that happened), for open gym at the Maple Grove Community Center, for celebrating my birthdays every year, for putting up with me busting balls and cracking jokes, for the nice carries, and getting me out of the weeds (I still remember the time Tom gave me back to back parties of 30 – deepest weeds I’ve ever been in), Caribou coffee runs, Caribou coffee mornings, wedding receptions, standing in your weddings, table 95, table 15, upper wait, the multiple fantasy football leagues, and everything else. Huge part of my life.
Finally – 4 people deserve so much of the credit. Scott W. First and foremost. Thanks for the opportunity to work at Champps, for getting to know your family, serving your extended family at Jewish traditions and holidays, and just being good to me for so long. I still wanted that S class though. You probably thought I was joking... To Deb and Jim for turning me into one of the “superstar” servers that I really never thought I was going to be. You both were so fun to work for, and changed the culture from a place where I collect a check, to a place that I couldn’t wait to be. I still remember when we went to a Wild game in the pre-season with the Swanson family and Sara Jake may have been like 8 and AJ just a toddler (a big one). You were the coolest parents on the block, and I’m working hard to get to that same level. And maybe a premature thank you for selling me the Acura back as soon as these boys get out of their car seats! I can be hopeful anyway!... Lastly, to Carol K for the hire. I thought I’d get chewed up and spit out when I first started there, but you made it so easy for me, and I’m just now cleaning up the spit. It’s been fun.
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