Things We're Thankful For
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to reflect on what you're thankful for, the friends and family you have around you, and what is coming around the corner in the new year.
At FLIK we are a family -- a community of great people who have a shared value in providing great food and great service. As an organization, we are incredibly thankful for all the individuals who make up our great company.
Meet some of our team members from coast-to-coast and see what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday (and what they're most looking forward to this Thanksgiving dinner):
Name: Harry Dorofee
Title: Rapport Brand Manager
Location: New York, NY
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 12 years
What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for a wonderful addition to our family Stellalena Grace Dorofee who was born in August of this year in addition to our two older children Emily and Harrison.
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? Pumpkin Pie!
What are you looking forward to in 2019? Continued personal and career growth
Name: Akanksha Aga
Title: Experience Director
Location: FLIK airport lounges/Out of my suitcase
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 2 years
What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful that my family and friends are healthy and happy. I am also most grateful for our team members! I am fortunate to spend time with front-line team members across the country and am amazed by the sheer enthusiasm and energy that they bring to our units every single day. I am thankful for the genuine hospitality, hard work, and determination with which they serve our guests. Many lounge team members will be working on Thanksgiving; they'll be busy welcoming guests and preparing surprise & delights on the holiday. I am sincerely thankful for their efforts!
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? Brussel Sprouts! As much as I love turkey and stuffing, I think Thanksgiving would be incomplete without Brussel Sprouts. I roast them with ghee, garlic, salt and ground pepper. They are simple, deliciously crispy, and healthy; they even reduce my guilt about indulging in that extra bite of pecan pie!
What are you looking forward to in 2019? We have a couple of guest experience and learning innovations that I am very excited about! We also have renovations at a few locations and are looking forward to enhancing both our team member and guest experience as a result. A new year always gives me great hope and 2019 is already looking promising.
Name: James Yoma
Title: Executive Chef
Location: Lake Forest, IL
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 7 years
What are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful for my fiancé and her ever growing patience and planning for our wedding. I'm also thankful for the team we have at Halas Hall, they work tremendously hard to get client and player expectations right.
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? My favorite thanksgiving food is a tie between cheesy mash potato and stuffing.
What are you looking forward to in 2019? I'm looking forward to my wedding, and to grow my career. Very excited to see what 2019 has to offer!
Name: Sheila Gonzalez
Title: Food Service Director
Location: Berkeley, CA
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 15 years with Compass Group
What are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful to join my new family with FLIK
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? Turkey
What are you looking forward to in 2019? Keep growing on my role as Food Service Director, and to get the opportunity to go out and see other FLIK locations and be part of openings.
Name: Anika Jackson
Title: Catering Director
Location: Chicago, IL
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 1 year & 8 months
What are you thankful for this year? I am so grateful for restoration! Restoration of friendships, of family and most importantly myself. My grandfather used to say something to me when we would joke about something he did or a way he felt, and his answer would be "Just Keep on Living"! I so understand this now. Life comes in ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys and you have to be as grateful in the valleys as you are in the peaks! Never feel like you have arrived consistently look to rediscover and restore things that no longer look the way you want them to look! #Gratefulness
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? Sweet Potato Casserole (it must have pecans)!!
What are you looking forward to in 2019? I am looking forward to all of the amazing things that I know will meet me in 2019
Name: Derek Drake
Title: Senior Food Services Director
Location: Evanston, IL
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 3 months
What are you thankful for this year? I'm most thankful for opportunity. In so many areas of life opportunity exists.
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? My favorite Thanksgiving food is stuffing with cranberries and gravy.
What are you looking forward to in 2019? I'm looking forward to the release of my new album.
Name: Jeanna Pelliccia
Title: Culinary Catering Director
Location: Austin, TX
How long have you been with FLIK Hospitality Group/Compass Group? 5 years
What are you thankful for this year? I am grateful for my relationships. From family, to friends to the people I just meet for the first time. We are all here together and we are priceless!
What are you most looking forward to eating this Thanksgiving? "Texas" Cornbread Stuffing, duh! :)
What are you looking forward to in 2019? My baby girl's graduation from Simmons University in Boston!! Whoohoo!!
What are you thankful for this holiday season? Let us know on Instagram @flikhospitality or e-mail us at flikblog@compass-usa.com!
To explore a career with FLIK Hospitality Group, please visit us here.