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Golden Rule BBQ and Grill of Andalusia partnered with the LBW Community College Skills for Success program and offered a food and beverage class Sunday, March 19.

Golden Rule owner Christy Turner considered the class to be a great idea.

“By hosting this food and beverage class at our restaurant, it provided us with a way to find new employees and help them find jobs in the restaurant field. The students were able to learn everything from the front of the house from hosting, serving, and silverware to the back of the house. They learned many things in the back including knife skills, mixing, measuring, labeling, making a vinaigrette, and making corn fritters,” Turner said.

She and her husband Adam Turner were approached about offering the class a few months ago. “After a few meetings and final preparations, our staff was ready and eager to participate. It really helped our employees to see what they do to help make the restaurant run efficiently and also helped them respect each other’s job duties more.”

LBW Director of Workforce Development Chad Sutton felt the training was significant.

“It brought Christy’s staff altogether, so they could be on the same page moving forward. Now everyone on her staff has participated in the coursework. New employees of Golden Rule can be trained by anyone,” Sutton said.

Sutton added that the main goal of the class consisted of two separate parts.

“We wanted to train the current staff in both the front of the house and back of the house, so everyone has the same information and training moving forward. It’s a great example of investing in your team and cross-training. If you’re ever in a staffing pinch, you have others that can pick up the slack. The second goal was to train individuals from the community in the restaurant business. Unfortunately, we didn’t get individuals from the community, but I will work harder to accomplish that next time.”

Her Golden Rule staff has already received calls wanting information on a second class, and they are open to that.

As a restaurant owner, Turner takes pride in having an opportunity to serve the public.

“I love our community and love serving our community. If we don’t help each other, who else will? Food quality is absolutely our number one priority. We strive to please everyone, be efficient, and be consistent in service. I am very thankful for LBW and its commitment to making our community better by offering free classes and also offering a great community college experience. I encourage everyone to start there,” she said.

Golden Rule BBQ and Grill is located at 600 Westgate Plaza in Andalusia. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

For more information call Golden Rule at 334-923-1030.