What It’s Like to Be with Parkhurst for 20+ Years

If you’re a partner with Parkhurst Dining, you know that April is a special month for us: It’s Team Member Appreciation Month!

Every April, we celebrate the special people who create smiles for our guests with parties, awards ceremonies, and other recognitions all month long.

Corporate Site Team Members with 20+ Years

Did you know that many of our team members have been with us for more than 20 years?

Yes, team members like Stephanie Knaus have evolved and grown with us! Following culinary school, Knaus joined Parkhurst Dining as a cook in 1998; today, she serves as a general manager where she acts as a liaison between our operators in the field and our team at the Corporate Support Center. 

“Witnessing the growth of Parkhurst from the ground up was exciting to be a part of,” said Knaus. “When I started 28 years ago, there were only a few locations. I was just getting my feet wet as a cook. The evolution of now being in 14 states and moving faster, stronger, and smarter than ever and meeting new people all the time is really cool.”

George Harvey, too, has held many roles in his 25+ year tenure. He started as a dishwasher before becoming a cook and has worked at various Parkhurst locations.

“I’ve seen the company grow while maintaining its core standards in all my 25 years,” said Harvey. “Parkhurst is a great place to work, and I’m blessed to be part of it all.”

He also says the company has helped him become a better chef by surrounding him with top-notch professionals.

“The knowledge I’ve picked up from the numerous chefs has been extremely helpful and a wonderful experience. Parkhurst has accepted me since Day One and accepted my family into theirs.”

Discovering “Where I Belong”

Both Knaus and Harvey said that one of the reasons why they’ve stayed with Parkhurst for so long is because of the environment.

“I think Parkhurst has allowed me to find ‘where I belong,’” said Knaus. “The Parkhurst culture has always supported the opportunity to grow, and I was given the space to do so. We all matter, we all feel important, and we all grow together. I’ve learned to be a leader by watching and learning from the best.”

Harvey said that while he’s thankful for the opportunity the job affords for providing for his family, he’s also grateful for the support he’s received, on and off the job.

“Parkhurst is my second family, and we share similar life values that make me who I am today,” said Harvey. “Being taught how to succeed at each position was a key factor for me being well-rounded and capable of each job duty and title. From the CEO to the dishwashers, everyone matters at the company, and I love it.”