The army has to be one of the most gruesome jobs out there. They went through so much intense training, an immense amount of pain, and took the most casualties, but they still take so much pride in what they do. Why you might ask? It’s not because it pays well, but it’s the people they work with. The soldiers around them worked, fought day in, and day out, and got their back when they were in trouble. Comradery.

I always think the army and the food industry are very much alike. We both went through so much pain, lost a bunch of good people, undervalued and under-appreciated, but we take so much pride in what we do. We miss friends, families, vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, and the list goes on and on. The amount of sacrifices we make and the compromises we make for the sake of others and the business. People must realize that those working in the food industry are NOT forced to work there. We chose it because we love the lifestyle, grind, and the passionate people who want to serve others. 

When I was a young cook, I always wanted to create an environment where people like myself want to cook food for a living, feel proud of what we’re doing, and have a bond that is unique to everyone else. When people heard that idea, they thought I was crazy. They said that only happens in movies and television. But it doesn’t stop me from trying. From the wise words of Chef Marco Pierre White, “If you have a dream, it is your duty to make that dream happen. Otherwise, you’re just a dreamer.” After years of working, from the bottom up, with other fellow cooks, we finally achieved my dream.

Several years ago, during the holiday season, we were doing a promotional catering event where you could get a whole-cooked turkey, 3-4 sides, gravy, and cranberry sauce for $200. No one expected the amount of cooking would be that immense and we got immediately swamped with turkey orders and I was so stressed. There were about 50 turkeys that needed to be cooked in 2 days with over 200 side dishes. And I remembered that time my kitchen lead, David came up to me and said, “I got you, brother. We’re in this together. Whatever it takes, I’m with you.” That hit me hard because it showed me that behind me is a passionate individual who cares about his team members and will do anything it takes to get through it. I immediately calmed down and started carefully planning our production process and eventually, we finished it. 

And when you develop that relationship with them, it becomes contagious. It spreads like a virus (but in a good way of course). Plus, if you worked in a place that you have a tight bond with, chances are that you won’t quit for another job that pays $1 extra. And if they ever leave the kitchen for other reasons, it’s always done professionally because who knows if that bridge needs to be crossed again. Never, ever burn bridges. 

To this day, I’m so proud and grateful that I have people I work with daily that I can call my brother or sister. And to all the people who left the food industry for better reasons, I kept in touch with them. A couple of days ago, I went to pick up some supplies for work and I came upon one of my co-workers that I haven’t seen in for a year. I immediately got emotional. We were brothers in arms because we worked in such shitty environments a few years back. We stuck around and got through it together and he helped me get back on my feet when I was in a very dark place at work. I remembered those words that came out of his mouth that got me choked up. He said, “It’s been 2 years since that event happened. In the end, I’m so proud of you for how far come brother”.

I was talking with my mentor and asked how can I take this comradery to the next level. He said “I know it seems hard for you because you came from a place in time when you had nothing and kept everything. But stop fucking bitching about how are you going to achieve your goal but have people stand beside you rather than behind you. The highest level of success is when everyone is successful”. To put it short, it means to delegate your work to the people you trust the most. Let them help you achieve your dream and they will become successful too.