We all have to start somewhere
My first paying job as a teen, beyond babysitting, was at Robby’s Drive In on Sherman Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets. Since we lived on Ninth and Sherman it was a short walk to and from work.
Robby’s was one of the popular hangouts, along with the Topper at the east end of Sherman and Paul Bunyan, which is still in the same location on the west end.
It was a badge of honor to work where all the cool kids hung out and those cruising Sherman cruised through the parking lot. For the honor I wore a white uniform, apron and took home $1.15 an hour. We had a bag o’burgers special with 10 for a dollar!
Gas at the Chevron next door was about $0.35 a gallon in 1968. During the hydroplane races there would be a line of people down the block when we opened at 10 a.m.
My boss, Darrell “Robby” Robinson, was a tough taskmaster with a heart for business and patience with teen angst. In addition to the paycheck I learned the importance of being on time and working as a team. I learned the value of customer service, pride in a job well done and even how to make the special secret fry sauce!
First jobs are where teens learn skills that will carry them on to their next job, and the rest of their lives. I never had the chance as an adult to thank Robby for the lessons but when he passed away a decade or so ago his funeral was like a reunion of former co-workers, each of us grateful to have had the experience.
These thoughts have come back in recent days as I’ve been seeing some clever help wanted ads …
David Adlard, owner and chef of Candle in the Woods, posted this: “We are looking for a young person to join our Candle in the Woods team as our new HCT — Hydro Ceramic Technician (Dishwasher/BOH support). Excellent pay, 20-25 hours per week, super fun, fast paced environment, recognition as a key part of the team, chances for advancement, if interested. No experience needed!! Perfect starter job if interested in the culinary world, or even if you just want a fun job and good $$! dave@candleinthewoods.com"
Hydro Ceramic Technician, now that’s a good spin, well-played Chef!
Warren and Karla Derton’s company One Way Signs has this job opening … “We are looking for a part time/as needed person with their own truck, to join our PhD team. If you know someone or have a young adult that wants to earn some extra $$$ for the summer please call Warren 520.270.7807.”
The PhD is for post hole digger as their company does sign post placement and removal. Good one, Dertons!
Raci Erdem, the owner of the popular White House Grill and Oval Office Bistro, has made the aroma of garlic a trademark. He’s successful and irreverent but apparently Facebook is not as enamored of Chef Raci as the rest of us are. He recently posted this help wanted ad that was censored for violating “policy that prohibits discriminatory jobs.” Insert head scratching emoji here.
“Parents, it’s time to kick your kids off the couch! We are hiring bussers and hostesses for Oval Office and White House Grill! No experience necessary, flexible hours and awesome tips! Must be at least 16 years old. Apply in person or send resume to raci@whitehousegrill.com.”
Following a 2020 that was brutal and even fatal to so many small businesses, 2021 is not without challenges of its own. Just finding young people for these jobs is at a critical stage
Nicole and Mark Randolph own four locations of Roger’s Ice Cream and Burgers: two in Coeur d’Alene, one in Post Falls and one in Hayden. Their posting reads, “We are now accepting applications for dependable people with positive attitudes. You must be upbeat, friendly, engaging and have the ability to multi-task. If you want to be part of a team that cares about providing a great customer experience and you are not afraid to work in a fast paced environment please apply in person to the location you are interested in working.”
The Sherman Avenue location, open year around, was once Dari Delite and is an iconic piece of Coeur d’Alene history. My sister Janna’s first job was there in the early 1970s. So when Nicole posted this on Monday it was a real eye-opener.
“Hello local friends, We are hiring at all four locations. Please spread the word. Unfortunately, we are at a critical point and we may be closing down Sherman location for the summer if we are not able to get this store staffed. Hiring age 14+.”
No Roger’s ice cream on the patio in downtown Coeur d’Alene? I can’t even imagine seeing the little place shuttered.
Come on kids, you’ll learn about real life and earn a paycheck to boot with a summer job in a local business. Let’s keep Main Street USA moving forward in 2021!
In memory of Larry Oleson and Rod Hart who died in a car crash on April 23, 1971 in Coeur d'Alene. Half century of heartbreak for those who loved them and I'm sure their friend who was driving and who survived has had a lifetime of regret. Please don't drink and drive.
Happy birthday today to Gunnar Amos, Brent Hostetler, Sandy Langston, Ali Taylor, Larry Bird (70!) and Janet Johnson. Tomorrow Shirley Grimmett, Ron Strobel, Jeannette Peacock (40!), Cliff Standridge, Mark Nelke, Jim Barrett, Curtis Gregory, Dave Nordby, George Greenfield (70!) and Corey Beaver celebrate the day of their birth.
April 23 birthdays belong to Shelly Enderud, Blair Williams, Troy Speziale, Malika Mills, Kevin Bennett, Charlotte Brown, Tracey Singer, Kathleen Schmidt and Tracy Williams. On Saturday Mary Watson, Dan Taylor, Pascale Cafferty, Hayley Gabriel, Dea Lenz, Lori Rogers, Mark McWhorter, Chris M. Willoughby Sr., Mike Regusa, Eric Haakenson, Jordan Ketzenberg (13!) and Tim Ketzenberg blow out the candles.
On Sunday Matthew Wild, Cheryl Burchell, Lori Hess, Patricia Keller, Cathy Biby, Tom Hern, Krystal Arthur, Eric Haynes and Joey Grunden put on their party hats. On Monday Marilyn Desjarlais, Sandy Landberg, Patrick Lippert, Tim Skelton and Doneda Allen celebrate. Dee Sasse, Steve Kane, Frank Jackson and Brittney Blaski take another trip around the sun on April 27.
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.