For over a decade, Menufy by HungerRush has helped thousands of restaurants by building custom websites to increase their digital footprint. As the needs of restaurants and their hungry customers grew, so did our team. But one person has shared his leadership and industry knowledge with Menufy for almost seven years.
That person is Devin Long.
Devin works with restaurant managers to launch their online ordering websites and maximize their experience with Menufy.
His efficiency and stellar customer service skills are two of the many reasons he was nominated for this month's associate spotlight!
We recently spoke with Devin to learn about his professional journey and find out what he enjoys about life off the clock.
Meet Devin!
Where did your journey in the restaurant industry begin?
I worked in restaurants from the age of 15. I took culinary courses at Broadmoor Culinary School in high school, where I realized that I loved cooking but didn't want to make a career of it.
When I was just 15, I started at Panera Bread, slinging some bread. Then, a couple of years later, I started my very first serving job at Buca di Beppo. I served throughout the area for a while at Carrabba's Italian Grill and Nick & Jake's.
With a few years of restaurant biz under my belt, I was able to advance to becoming a bartender and manager at Houlihan's, PF Chang's, and Moose Bar and Grill. I started to feel some burnout from working in the restaurant industry and instead tried my skills working for my dad's remodeling company and then a tech company. Finally, my bro, Dan, recruited me to work at Menufy.
February will mark my 7-year anniversary at Menufy!
Do your previous professions help you serve your Menufy clients today?
It's helpful to have a general knowledge of what goes into the workflow of the restaurant biz—the chaotic nature, logistics, the teamwork of each staff (front of house, back of house, etc.), the camaraderie. That kind of thing. I think it's very very important to understand the day-to-day things that people in the service industry go through. It really humbles you and helps you grasp not only how to be a better employee but how to be a better person. You can also learn how much more you like or dislike people, for better or for worse.
What is your favorite part of your current role at Menufy?
Helping restaurant owners succeed in business. Knowing that I may have made part of their day-to-day routine better, more efficient, easier, and less stressful. I found out firsthand that being in the restaurant business is hectic and stressful. So, now I try to do anything I can to make people's lives a little better, a little easier, a little quicker, and to make them more effective (and happier) at their job. That's good enough for me.
If you could switch Menufy departments for a day, which would you choose?
Menufy Marketing and Performance Manager, so I can be Marcus and walk around and act cool all day. On a serious note, probably design. I like using certain realms of my creativity—of course, while staying within the parameters of our process and the client's branding. It would also be cool to do what that Melissa marketing chick does!
Do you have a favorite restaurant or dish?
Tough one. Favorite restaurant: Korma Sutra—butter chicken and/or veggie korma with garlic naan, mango lassi, chai tea.
When you clock out for the day, how do you spend your time?
I hang out with my one-year-old, named Theo, and my wife. He is the coolest person I know. Also probably the funniest. My amazing wife is Kyley, my partner in crime, the best mother and wife I could ask for! I also am a father to my boxer dog, Gilli, and to two cats, a brother and sister: Frodo (longhair black cat with yellow/gold eyes) and Willow (shorthair silver cat with yellow/gold eyes). I love to watch movies and TV shows, anything sci-fi or fantasy. I play video games (Xbox and PC). I watch the Chiefs, Royals, and KU anytime I can!
What secret skills are you proud of?
I can sleep for 12 hours straight without waking up, provided that I don't have a one-year-old on a 6 a.m. wake-up schedule and a wife who snores like a grizzly bear cutting down a tree with a chainsaw. Also, I can change a diaper on a 20-month-old without a straitjacket in under 90 seconds.
What do you love about Kansas City?
The number of options for things to do. Sure, we don't have mountains or oceans. But what we don't have in scenic value, we make up for with a really cool and rich history and the hospitality and kindness of the people and community of KC.
Kansas City has a great history. There are lots of older, neat neighborhoods and businesses downtown. Downtown KC is awesome to visit if you're into the "big city-style nightlife." The Plaza is great for walking around, shopping, and going out to eat. You can see places like Brookside, Mission Woods, Mission Hills, Fairway, Prairie Village, and a lot of the "older neighborhoods" that are BEAUTIFUL, or you can mosey on down to the ever-growing Overland Park, Lenexa, and Shawnee areas and see what amazing and new things those suburban cities are turning into. We embrace the whole "Smallest Big City in the US" thing, and I wouldn't pick anywhere else to live and raise a family.
Hear what Devin's coworkers think!
"Devin has been a familiar face around Menufy for quite some time. He is known for his Patagonia and flannel, in case anyone wants to spot him out in the wild. Besides that, Devin has been a great support for this team and everyone who gets to know him. He is always willing to go above and beyond to get issues figured out and help others. This extends to all aspects of knowing Devin. So if you need a good laugh, a genuine talk, or help with your work question or Clover, he is a source for all." -Phung Ngo, Product Coordinator Manager
"I can’t say enough good things about Devin regarding his character and his commitment to providing the best possible customer experience for our clients. Devin has been a long-standing cornerstone of the organization and a huge reason for its success—despite his occasional dad jokes." -Marcus Walker, Client Services Manager
“Devin is an extremely easy guy to be around. There is warmth in both his mentorship and friendship.” -Tyler Shurley, Project Coordinator
"Working with Devin over the last couple of years at Menufy has been a pleasure! He is always cheerful and happy, no matter whether we're out at lunch or he's working to meet a looming deadline. He's been absolutely great when sending requests and tasks to the IT team, giving us plenty of notice in terms of deadlines and thoughtfully making sure we have all of the information and details needed to perform our part. I know that his onboarding clients are in great hands with him and that their process of going live goes smoothly and easily. I always look forward to working with him on new client projects!" -Kellan Hetrick, IT Administrator
Thank You!
It is evident that Devin's humor and ability to connect with others stand out amongst his coworkers and customers!
Devin has been an important ingredient in the growth of our team, products, and organization.
Thank you, Devin, for your dedication to the Menufy by HungerRush community and your continuous contributions.
Stay tuned as we continue to feature many more Menufy employees throughout the year!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Dimmitt, Marketing Manager
Melissa began her digital marketing career nearly a decade ago at a restaurant group. She worked with restaurant managers and executive chefs while coordinating seasonal menu releases, executing photoshoots, and creating fresh digital content.