Meet Andy, a dedicated and passionate member of the Menufy by HungerRush team. Andy's journey from working in a local Chinese restaurant as a teen to being a pivotal figure at Menufy by HungerRush is nothing short of inspiring.
His diverse experiences in the restaurant industry—including managing a college pizza joint and working in oil field catering operations—have equipped him with invaluable insights into delivery, point-of-sale, and restaurant operations.
Andy's commitment to fostering growth and his genuine care for his peers and partners make him a standout leader in our organization. Let’s dive deeper into Andy’s story, his role at Menufy, and what drives his passion for the restaurant industry.
Meet Andy!
What is your restaurant/professional background?
I started working in restaurants at age 16 at a local Chinese restaurant, Jade Garden (the second restaurant to sign up for Menufy). From there, I worked in a few restaurants making pizza and delivering meals to happy customers and eventually managed a college pizza joint in Pittsburg, KS. Later, I moved on to oil field catering operations in South Texas. When the oil boom busted, I joined Menufy as a sales rep, and the rest is history! I've been fortunate to learn and grow at Menufy, introducing partners like DoorDash, Apple, Square, Shift4, Postmates, Uber, Rokt, and more.
How do your past experiences help you in your current role at Menufy by HungerRush?
Working in restaurants has been integral to my success at Menufy, specifically in pockets of understanding delivery, point-of-sale, and restaurant operations.
What is your favorite part of your role at our Menufy by HungerRush organization?
My greatest joy comes from seeing my peers grow and thrive due to the culture and company our team has worked hard to create. Additionally, providing a service that genuinely impacts our customers is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication to our restaurant partners.
If you could switch departments/roles for a day, which would you choose?
While I love and respect the entire Menufy team, I can't imagine stepping away from the channel/partnerships team. Working to grow the business through partnerships has been an absolute joy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Which city do you call home, and what is the restaurant scene like there?
I call Overland Park home today, and we are well known for BBQ. There is also a great Mexican food scene in the area, with many authentic taquerias around the great Kansas City area.
What is your favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurants are mom-and-pop cafes that serve chicken fried steak, fried okra, and delicious iced tea. (No sugar, please; my wife is all the sweet I need!)
After you clock out, how do you spend your free time?
I have three young boys and a beautiful wife at home. We often spend time outdoors playing sports, going for hikes, and in and around the water.
Share one of your secret skills/talents!
It's no secret, but I love to play music, whether it's guitar, drums, or singing. I'm not a great singer, but it's a great time all the same!
If you could only eat one food/dish for a whole year, what would it be?
Fried okra. It's fried, it's salty, and it brings me back to happy memories with family as a child.
Here’s What Andy’s Teammates Have To Say
"Andy is wonderful at work and as a person. He strives to bring the best out of every person he manages. He's a great source of knowledge about the industry we work in. He also values and welcomes feedback from his team and will work hard to implement it in any way he can. It's a pleasure to work with him!" - Pascal Muijres, Menufy Senior Inside Sales Representative.
"I can always count on Andy to go the extra mile. He fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard. His dedication goes beyond his work, and he regularly advocates for his team, partners, and customers. His expertise and willingness to learn new things make him a leader we can all admire." - Sam Kaps, Menufy Channel Account Manager.
"Andy truly shines with his exceptional intelligence and efficiency. He embodies the qualities of a dedicated and knowledgeable representative who always goes the extra mile to offer assistance. His contributions are invaluable, making him a highly trusted asset to our company." - Bear Ziglari, Menufy Senior Inside Sales Representative.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Andy’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a supportive team culture. His experiences have not only shaped his professional prowess but have also enriched Menufy’s growth and success.
Andy’s commitment to his peers, partners, and the restaurant community is evident in every aspect of his work. Whether it's through nurturing partnerships or by creating a collaborative environment, Andy’s influence is felt throughout the organization.
We are grateful to have such a dynamic and inspiring individual as part of the Menufy family, and we look forward to many more years of growth and success with Andy leading the charge.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
COURTNEY KITCHENS, SR. MARKETING SPECIALIST
Courtney, an English teacher turned marketer at Menufy, draws inspiration from the restaurant industry's everyday moments. Her writing is a testament to her expertise, providing insightful and compelling accounts of the industry's diverse and vibrant nature.