Meet Cindy Keys

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Keys.

Cindy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started in the restaurant industry at 15 as a hostess with a multi-concept restaurant company in Michigan where I grew up. The restaurant industry was not my game plan, I loved numbers and was going to be an accountant but realized I had too much energy to sit behind a desk every day. I headed into communications and sports broadcasting because of my love for sports and the social interactions; all the while being mentored, developed and promoted into various roles with the company I was working for and had for twelve years before moving onto a different brand. I worked pretty much every position in operations; hostess, server, bartender, dishwasher, busser, AGM, GM, Corporate Trainer, Corporate Catering Director, and I’ve been known to hop on the line and sling some entrees when needed. I have opened numerous restaurants and have now been with three startup companies.

The restaurant industry found my way before I found it. I love it though, there is never a dull moment and each day brings something new! After having my first child, I decided I wanted to be part of my kid’s lives and be involved as a parent; anyone who knows the industry knows the crazy hours, long days and weekends worked being in operations. This is when my career took a turning point and that is when I got into the inventory, finance and procurement side of Restaurants. I am currently the Director of Purchasing for Snooze and am fortunate to work for such a great company; I LOVE IT! I get to put my energy and experience into many different aspects of our business every day whether it is sourcing new products, collaborating with our menu innovation team or meeting with any of our numerous suppliers to create great supplier relationships that benefit both parties. Like I said, never a dull moment and plenty of growth opportunities!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Lol, I don’t think there is ever a smooth road to success; there will always be bumps along your path. You want the bumps though, that is what makes us better! I probably have had over hundreds of “oh sh@t” moments in my career where I was able to have a take away from it. I’m an analyzer, I usually go home and think about my day and conversations I may have had and ask myself, how could I have handled differently? What could I have done better? Or projects that I may be working on and think, is this the right direction I’m going with this? How will this impact everyone involved?

If I think about struggles along the way, in operations, and I think everyone faces this, it’s turnover, especially in the back of the house. People in the restaurant industry can always seek out another job in the kitchen for a little higher wage, unfortunately. There are a million restaurants out there to choose from. The question is how do you retain the employees you have and get them to want to be part of your company at a competitive wage. I think that starts at the top and trickles down; if you have a great culture as Snooze does and you make them feel good about coming to work, people aren’t going to be interested in leaving because they are happy!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Snooze is a breakfast and brunch restaurant doing Breakfast but Different. Known for our creative menu with innovative pancakes, twists on eggs Benedicts and creative AM cocktails we create what we like to call a “breakfast party.” Every morning we are excited about starting our day and our guests day off right with positive energy, a feeling of being a part of something bigger and delicious and responsibly sourced food.

We are proud to do things differently as a company from the way we treat our Snoozers and our guests as our family, to the way we give back to the community and care for the planet. At Snooze, we give away 1% of our sales in each of our local communities through in-kind donations and this year we are very proud to be donating over $1 Million. Thinking about our communities doesn’t stop at our neighbors, our Snoozers and our local organizations, we also care deeply about the planet and divert 90% of our waste from landfills through composting and recycling. Snooze is an experience and we are proud to focus on making each moment of our guests experience an incredible one.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
hmmm…..I’m pretty modest when it comes to being recognized. I think it is not always one person that creates success it takes a team. While I have many accomplishments throughout my career, I’m most proud of the people that helped me along the way to produce successful results and or moments.

Contact Info:

• Address: Snooze an A.M. Eatery
  3001 Brighton Blvd. #303
  Denver, CO 80216
• Website: snoozeeatery.com
• Phone: 303.296.6344
• Email: eggme@snoozeeatery.com

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