Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Buckles.
Katherine, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started at Hooleys when I was just 19, I applied with a girlfriend just for fun and little did I know it would turn into an 11-year journey. I was hired as a hostess at our second location in Grossmont Center and was blown away by the restaurant industry right away. I had never realized all of the working parts that truly made up a restaurant. As I continued in College, I began to be driven towards making more money and strived to become a server. When I was promoted to a server, it was like a whole new world opened up. I began building lifelong relationships with my coworkers and ended up meeting my husband at Hooleys as well! If you know me, then you know Hooleys has been such a major part of my life and continues to be. I was given the opportunity to train behind the bar, and shortly after, another door opened and I became one of the managers.
My path just keeps continuing on as others were promoted or left the company, and a few years later, I found myself as the General Manager of Hooleys in Rancho San Diego. This was one of my favorite positions yet, it was such a new side of Hooleys that I got to be a part of. I was able to learn so much more and really understand a new side of the business. I have continued to build new relationships with another staff, and carry over so much of what I learned in each position I held. Last year I was given the opportunity to be involved in both Pubs simultaneously, and this has been my biggest challenge yet to date.
Both pubs are very similar, and yet so unique in their own ways. We have such a stellar large staff at Hooleys, and it is simply wonderful to be able to work alongside all of these individuals. As I fill my days with all things Hooleys, I continue to remind myself of all I have experienced over the years and what a wonderful life it has built for my husband, my daughter and myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
What would life be without some challenges. I would be lying if I said it was all smooth sailing over the years, but I think all of the challenges we face help us grow and change us for the better. I have seen many changes over the years at Hooleys, and I think there have been different obstacles at each position. It was always a struggle as an employee to lose or have a change in upper management. We work day in and day out with the same people, and it can be very difficult when Hooleys staples leave.
As a manager, I think one of the biggest struggles I have faced is truly learning how to be the best manager I can be. I have had plenty of role models in the past, each with their strengths and weaknesses. But deciding what type of manager I wanted to be wasn’t that easy. As managers, we strive to be exactly what our staff needs while still making the business a priority. There has been plenty of trial and error, and I will always continue to grow as a manager.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Hooleys Public House is known best for our authentic pub atmosphere and award-winning Corned Beef Tacos! We pride ourselves on being a scratch kitchen and continuing to be a staple in the east county for more than 20 years. I am most proud of our company for all that it is witnessed and accomplished over the past 20 years. It was a glimmer of a dream in our owner, Craig’s mind and to be able to be a part of such an experience has been nothing short of amazing. There are so many individuals who have given their all to Hooleys, and you can feel the family dynamic when you work here.
Hooleys is more than just a Pub, but a place for not just employees but guests as well to feel at home. What sets us apart from others, I would say is our authenticity. We focus and preach on the proper pouring of Guinness, and continue to expand our Whiskey and Scotch collection. We have definitely put a new spin on Corned Beef with our Tacos but all while holding true with our traditional Irish fayre. As the restaurant industry is everchanging, we continue to adapt and thrive and make sure Hooleys remains a local favorite Pub.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would like to think I would do some things differently. But truthfully, the path I took is what lead me to where I am today. Sure there were times I could have been more open-minded, completed extra side work, focused on continued training, or drank a few less Snakebites. But overall, I think I am constantly growing and learning, and I would like to say that will continue as long as I am at Hooleys! I have learned many lessons and truly grown up through my 11 years here at Hooleys. I was just a wee gal when I first started, and to be where I am now, I can only thank all those around me. Without the continued support from my family and friends as well as business, who roots for its employees success, I don’t know where I would be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hooleys.com
- Email: katherine@hooleys.com
- Instagram: @hooleys_publichouse
- Facebook: @HooleysIrishPub317
- Twitter: @HooleysIrishPub
Image Credit:
SpotHopper
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