Before the first light touches the North Georgia mountains, Anabel Benitez's day at CHIRINGA in Alpharetta kicks off. Her routine is a blend of quiet strength and anticipation, from the hum of the grill igniting to the meticulous preparation of rice and beans. These morning rituals, accompanied by the comforting aroma of coffee, signify not just the start of a new day but Ana’s commitment to excellence that echoes throughout CHIRINGA, setting it apart as the premier quick-serve restaurant in the region.
In the rush of peak hours, Ana's presence is a stabilizing force. With her focus sharp amid the flurry of orders, she brings calm to her fellow staffers during the most demanding rushes.
"Ana's reliability is our backbone during the busiest times. She's the pulse of our kitchen," said Logan Crane, Assistant Manager of CHIRINGA Alpharetta. “Truly one of a kind!”
Tacos might seem simple, but in Ana's hands, they become a signature expression of CHIRINGA's “elevated” beach food. It's in the layers and balance of flavors where her passion shines brightest.
"Creating dishes that spark joy in our guests is what it's all about," she shared. “If you see an ugly and poorly made dish, you’re not hungry anymore. However, if you see delicious food that is well-presented and crafted with love, you will savor every bite–maybe even take a picture of it!”
"Ana embodies the spirit of CHIRINGA," said Lauren LeNoir, General Manager for 4 years of CHIRINGA Alpharetta. “Her dedication enriches us all and she truly cares about how each member of the team is doing, how each dish looks coming out the kitchen and how much she contributes to the success of our business.”
"Ana is our rock. Her presence signals everything is right in our world," said Andy McKoski, Co-Founder and Partner of CHIRINGO, CHIRINGA & Hotz Coffee restaurants. "With her on our team, our company's vision becomes more clear–she delivers the highest level of customer service and truly embodies our ‘Friends Serving Friends’ service motto."
Ana's days are filled with more than just cooking. In quieter moments, she dedicates herself to the unseen tasks that keep the kitchen pristine, ensuring the next shift is set-up for success.
Her work and life philosophies are simple: “face challenges head-on and communicate clearly.” It's this straightforward approach that has earned her the respect of her peers and the management alike.
Reflecting on her journey at CHIRINGA, Ana takes pride in the joy her cooking brings to guests, a sentiment that fuels her continued passion for her work. "Seeing our customers happy is a reminder of why we do what we do," she said, with a smile in her words.
It's through her eyes that we see the true essence of CHIRINGA: a community bound by a love for great food and an unwavering commitment to making every meal memorable.
As the day winds down and Ana sets the stage for tomorrow, her story is a reminder of the silent heroes in every kitchen. Thanks to Ana–and the entire CHIRINGA team–the spirit of giving, excellence, and community continues to thrive, making every visit to CHIRINGA an experience that goes beyond just dining, becoming a place where everyone is treated like a friend.
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