Maria Barrios and Angel Ambrosio, both Restaurant Services employees, give us a behind-the-scenes look at the management of Creekside, our corporate campus restaurant, and their unique paths to working at Chesapeake. As Maria says below, these team members really “can do it all.”
How did you start working at Chesapeake? What was your “journey” to the company?
MB: It started out as kind of a mistake. I had recently quit my job to take a year off to be home with my boys and then I got an email that Chesapeake was hiring. I thought it was the arena [the former Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City], so I applied. When they told me where to go to interview, I ended up here at the Chesapeake campus. I took an open dishwasher position and as soon as a cashier position opened up, I jumped into that role. I’ve been at the company for 12 years.
AA: I’ve been at Chesapeake for 11 years. I was originally an intern in the mailroom with Project Search [a program that introduces real-world job experiences to young adults with disabilities]. After my internship ended, I got a job at Creekside.
What is a typical day like for you?
AA: I set up the dining room, make desserts, check people out as a cashier, and restock supplies.
MB: I help out everywhere I am needed. I help set up each day from the serving line to Caffeine Pipeline and the dining room. I also cook and serve breakfast orders, make coffee at Caffeine Pipeline, run the cash register and clean up. I can do it all.
Have you always worked in food services?
MB: Not always. I have worked many different types of jobs — from working an assembly line and housekeeping to office services, customer service and Spanish translation.
AA: No, this is my first time. After my Chesapeake internship, I worked in another mailroom closer to my house. Then, I got the job at Creekside.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
AA: Talking with customers and helping others out.
MB: I agree. Customer service and being around people.
When you’re at work, you’re busy! What do you do in your downtime?
MB: I like to spend time with my family. I have four boys and four grandchildren, all boys, plus three daughters-in-law. I also like to help at church and watch movies when I have free time. I can watch the same movie over and over!
AA: I like to watch movies too — and sports. I also like hanging out with my family. I have one older brother and three younger brothers.
