kin & kitchen
Learn more about your teammates, their passions, their families, and their favorite family recipe!
danielle maloney
danielle maloney
Position: Catering Sales Manager – Columbus catering. (promoted from Call Center Catering Representative)
Location: grove city, OH
Employed since March 2018
Are you originally from the Columbus area? If not, how did you come to live in Columbus?
I was born and raised in Columbus. I grew up in Grove City and went to college at The Ohio State University. I’ve lived in Grandview, German Village, and now own a house in Grove City w/ my husband, Sean, and 3-year-old son, Ronan.
You were previously a member of the Call Center and were promoted to Catering Sales Manager for Columbus Catering this fall. What would be your advice to someone who wants to grow with the company?
Make it known to your managers that you want to move up - that’s what I did. Actually, I started in Guest Services at the Joint Call Center, moved up to the Catering Call Center and then to Catering Sales Manager. ALSO - dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I’m always more confident when I feel good about what I’m wearing.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
So, when I started at City BBQ answering phones for the joints, my FAVORITE calls were when people called in and needed help ordering for a large group (baby showers, grad parties, etc.). I loved getting to spend the time to really explain our food, talk through their event, and get them excited about BBQ.
I guess what I love about my current position is I get to do that, times 10, with more people on a larger scale!
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
1. Organized - I’m such a planner 2. Lively/High energy - I’m a walking pep rally 3. Entertainer/Host - I LOVE planning and throwing parties for friends and family
What three words would you use to describe City Barbeque??
1. Supportive - my mangers have all supported me and helped me grow 2. Lively/High energy - maybe that’s why I enjoy it here so much 3. Passionate - I LOVE how passionate City BBQ is about BBQ!
If you could switch jobs with anyone else in the company, whose job would you want and why?
Rick Malir- DUH! I’m joking. I’m obsessed with my current position and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am in my element and LOVING IT!
Do you have any hobbies or belong to any groups outside of work?
I do!! I shoot traditional archery competitively and belong to an archery club.
Do you have a favorite family tradition or one that you want to start?
My favorite family tradition is opening 1 present on the night before Christmas. JUST ONE! Sometimes we can’t help ourselves and end up opening all of them.
What is the most important thing you have learned in life?
Make time for your family & enjoy the little things.
Do you have any tips for others on how to deal with the stressful situations facing the world right now, including COVID-19?
Take it one day at a time - things are always changing and if it seems bad or stressful now, it will get better.
GARLIC SOUP (SOPA DE AJO)
Don't skip tempering the egg yolks with some of the hot broth before adding to the soup. This prevents them from curdling in the hot broth.
INgredients
6 SCALLIONS, TRIMMED AND THINLY SLICED, WHITES AND GREENS SEPARATED
6 GARLIC CLOVES, THINLY SLICED
6 TABLESPOONS EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED, PLUS EXTRA
4 TEASPOONS SWEET PAPRIKA
1½ TEASPOONS SMOKED PAPRIKA
6 OUNCES SOURDOUGH OR OTHER RUSTIC BREAD, CUT INTO ½-INCH CUBES (ABOUT 4 CUPS),DIVIDED
6 CUPS WATER
2 TABLESPOONS CHICKEN BOUILLON (SUCH AS KNORR CHICKEN BASE)
KOSHER SALT AND GROUND BLACK PEPPER
4 LARGE EGG YOLKS
2 TABLESPOONS SHERRY VINEGAR (OPTIONAL)
Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium-low, combine the scallion whites, garlic and 3 tablespoons of the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to color, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add both paprikas and cook, stirring, until fragrant and darkened, 30 seconds.
Add 1 cup of the bread cubes and stir well. Whisk in the water and bouillon, increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally to breakup bread, for 15 minutes. Whisk vigorously to ensure bread is thoroughly broken up.
Meanwhile, in a 12-inch skillet over medium, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, the remaining 3cups bread, the scallion greens, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the hot broth. Remove the soup from the heat. Off heat, vigorously whisk the egg yolks into the soup, then whisk in the vinegar, if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper. To serve, fill individual bowls with the crouton mixture, then ladle the soup over them. Drizzle with additional oil, if desired.
Tariq boykins
tariq boykins
Position: New joint opening manager on the training team (PROMOTED FROM AGM in December 2021)
Location: raleigh, NC
Employed since march 2014
Are you originally from the Raleigh area? If not, how did you come to live in Raleigh?
I'm originally from Long Island, New York. My family moved down 8 years ago and I followed soon after.
How did you get into the Restaurant Industry?
City Barbeque is actually my first restaurant job. I was originally a banker in NY and couldn't find a banking job. I applied to city when Cary was opening and here we are.
Congratulations on your new position, New Joint Opening Manager! What are you looking forward to the most about your new role?
Thank you so much. What I'm most looking forward to is the opportunity to help grow City Barbeque and continue to make it the best on the block, no matter where we go.
You’ve had a few roles with City Barbeque. What would be your advice to someone who wants to grow with the company?
To do things the right way, always look for opportunities, and capitalize on those opportunities. Closed mouths don't get fed, always ask for what you want.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Hardworking, fun, empathetic
What three words would you use to describe City Barbeque?
Innovative, quality, authentic
If you could switch jobs with anyone else in the company, whose job would you want and why?
Someone tell Aletha I'm coming for her job, lol. Training has become a passion of mine and I'd love to continue on this path.
Do you have any hobbies or belong to any groups outside of work?
I like to travel, so anytime I'm in a new area or I see a restaurant I've never been to before, I try the wings there. I'm always looking for the best wing spot in town. I call it a Wing tour. If you have a favorite wing spot let me know!
Do you have a favorite family tradition or one that you want to start?
My family goes to see every Marvel movie together on opening day.
What is the most important thing you have learned in life?
That you can't control how ignorant people perceive or judge you. What you can control is how you treat people and how you treat yourself. If you do right by both, all those other opinions are irrelevant.
Do you have any tips for others on how to deal with the stressful situations facing the world right now, including COVID-19?
Your mental health is important and can often be put on the back burner in times like these. Be kind to yourself and take time for yourself.
MOM’s sweet potato pie
This is my mom's recipe for sweet potato pie. One of my favorites.
Mix together 3 medium or 2 large baked yams, 2 beaten eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla, 3 Tbsp. melted butter, 1 can of Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk...and all the brown sugar you want. Pour in a pie crust of your choice (graham, pecan, shortbread).
You can use one large pie crust or 6 mini pie crusts. Bake at 350 degrees on 2nd shelf from the bottom for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is slightly brown. Let it rest for about 1/2 hour before cutting into it. Enjoy!
