Never just a foodcourt cashier @ Pechanga

When asked why she seems to enjoy her job so much, Lennie Palleja could have been a child describing her first time at Disneyland. Here is what she managed to say in between laughter, with a smile as wide as the brim of her cap.

“I’ve been here almost four years. I started out part-time in swing as a cashier. I’ve had lot of jobs: teacher, tutor, day care. What surprised me was how busy Pechanga was. It takes a lot of people to offer what we have and deal with guests and the stress, but I take it. I saw the teamwork between everybody, the managers the supervisors, I know how they talk with us, and support us.

What really helps a lot are the classes on customer service, and information shared at the pre-shifts. The best thing I like about working here is the atmosphere with the people - Team Members and management. The benefits, of course, are great for everybody, but I get to learn a lot of things from classes and people who want to help me.

It’s not just about my work as a cashier, it’s everything - we even explain rewards to customers. They expect a lot so we give our best to help and answer them. And they say, ‘Wow!’

It’s because they tell us at the pre-shift what’s opening, what’s new, and they tell us how to help customers, even the stressed-out ones.

It’s more than being a cashier here. We do everything in this department - customer service, rewards questions, EVS, it’s a challenge, but it’s good. I tell my friends they should work here for the good benefits and the people who support you.

People ask me, ‘Why do you stay here?’ I can go to other departments, but I like the atmosphere and the people here. I can tell Larry, my boss, anything - straight. It’s good knowing your manager, supervisors and fellow Team Members.

What’s really good is when customers know you, and they come back knowing you because of the service we bring to them. If they tell me something is too salty, I tell the cooks and we work as a team to change it. I’m proud be here in the food court.

Some say, ‘You should move on, become a supervisor. You’re just a cashier here.’ I tell them, ‘Yeah sure, maybe later...’ But I’m happy here!

Customers ask, ‘Why are you always so happy? What’s your secret?’ I tell them, ‘Because I love to serve you!’ And you know what? They appreciate it, and come back again.”