The Best Part of This Business? The People.
When I talk to other business owners about the challenges of running a business, the conversation almost always lands on staffing.
For me, it's the opposite.
Our team is my greatest reward.
The best thing about being in this business is that it's one big team sport. Every service, every wedding, every long lunch, every transfer on The Rústico Ride, every happy guest experience is the result of a group of people working together to make it happen and when the power goes out, as it does in the South West in Winter, we all pull together, call on a few extras (GEC Electrical) and still deliver an outstanding experience to our guests.
And the beautiful thing is that we get to choose who we work with, and they get to choose us.
There isn't a single person on this team who doesn't choose to be here, serving our guests and helping create the experiences we're known for.
For that, I am incredibly grateful.Some of our team members have been part of the Rústico family for a very long time.
Some of our team members have been part of the Rústico family for a very long time.
Mike, our Head Chef, is currently our longest-serving employee at 13 years. John, our Restaurant Manager, follows closely behind at 12 years. Then there's James (9 years), Taryn (11 years), Lauren (8 years), Nicole (7 years), Sharon (6 years), and of course, Smiley.
And to those who haven't yet reached the unofficial five-year milestone — we love you too.
To operate our restaurant, transport service, and host more than 60 weddings every year, seven days a week, takes a team of around 30 people, most of whom are full-time.
What I love most is that we're a reflection of the people who visit us.
We often joke that we're the United Nations of Rústico. Every one of our team members brings their own story, culture, perspective, and personality to Rústico. Together they've helped create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that guests experience when they walk through our doors.
Marie from Saint-Georges, Quebec, Canada
Dave from the Dolomites, Italy
Maureen from Paris, France
Becca from Essex, England
Mike from Leicester, England
Taryn from the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Smiley from Taiwan
Marco from Marche, Italy
Lauren from Auckland, New Zealand
Gibb from Seoul, South Korea
Bella from General Pico, La Pampa, Argentina
Mauro from Piedmont, Italy
Martine from Mar del Plata, Argentina
Nicole from Düsseldorf, Germany
Lucy from Derbyshire, England
Hayley from Golden, British Columbia, Canada
Rose from Taiwan
Different countries. Different backgrounds. Different journeys. One team. And together, they are the reason Rústico is what it is today.
So while some business owners might see staffing as their biggest challenge, I see our people as our biggest strength. To every member of our team, past and present, thank you. And to every guest who continues to support us, thank you for giving these incredible people the opportunity to do what they do best.
We couldn't do it without either of you.
