Employees "dish" about working in The Caf

By Khaliah Smitherman

For many individuals on campus, going to the cafeteria is the highlight of their day. It’s a place where they are able to meet with their friends or coworkers to talk about their day and just enjoy their free time.  

Junior Shamaya Smitherman said, “The cafeteria is one of the first places I came during orientation. Their delicious breakfast is what initially won me over.”

With so many students, faculty, and staff members that attend the cafeteria each day, one has to wonder how they are able to prepare such quality in a certain allotted amount of time.

The Cafeteria at the University also known as “The Caf,” has been the heart of Montevallo for years. The Caf employs dozens of individuals-- some full-time, part-time, and student workers. 

The main purpose of the café is to provide meals to individuals within the University of Montevallo’s community. In order for The Caf to function properly, many elements must first be met.  Some of the employment positions in The Caf are chef, cooks, dining room attendants, cashiers, caterers and dish washers, etc.

Donna Murphy has been working at the cafeteria for over 28 years. Some of her job consists of being a cashier and catering.  With having working at the University for such a long amount of time, Murphy has witnessed some of the University’s greatest changes. 

“When I first arrived at here, the cooks dressed in all white, giving the appearance of nursing uniforms,” she said. “The floors were really slick, it was like a combination of water and grease. It looked like people were skating on the floor, they would be sliding as they were walking."

When Murphy initially arrived everything was at a fast pace with people constantly moving, getting and preparing food. They also had limited choices opposed to The Caf today. “When people came in The Caf, they had to enter a set of double doors to get to their food. They would have a beverage station, and they had to get their tray and silverware.  The food was in one long line.”

One of the greatest changes Murphy liked was when they expanded The Caf and allowed for greater menu choices. “When you are trying to feed hundreds of students, you have to have different menu items. You have individuals who are vegetarians, and some who have different allergies. We have to be flexible and accommodate their needs.”      

If there is one thing Murphy doesn’t like it’s how many of the dorm rooms now have their own kitchens. “It takes away from [The] Caf. The kids have everything they need in their dorm and they don’t have to leave for anything. I absolutely love the students. They are the reason I’ve been here for so long. They are the motivation behind me getting up every morning to come and serve them.”

Though many people love The Caf, other individuals feel the opposite way, and these bad opinions hurt Murphy.

“It hurts really bad when people say bad things about The Caf. We put our hearts into trying to make things great for the students, and to hear negative comments from some, it’s like their telling our best is not enough.”

Christine Cutts has been as a cook for 22 years.  She normally works the morning shift preparing breakfast and lunch for the University.  At the end of Cutts’ work day she retires to her home where she helps care for her daughter and grandchildren.

“Honey, I have seen so many people come in and out of these doors. The greatest satisfaction is when I see students, who are far away from home enjoy my cooking telling me it reminds them of home.” Though Cutts’ has been here for years this is not what she thought she would be doing, but she wouldn’t change it for anything in the world today.

“I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to serve these individuals, and work alongside some of the greatest people I know. When I am having a bad day my coworkers and the students help me get through it.  That is something I tell my children all the time. Get a job that you love to do, so it doesn’t seem like work at all. You look forward to getting up every morning and hate to leave when your time is done.”

Alesia Smith has been working in the cafeteria for two years as a dining room attendant.  Her job consists of making sure the tables are wiped and cleaned. She sweeps the floors, makes sure silverware is out, etc. Though to some it may sound easy, each job comes with its own challenges.

When Smith is out in the dining area it provides opportunity for her to communicate with students, faculty and staff. “Its crazy how much authority people think we have here. They try to tell us what they do and don’t like. I honestly don’t believe they even put our feelings into consideration.” The chef chooses the menu selection and the cooks just help to put the various items out.

Though Smith has only been here for two years, she has seen change within the cafeteria as well.  The University has more students, and the menu items changed to healthier choices.  Smith does not have much to complain about. She only wished sometimes, there could be more help within The Caf staff-wise.

“One problem that we have in this cafeteria is the lack of employees. This school is steadily growing and in order for us to function properly we need individuals willing to work.”

“My favorite season working here is fall. I love to see students dressing up for Halloween. I also love to see their expressions and reactions to the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Some of these students are far away from home, and they need a good meal to fill their bellies.” 

Another favorite for Smith is the students.  “Being able to work here I form relationships with these people. We look out for each other. I also find it encouraging to see so many young people striving for excellence.”

With dedicate employees such as Murphy, Cutts’, Smith, and many more its easy to see why the café is such a beloved place. These people spend countless hours of their time preparing and serving meals for others.

Some of these men and women have families of their own whom they often have to go home and serve, after serving us here on the campus.  However, many of the workers said that the students are their motivation.