December 30th marks 30 years of Max and Benny's servicing the community.To commemorate that accomplishment I have compiled a list of 30 people who helped us get here. I am being cute with the number when in reality there have been hundreds of people who have made their impact here over the years. The thirty listed all have been associated with the company 12 or more years and have definitely left lasting impressions. (List is alphabetized by first name, not a ranking)
Angie Martin
A customer favorite in the dining room for 18 years until her retirement, Angie was one of the last true old school waitresses and always brought a smile to those around her.
Bob Eisenstein
has helped manage the business ever since its move to Waukegan over 20 years ago, has been a true workhorse and strong influence in helping get Max and Benny's to where it is today
Cuiji Perez
Started as a fresh faced kid over 20 years ago, and now...well he still looks like a fresh faced kid but has truly grown into a leader in the kitchen, and someone you can always rely on.
Janice Preston
signed on as waitress in the tail end of the nineties and has helped usher in the dining room well into the new millennium
Jesus Perez
started way back with Pearl at the old bagel nosh and continued on with Max and Benny's where he proved to be a most valuable employee no matter the job for almost 20 more years!
Jon Soble
Started on as a manager with the move to waukegan and has been determined to carry out every job since! A true utility man, and currently the director of catering
Jose Loredo
For over 15 years, has been your go to morning deli guy, taking care of every customer with care and kindness
Freddy Najera
Has become the primary director on the dining room floor, connecting the customers with the staff for 20 years
Julius Schlan
Showed Lester the ropes in running a business at Veteran Supply before becoming a regular presence at Max and Benny's becoming friends with whomever walked through the door.
Kathy Hirsley
The woman who helped turn Max and Benny's Restaurant and Deli into Max and Benny's Restaurant, Deli and Bakery! For 13 years she satisfied our sweet tooth
Kieran Moran
For decades now,he and his father before him, has been our primary meat distributor and good friend to all he encounters
Lester Schlan
The man with a vision - more on that later
Linda Lange
13 years in surveying the dining room and still going strong! and still able to whip those newbies into shape!
Lois Soble
Caretaker of our bookkeeping for 12 years and made sure we all kept our heads on straight
Lucy Ramirez
For over 20 years now, Lucy has become such a staple on the dining room floor that seeing her makes it feel like home for staff and customers alike
Lupe Mendieta
Our creator of deliciousness! The chef has been cooking up a storm for over 20 years and our stomachs couldn't be prouder
Manuel Jimenez
Maintained excellent control of the morning cook's line for 29 years until his unfortunate passing earlier this year. It's hard to think of Max and Benny's without seeing the big guy every morning.
Marco Cajamarca
the king of requests, he has been here serving with style since the nineties
Mariana Perez
For over 25 years, Mariana has been a part of our family, and we couldn't be happier about it
Mark Block
No one works harder in the supply business and he has been there for us countless times over the years
Max and Benny
The namesakes! Have both played integral roles in the past, present, and especially the future of the business
Noe Alonso
Our ace on the cook's line, for 13 years he's been setting up shop and delivering the goods
Paul Zimmerman
former long time distributor and even better friend, no one was better and inducing a laugh when you needed it most
Pearl Caplan
Sold her business which became Max and Benny's and stayed on in a vital role for another 25 years! A real legend
Rhea Schlan
The true queen of Max and Benny's! Did it all in the early days and continues to provide guidance and support for the business she started with Lester 30 years ago.
Richard Reeder
Max and Benny's very own community liaison! Always out there helping to promote the business, and has always been a dear friend and confidant to Lester.
Roberto Garcia
Every one knows Roberto! For over 25 years, if you have been coming regularly to Max and Benny's, he's part of the reason why!
Rogelio Loredo
The master craftsman of our party trays for over 13 years, he helps puts Max and Benny's in a class of its own!
Sam Bennaroch
A true friend in the Deli for 25 years until his recent retirement. Always there when you needed him
Wayne Pankey
A fixture on the line since the last millennium, new employees couldn't start working until being christened a nickname by Wayne
The Customers
I know this is 31, but we can't leave out the customers! We have had so many wonderful people come through the doors, generation by generation, all for whom we are truly grateful!
Again, it can not be reiterated enough, that this is just a small sampling of so many people who made the last 30 years a success. Please leave a comment and mention anyone else who certainly deserves some praise!
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