When patrons pay a visit to Patrick’s Grille in Michigan City, they know they’re getting the familiar atmosphere and treatment that anyone would find in their own homes. Patrick’s Grille’s Front House Manager Christian McClain can be accounted for bringing in just some of that atmosphere that’s loved by Patrick’s Grille's regular customers. McClain, who jumped on staff at Patrick’s Grille just in November, previously worked at Pottawattomie Country Club with co-worker Julie Gill and brings that sort of unique and special energy to the table, or in this case, tables.
“We’re very excited to have his level of professionalism here with us,” said Gill, who was previously in McClain’s position as the Front House Manager.
With management experience in food and beverage, McClain transitioned from the country club to take over Gill’s position so that the restaurant could focus on expanding their customer reach and marketing to areas beyond Michigan City. For Gill, McClain’s recent takeover has been a relief.
“Christian has made it so I can do what next steps I need to do now, and I can trust that if I’m not here in the restaurant, he is running it to my expectation,” said Gill, “It’s good to know that the restaurant is in good hands while I’m out marketing the restaurant and catering service.”
McClain’s role as the front of house manager has met a performance standard easily since he began working at the Michigan City restaurant in November. Whether staffing or customer service, McClain proves his capability of running the front of a restaurant.
“Christian makes sure the atmosphere is set right, making sure the staff is giving the service and quality is coming out of our kitchen,” said Gill about McClain’s work ethic. “He’s that communication to our customers now, so he makes sure that if there is something wrong, that it’s corrected and everything so that their dining experience is the best that we can absolutely provide.”
In his new position, McClain directly sees and hears the positive impact that their service has on its customers, especially with those that return regularly.
McClain explained, “It’s like there’s a good comradery. We’re kind of an easy-going bunch, so it’s easy for us staff to get along, and that really helps translate into the service that we provide our customers. We have a lot of regulars and even if the ones who aren’t, we treat them like they are anyways.”
In addition to customer service and cooperation, McClain thinks Patrick’s Grille is special for the quality you get in comparison to what you pay.
McClain said, “I think there’s a little bit of a misconception when you’re talking about casual fine dining – people think that Patrick’s Grille might be expensive, when really, we’re not, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. The quality is there in the food but at a very reasonable price.”
Patrick’s Grille and McClain, himself, are excited about what the new year will bring and are ready and eager to get their name out and around the community more. As for McClain’s new chapter, it’s been a joy writing it thus far with Patrick’s Grille.
For more information about Patrick's Grille, please visit www.patricksgrille.com.