We recently caught up with assistant manager Luke Wildman about how his working life has been since joining Bek’s. Luke joined us from a different working background with no industry experience and quickly made the transition into the fast-food restaurant sector with relative ease. Here’s what Luke had to say...
So, Luke you have been with Bek’s for over 9 months now, how would you describe your journey?
I was excited to take on a new challenge by starting at Bek’s. My journey so far has been mixed with a lot of hard work adapting to the fast-food industry, learning the core values of the business and most importantly training to deliver perfect customer service and satisfaction. With the help of the management team, I feel like I’m not far away from confidently being able to manage the store on my own in such a short amount of time which shows how good the others are at their roles and also the support I have received from all of my fellow colleagues, I’ve had nothing but support from the get go and most of the time being there doesn’t even feel like work, there’s such a nice family atmosphere, full of laughs and jokes when we can but also producing some amazing standards which is displayed throughout our strong customer base and praise across so many review platforms.
How did you come about joining the team and what was your background previously?
I literally stumbled across the opportunity at Bek’s. I’ve knew the store manager for a long time and he made me aware of a potential role that would of suited my skillset and I kind of just jumped at the opportunity. I have always liked taking on new challenges and throwing myself in the deep end. I was already aware of the potential Bek’s has as a business to grow and succeed, so I thought why not join them on their journey and offer my previous experience to help them on their way.
Previously I spent 5 years at a logistics firm where I worked myself up into a managerial role. I had experience of working in a fast-paced environment where customer satisfaction was key so some of the skill sets were transferable. Prior to that I spent two years as a catering assistant whilst I was studying a Level 3 business and finance course. I am very close to how the business operates now so I can understand the metrics and demands of the business and also having my input on how we run operationally. Throughout my previous roles I gained great experience however I never knew I’d then be using them many years on, so it just shows that every skill you learn along the way in your working life is very important!
What does Bek’s mean to you and what does it stand for?
I’ve been visiting the store since I was in school so I’ve always seen Bek’s as a well-run family business with very good morals and core values, service with a smile and a welcoming atmosphere. Asiye(co-director) has a very big heart and has always had the best interest for her customers and staff, she really drives standards.
For me Bek’s stands for delivering immaculate customer service and producing truly great fast food as well as maintaining a very clean and friendly environment to work in. Lastly the emotional support the team offer is just one of the benefits of working at Bek’s, if one of us is having a bad day the togetherness is second to none, it’s a family atmosphere in every aspect.
What’s the best advice you could give someone looking to make a career within the restaurant/fast food industry?
My best advice to someone potentially looking into a career within fast food is to ensure you take in every bit of advice from your trainer. Go in with an open mind and allow yourself to do things you’re not used to and most of all enjoy your time pushing yourself out your comfort zone, take pride in delivering exceptional meals that you know your customer is going to enjoy. Always remain professional and let certain things go over your head when dealing with customers as the food industry does come with complaints and its human nature that errors occur and sometimes people can cross the line when dealing with staff from a retail/food background, don’t take it personal and try to always be as supportive as you can to the customer and protect the integrity of yourself and the business.
How does Bek’s around your personal life?
If I’m honest I’ve never had a job that’s worked so perfect around my personal life. The afternoon starts allow me to spend a lot of time with my grandmother, helping around the house, collect shopping and prescriptions and just overall spend quality time. The business is very flexible with the rota so it allows me to see my partner near enough all the time and that’s very important to have a balanced personal life. We have a very good team and we help each other out if one of us has got something on, another member of the team will cover. Team work ethic and support is always very important for any business and we all try to be as flexible and supportive as we can. I don’t think I will ever go back to a 9-5 role and see a real long-term future here at Bek’s.
Finally... what’s your go-to favourite meal at Bek’s?
Now this is a very difficult question but it has got to be between lamb doner with battered chips, (salad, garlic mayo, chilli in particular) or the fish and battered chips with a pot of curry! But if I’m totally honest ive tried near enough everything on the menu and it’s just an amazing perk of working for the company.