PALM COAST, Fla. – “This should be your last job. You came here because you wanted to work for us because you felt something special. You felt like you belonged here. We love you. We appreciate you.”
Words of encouragement, trust and partnership from Mitch Koenig, Senior Vice President of Operations for Miller’s Ale House fortified the Palm Coast team as they prepared to open the doors to the public on Monday.
“I ask you one thing at week 53, that you be up in sales, up in profit, and every one of you still be here,” said Koenig.
Company culture is everything when it comes to forming a solid team, and the leadership at Miller’s Ale House made sure their new store team knew that they were number one. Huddled up in the dining room and around the bar, it was a rousing pre-shift pep talk. Outside the door, more than 100 guests waited in the rain of Hurricane Debby, some since shortly after 6 a.m. to head in for a bite to eat and check out the new restaurant.
Closing out his remarks, Divisional Vice President Paul Livrieri turned and asked the team one question, “who’s house? OUR HOUSE,” answered the team in unison. Asking a second time and the third, the reply was even more enthusiastic.
“OUR HOUSE.”
“This is awesome,” said team member Tara Lagarde, ready for the grand opening with a big smile. “We’ve been working really hard for it and we’re super excited.”
The energy was electric as waitstaff watched guests enter two by two or in groups, where they quickly filled the restaurant. And it was off to the races.
Welcome to the Community
In 2023 the hospitality industry employed more than 3,220,260 food service workers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Chris Bates, Director of Operations for Miller’s Ale House in Palm Coast says 115 team members have already been hired to staff the new location on State Road 100. Situated just steps from the new BJ’s and easily accessible to travelers on I-95, it’s expected to be a hot spot as the only Miller’s Ale House between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.
“I had the Daytona location and people kept asking when are we coming to Palm Coast and so we started looking for an opportunity. We couldn’t be more excited to be here,” said Bates, describing the Miller’s experience.
“It’s a great sports-themed restaurant, family atmosphere, a little bit of something for everybody on the menu. We love the culture and atmosphere in this restaurant. It’s a great meal at a great value with great people.”
It’s the 113th Miller’s Ale House to open it’s doors according to new restaurant opening manager for front of the house team Shannon McGuire.
“We’re definitely very excited to be in Palm Coast. The community has been so wonderful and welcoming to us and we just can’t express our gratitude enough,” said McGuire.
Started in Florida, the Miller’s Ale House brand has grown to more than half a dozen states across the U.S. but it all harkens back to the hometown culture that is the foundation of the company.
“This is the beginning of that new business entrepreneurial spirit that we’ve been talking about for some time,” said Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin.
“The opening of Miller’s Ale House is the first step in the completion of a series of economic developments providing more jobs and lifestyle amenities in Palm Coast. A homegrown successful Florida business that appeals to all Palm Coasters.”
Those who braved the rain to be among the first 100 customers receive a free Miller’s item each month for the first year, and to kickstart their engagement in the community, a donation of $1,267 was made to the Flagler County Education Foundation.
Miller’s Ale House – Palm Coast is located at 5861 State Road 100 E., Palm Coast, FL.
