“Kieran was transferred to Harlees during the take-over of the Harry Ramsden’s restaurant in February 2022. He had worked in the restaurant since 2016 and is the longest serving member of staff in terms of the shop. Since 2016, Kieran had only ever worked as ‘pot wash’ but longed to work more in the kitchen and one day learn to fry. Over the years, he regularly asked his managers to work in the kitchen and behind the range, but unfortunately the opportunity never materialised.
“When Harlees manager Zoltan Romsics took the lead at the shop, he started to show Kieran the basics and was shocked at how much Kieran knew. It was clear that he had managed to teach himself over the years from just watching the other team members. Not only has Kirean made the most of the opportunity to finally learn how to fry, he works with such a positive attitude that inspires the entire team.”
How long have you worked at Harlees?
Since February but I have worked in the shop since 2016 when it was Harry Ramsden’s. Zoltan started to teach me some of the frying and cooking techniques and I would help him fry while the other team members took their breaks. In the last month or so, Zoltan started to rota me on to be the frying assistant and then started showing me how to fry fish and other items. I’ve just had my first full day as the main frier. It was funny because I was frying the fish and chips and Zoltan was on pot wash duty!
What are your responsibilities?
Now that I am a frying assistant I am responsible for running either the main pans or the second pans, frying the chips and making the burgers.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Working as a team. I really enjoy the environment and working all together.
What’s your least favourite part of the job?
Building the burgers, they aren’t much fun.
What do you like about working at Harlees?
I really feel part of the team and it has a really positive environment and attitude. I love that I was given a chance to work in the kitchen and learn to fry.
How do you feel about being nominated as an unsung hero?
I was really surprised, really happy and excited as well.
