Impeccable Service at Pietro’s Prime
This month, we chatted with Mike Zawada of Pietro’s Prime about the importance of professionalism.
How long have you been working here?
Eight years. I like that it’s a low key, family-oriented, relaxed atmosphere.
Do you think that the atmosphere is unique to Pietro’s?
Absolutely. The tight-knit camaraderie that we all have, we look after each other. We’re family when we’re here, and friends outside work. We all take care of each other.
What do you think you bring to Pietro’s?
I serve four nights a week and bartend one night a week. I bring a good experience, a friendly atmosphere, a professional touch with the customers, and experience. I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 15.
15?
I started washing dishes at a private club. Eventually, I bartended with a friend at private events. At 21, I went to bartending school. After that, I moved around and came here on September 12, 2010. It was a Monday night.
What do you love about the business?
I love that it’s different every day. You meet new people and interact with roughly 40 personalities in a night. It’s fun to just adapt to it. Routine is not good for me. I take care of a lot of high-end customers. People can also request me to be their server.
Why do you think they request you?
I treat them the way I want to be treated. I always try to make things perfect and make everyone feel at home and comfortable, like they’re sitting in their own homes. When a customer comes in, I already know what they’re going to order. I have everything memorized for them. They don’t even have to talk for me to know what they want. When children come in and I know they like root beer, I’ll have it sitting on the table for them. If we don’t have it, I’ll run to the store. For Christmastime, I bring my regulars gifts. I always want them to come back.
To read the entire article, check out our January West Chester Reads issue online and around the borough.