There are people in this world who are just really good people. No one can say a bad word about them, especially their employers. They continue to move up in their field and once in a great while, their efforts are noticed and rewarded.

Kim Hartman, October’s “Bartender of the Month” was a bartender, but also a server, hostess, trainer and is now the Marketing Director of the Owensboro Texas Roadhouse. Her warm smile and childlike laugh will make you grin, even if you feel like dookie. Ms. Hartman recently received the national award for Legendary Store Marketing Director of the year for 2006/2007; given to the TR marketing director who has exhibited outstanding efforts in sales and work within the community. Let’s catch up with Kim-find out about her new job and her life at the Roadhouse.

N4U: So what are you doing now since you are no longer carrying trays of food and working for the tips?
Kim: Oh, I do it all. Sometimes, I still come in and I’ll hostess for a while. I work with fundraisers a lot. One thing I am working on now is the Daviess County Schools. They pick a teacher of the month and we supply them with gift certificates.

Do you like it?
I love the charity work. It’s a fun job. Giveaways always make people happy! It’s also the most rewarding job in the restaurant.

You said you work with DC Schools; what other charities do you work with?
All over the community: St. Jude’s, Christmas Wish, OPD, Special Olympics and more.

What were your pet peeves when serving and bartending?
(Shakes head: Kim is too sweet to have pet peeves. I think she actually liked cleaning up peanut shells…)

If you were forced to have a drink with anyone in the world anywhere but Texas Roadhouse, who would it be and where?
I’d have to sit down and have a drink with someone I could learn from, like Oprah or Donald Trump. And, if I was forced to…Bdubs.

Advice for someone new to the business?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s small stuff.

How did you keep it all together on a crazy night?
I don’t have stressful nights. I try to keep a positive attitude and have fun. It’s hard to have a bad night here. The TR management and staff are amazing to work with.

How long have you been with TR?
Ten years. I have definitely made a career out of it.

What’s been the most positive experience about your job?
I don’t really have any family that lives nearby. They all live in South Georgia, so this is my family. I have made many close relationships here, and with my new job I get to really make a difference in the community.

Serving or bartending?
Bartending…

Best tip?
A couple would always bring in homemade gifts when they would eat.

Favorite meal at Texas Roadhouse?
A filet with mashed potatoes and brown gravy, topped off with a cool beer, uh I mean iced tea!

**Nominate you favorite bar or restaurant employee for N4U’s EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH! Shoot an e-mail to events@news-4u.com, and, be sure to check out the November BOTM-Nik Hodskins from the Blind Parrot**