MANILA, Philippines – They say determination and hard work will take you places. For Rey Cezar Sarmiento, a humble employee of an international restaurant chain who only managed to reach Grade 2 in school, these traits have brought him to Dallas, Texas as the first Filipino to receive the global True Believer Award of the TGI Friday’s chain.
“True Believer is an international annual award in recognition of the people behind TGI Fridays across the globe who believe and uphold the brand credo through their track record of service among their co-workers and guests,” TGI Fridays VP for operations says.
Every year, TGI Fridays employees nominate one of their colleagues as their bets. From the list, TGI Fridays officials choose one awardee from the restaurant’s branches all over the world based on their story and exemplary work ethics.
While the award typically goes to employees holding management positions, this year, TGI Fridays picked the unassuming Rey Sarmiento, a kitchen steward from Manila who goes by the moniker “Robot”.
A superior had given him this name because of his tireless work ethic, and it stuck ever since.
Extra Mile Worker
Starting out as a night shift cleaner in the restaurant in 1998, Robot is proof positive that there are no small roles, only small actors.
“I would clean the comfort rooms, the kitchen and the floor. When I’m done, I would arrange the chairs and tables, and I would check for any damage. When morning came, my supervisor would be pleased to see the restaurant clean and organized,” he recalls his early years.
Nearly two decades and three Model Employee awards after, he now works as a kitchen steward, donning a clean white uniform, a black sun visor over his hairnet, a nametag that bears his nickname, and a bunch of pens of different colors inside his breast pocket.
His character and work ethics haven’t diminished. He continues to be known as someone who delivers more than what is asked of him.
As a kitchen steward, his task is to safeguard kitchen stocks, maintain proper inventory and ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen. He admits that he finds his job challenging.
“I need to be alert, cautious and attentive to detail no matter how basic the tasks may seem to others, because one mistake would cost the company a lot of money,” he says.
True Believer
Bistro Group of Restaurants chairman and CEO William Stelton expresses admiration for Robot’s work ethics.
“I thought that the first Filipino True Believer Awardee would come from management level, but it didn’t. I found out that Robot is the most reliable employee, someone who would drop everything and help a co-worker, someone who would go out of his way to straighten out anything that needs his time and attention. That is reflected in Robot’s character. This is why we respect and recognize such brand of personal service, the same kind of service we offer every TGIFridays guest,” Stelton imparted.
“Anyone can be a hero,” he added. “Sometimes, heroes are ordinary people like Robot whose extraordinary character provides stories that become sparks of hope.”
“I was really surprised. I didn’t expect it. I know I am only doing my job,” Robot expresses.
For co-workers at TGI Fridays Greenbelt, Robot remains the reliable and helpful go-to guy who goes out of his way to lend a hand while covering his tasks. The True Believer award is just icing on the cake that is the respect of his colleagues as well as his superiors for being a consistent hard worker and dependable team player for 16 years.
“I am happy with my present job and I look forward to more years with TGI Fridays because I believe in its brand of service. I live it every day,” he shares.