Moscow has several popular locations for tourists and locals to enjoy quality service and a fun game day experience. Applebee”s General Manager Jon Jordan said the Best of Moscow recognition will boost the restaurant”s morale.
“It”s great because we have a lot of students who work here that go to Idaho and WSU,” Jordan said. “When I told them (of the Best of Moscow win) they thought it was awesome that they were a part of it.”
Joleen Evans | Argonaut
Evan Stice puts in an order during his shift at Applebee’s Sunday.
Applebee”s hostess Madison Williams said during football season the crowd can be intense.
“If it”s game day, the bar is packed,” Williams said.
Jordan said part of their game day success comes down to how Idaho and Washington State University athletic programs perform, especially in football.
“It”s always a huge factor that drives people to come out of town to watch the games when they”re doing well,” Jordan said. “You do have your genuine alumni that come in no matter what, whether they”re winning or losing.”
Williams said major events such as football games require a lot of help from other employees.
“It can get pretty crazy so we usually have two to three hosts, especially when we have big groups of people come in,” Williams said.
Jordan said their game day customer demographic can vary.
“When WSU was playing well this season, we had a lot of alumni in their “60s and “70s that were coming from Seattle and stuff,” Jordan said. “Then we get a lot of students come in. Players usually come after the game every now and then and bring their friends.”
Jordan said the vibe of Applebee”s becomes even more exciting when people from different states arrive on the Palouse.
“When you have teams like Oregon and USC come into town, we usually see (fans) in their colors and uniforms,” Jordan said. “It makes a huge difference and it”s fun.”
Jordan said sporting events are crucial for the restaurant to succeed.
“Production is tough and you have to get the right people to have a successful business,” Jordan said. “It takes some planning to make sure we are prepared when big events take place.”
Jordan said he has worked in the restaurant industry most of his life and is used to consistency, but said he had to adapt to a small-town environment.
“There”s a lot of turnover down here being a college,” Jordan said. “It”s a lot of training, a lot of coaching and a lot of hard work.”
Luis Torres can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @TheLTFiles