Somerset Hoss's Halloween Parade

Below is a photo from the Halloween Parade that Somerset Hoss's participated in on October 30, 2008!

Halloween Fun!

The IT Department brightened our Friday afternoon with some trick-or-treating. Everyone in the corporate office was very creative in giving treats - tubes of toothpaste, mashed potatoes, fruit cups, some questionable tea bags, dental floss, outdated food from the refrigerator, and lots of candy!

Here Brenda joins Lori, Michael, Mike N., and Carl!

A Day In The Life Of A Prep Cook - Dorothy Hunt, DuBois

The Courier Express recently featured an article about Dorothy Hunt, 24-year employee at DuBois Hoss's. Click here to read the article on thecourierexpress.com.

Bonnie Brown's Milestone

Skills of Central Pennsylvania has recognized Bonnie Brown for reaching her 20th anniversary working at Altoona Hoss's Steak and Sea House. Click here to read the article on altoonamirror.com.

Carlisle Eagle Service Kick-Off Meeting

The Carlisle Team recently held a kick-off meeting for "Eagle Service" Creating Extraordinary Service will Bill Campion. Click here for some great pictures!

Manager Helps Choking Victim

Carol Saxton, Associate Manager from DuBois Hoss's, recently performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a gentleman who was choking and saved his life.

General Manager, Ann McKay, said that an EMT that was there that night called her to tell her what a wonderful job Carol did and wanted to say how impressed he was that we require CPR training for our managers.

Thank you, Carol, for springing into action to help a guest in need!

2008 Hoss Graduates

We would like to extend a special congratulations to all of our high school and college graduates in Hossland! You should all be very proud of your accomplishments!

Click here to see a listing of graduates submitted by our stores.

Hoss Hero

On Thursday, May 1, Greg Kilhefner, General Manager at Carlisle Hoss's, performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a guest who was choking on a piece of garlic bread. We are pleased to report that the gentleman is doing fine.

Greg was very thankful for the training Hoss's provided him. Thank you, Greg, for acting so quickly to help a guest in need!

Nancy Campbell Honored At YWCA Tribute to Women for Community Service

Altoona, PA—Nancy Campbell, Director of Public Relations at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, was one of six women honored April 29, 2008, at the YWCA Tribute to Women held at the Casino at Lakemont Park. Nancy was recognized in the category of Community Service Volunteer. This award is presented each year to a woman working as a nonpaid volunteer.

Nancy accepted her award by saying, “It is truly an honor to be included with this wonderful group of ladies and I congratulate each of you on your award. I am grateful to the leaders of the YWCA for this special honor. For as long as I can remember, the YWCA has been a symbol of help and hope for the women of America”

Nancy was born in Savannah, GA, and is married to Bill Campbell whom she describes as her “biggest motivator as he leads by example.” She and Bill have five sons and daughters between them and thirteen grandchildren. She is described as effortlessly and tirelessly dedicating her time and energy to making a difference in the lives of others who are suffering from life threatening and debilitating diseases. Nancy demonstrates that same dedication when working with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), an organization that helps teach young adults business and life skills and exposes them to new opportunities. Click here to read on.

National Walk at Lunch Day

As part of Hoss's Wellness Program, thirteen Home Office Hossers participated in the National Walk at Lunch Day on Wednesday, April 30.

The group traveled to Chimney Rocks, a local park, where we walked the paths and hiked up to a lookout for a beautiful panoramic view of the Hollidaysburg/Duncansville area. Our fearless team captain, Phil Sukenik, led the way. A great time was had by all, and we each logged about 2,000 steps towards our 10,000 step challenge for the day!

Standing L-R: Billie Jo Walls, Brenda Oakes, Shelby Walter, Dionne Adams, Jill Hughes, Dawn Maykovich, and Ken Swope
Kneeling L-R: Rhonda Brown, Krista Soellner, Sandy Swope, Terry Allen, and Pam Weakland
Photographer: Phil Sukenik (pictured above bottom right)

First Annual Eaglefest Celebration

Congratulations to all those who were honored at our First Annual Eaglefest Celebration that was held Saturday, April 19, 2008.  This was a celebration of our high-flying individuals who daily soar to new heights at Hoss’s through their enthusiasm, dedication and compassion for others.  Some highlights include:

Manager of the Year:  Denise Oplinger - Greensburg, Jeff Stephenson - Cranberry, and Deb Lehman - Annville were honored as Manager of the Year Finalists.  Deb Lehman was selected as Manager of the Year 2007. Click here for more information about Deb.

Hoss’pitality Leaders of the Year:  Michelle White - District 1, Jamie Weeder - District 2, Mike Alger - District 3, and Michelle Greenwood - District 4 were honored as our Hoss’pitality Leaders of the Year 2007. Click here to learn more about our Hoss'pitality Leaders.

Years-of-Service Honorees included: Mel Stetter, Stephanie Shick, Kristie St. John, Tammy Jo Conner, Natalie VanCleve, Joshua Deemer, Kelly Jo Greenwald, Paul Dodson, Gwen Patton, Joe Hirsch, Carol Wells, Bonnie Haffly, Chasity Lehnhardt, Corey Noel, Karen Levendosky, Bernice Hopple, Carol Biss, Jessica Hill, Judy Brandenberger, Andrea Griffith, Beth Reesman, Barbara Carty, Joshua Musser, Holly Love, Devon Arbuthnot, Carrie Gill, Dan Starry, Rob Billet, and Nancy Homan.  Dan Starry was the winner of The Pepsi Trip Drawing.

Hoss Heroes: Bobbi Grim - Martinsburg and Cathy Gurniak - Moon Township

Idea of the Year:  Joe Hirsch - Indiana, Roni Langley - Somerset, and Josh Musser - Annville

Departmental Excellence:  Back of the House - St. Marys, Salad/Prep – New Castle, Front of the House - St. Marys

Platinum Club:  Denise Oplinger - Greensburg, Jeff Stephenson - Cranberry, and Deb Lehman - Annville

Positive Growth:  Scott Hemminger - St. Marys

Click here to view pictures from the party!

An Eagle Story From Murrysville Hoss's
by Lisa Campbell

<This article was written by Lisa Campbell our Salad/Prep Manager. Lisa failed to mention is she was the highest flying Eagle of all. Lisa organized the entire event from deciding what to run and making sure it was ordered. Lisa made up the flyers, gathered and organized the craft activities and Easter Egg Hunt, set up the front room the night before, and solicited and gathered donations from other vendors for the prizes. She even got her daughter, Amanda’s, Girl Scout Troop to pitch in. Lisa Campbell’s dedication and "Whatever it Takes" attitude is an inspiration to us all. –Janet Golia, General Manager>

"Guest customer service is only delivered by nice passionate caring employees. There is no other way it can happen."- Never Send a Duck to Eagle School

After I read that line from the book, I had to put the book down and put into words the living example of that quote that exists at our Murrysville store.

Our "Eagles" made our annual Easter Bunny Benefit Breakfast a huge success. Patty Rathgeb and Robin Garies coming in with me at 4 a.m., to our servers Betty Rieter and her neighbor Kate, Millie Scullie and Diana Korich that not only volunteered their time, but donated all their tips to our charity. Ben Jones (aka the Pancake Man) was in the kitchen cooking sausage, bacon, potatoes, and flipping pancakes. Sammie Heasley surrounded by so many children wanting her face painting talents that her mother stayed to help. Tricia Fogle had all her hands full with a table full of crafting kids coloring in paper eggs and chicks. Brittany Rathgeb and Sara Simpson from block assisted the costumed Easter bunny and lead the Easter egg hunt. And last but not least our cutie CJ Zwergel in the Easter bunny suit, dancing and smiling with the kids, and gentle and soft with the shy ones. Each child was treated to a homemade chocolate bunny pop created and donated by Diana. Even when one of our Eagles, Pam Katinsky, could not be with us because she had to take care her Eagle (her horse), she and her beau Dave Passcuzzi, donated 100 popcorn treats for the kids.

It was amazing to walk through the dining room and see everyone going the extra mile, not for profit, but just to help each other out. Of course, all of this was done under the wings of the managers that lead by example. Janet Golia was in the kitchen and helping on the salad bar while Herb Galloway worked the register and seated. Both came in early and worked four extra hours that day before their shifts. And, of course, Margie was there to capture it all on film. Click here for pictures!

Thank you all! All our Eagles are very much appreciated!

Manager of the Year 2007 Finalists

Congratulations to the following General Manager of the Year 2007 Finalists. Each individual will be honored at our First Annual "Eaglefest" Celebration at Huntingdon Country Club on Saturday, April 19.

Jeff Stephenson Cranberry Profile	Debra Lehman Annville Profile
Denise Oplinger Greensburg Profile

Hoss'pitality Leaders of the Year 2007

Congratulations to the following Hoss'pitality Leaders of the Year 2007. Each individual will be honored at our First Annual "Eaglefest" Celebration at Huntingdon Country Club on Saturday, April 19.

We would also like to extend a special congratulations and thank you to all of our Hoss'pitality Leaders who were honored at our luncheons. We are very proud to have such an elite group of individuals as part of the Hoss team, and they should be very proud of their accomplishments.

Michelle White - Annville District 1 Profile	Jamie Weeder - Shamokin Dam District 2 Profile
Mike Alger - Grove City District 3 Profile	Michelle Greenwood District 4 Profile

A Special Thank-You To Somerset Hoss's

Hi everyone.  We are vacationing in Florida this week.  Yea-yea I know you feel really bad for us.  Anyway, we received a call from Staff Seargent Dean Graham who was associated with the dinner that you provided to the troops this past Sunday (March 2).  He was extremely complimentary of the job you all did and especially the unselfishness you all showed in staying until the wee hours of the morning after their motor coaches arrived late.  They have never received such outstanding service and acts of kindness in a restaurant.  They have put Hoss's on the top of their list for any future events where we operate restaurants.  We thank you for that.

Bill & Nancy Campbell and Bob & Karen Pleva

Click here for more photos.

LEAD Class X Graduates!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008, was a celebration of four new General Managers and five newly promoted Associate Managers graduating LEAD Class X.  Members of the class participated in six months of two-day classes, advancing their knowledge and preparing them for General Manager responsibilities.

During the program, the class must decide on a class project idea and then bring that project to fruition by the end of the program. Class X actually completed two projects. First, the new safety video which will be used to train new employees during orientation and then to refresh crew members with quarterly safety training.  The second project was to complete a new welcome video for all of our new hires.  The welcome video will convey our new strategic plan, core values, and background of our family environment.  Please be watching for these training tools to reach your stores. 

We thank LEAD Class X for their willingness to participate in every aspect of the program and their determination of the goal in completing their projects.  Hats off and congratulations!

L-R: Dan Wagner #36 PL, Brian Elford #07 NC, Sheila Lao #28 HM, Chris Reigel #30 LV, Michelle Warren #36 PL, Kathy Hazlett Cafe/Outlet, Kurt Stamford #01 DV, Carol Saxton #03 DB, Lance Thomas #13 WL

The Hoss'pitality Leaders of the Year were honored at the 5th Annual Hoss'pitality Luncheons during the first two weeks of January. Congratulations to all of these individuals for achieving this award!

Click here to see pictures of all the honorees.

Party Information: As you may be aware, the annual Years of Service Party and the Awards Banquet (Manager of the Year and Hoss'pitality Leader of the Year) are being combined. Therefore, the Awards Banquet that was originally scheduled for March 29, and the Years of Service Party scheduled for September 20, have been cancelled. We will combine the two parties for one big "Eaglefest" celebration that will be held on Saturday, April 19, at the Huntingdon Country Club. Mark your calendars!

A Warm Homecoming: Marine Back From War Zones
by Roxann Miller For Public Opinion, Chambersburg, PA

Katie Peck paced back and forth, scanning cars as they slowed in front of Hoss's Steak and Sea House in Guilford Township for signs of her family returning with an early Christmas present from Baltimore Washington International Airport. "Is that them?" Peck asked, surveying the traffic with a watchful eye. She and 25 other family members and friends sat in the banquet room in the back of Hoss's, waiting eagerly for the arrival of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Koons. He was arriving home after two tours of duty in the Middle East.

"This is one of the best get-togethers we've ever had because we've all just been looking so forward to him coming home," Peck said. Word spread around the restaurant, filled with about 200 patrons, that a local Marine was returning home from the war in Iraq and to please make him feel welcome. The reason everyone gathered at Hoss's is that when Koons was asked what he wanted to eat upon returning home, he immediately said that he wanted a steak from Hoss's, his former place of employment. It meant a lot to Troy Horner, Hoss's general manager, that Koons would spend his first night at home with the gang at Hoss's, enjoying a steak dinner.

"He still keeps in touch with a lot of employees. When he's home he stops in to see everybody," Horner said. The restaurant's staff members were so proud of their former co-worker that they put a message on the marquee: "Welcome Home Corporal Kyle Koons." "They are laying their lives on the line four our freedom, Horner said. "I'm proud to know him. I know he's a dedicated and hardworking young man, and it makes me proud to see him doing well."

Just after 6:30 p.m., when Koons walked into the restaurant in his dress blue uniform, the restaurant patrons erupted in applause for the returning Marine. Like most members of the military, while Koons appreciated the warm welcome, he didn't understand what all the fuss was about. "It's my job. I don't do it for the ribbons. I don't do it for any other reason than just to help out," said the 2004 Chambersburg Area Senior High School graduate. Click here to read on.

Hoss U Class #74 Graduates!

The week of December 3 through December 7 began another class of Hoss U graduating 15 new Assistant Managers. This was class #74 if you can believe it and one of the largest we have seen in a while. It was a great week sharing a lot of learning and some very special memories while forming great relationships. Because the class was so large, they completed three class projects throughout the week which will benefit all of our restaurants.

Group 1 (Jessica Hill - GT, Andrew Zercher - MC, Mike Smith - ET, Chandal Taylor - LV, Bobbe Kinney - CR, Angela Clark - GB) scripted, shot, and edited a new Complaint Handling Video to educate our FOH staff. Group 2 (Vladmir VonFisher - PL, Amy Hayward - HM, Stacy Schweiger - MD, Dominic Regos - DV) worked on the in-store Email/Communications System. Group 3 (William MIller - GC, Gail Fairman - DB, Gary Conwell - MT, Christine Hagy - WYK) all worked on baking, decorating, cutting, and photographing brownies and completed laminated recipes cards with photos for all stores to use the winning brownie recipes from the contest (they tasted great too).

Please click here to view photos of the class (thanks to Stacy Schweiger our class photographer). To Hoss U Class #74, Great Job and Congratulations!

District 4 Input/Feedback Meeting

A District 4 Input/Feedback Meeting was held at Duncansville Marzoni's on Wednesday, October 17, 2007. A special thank you goes out to all who attended for their valuable input!

Seated: John Wiker (BV); Melanie Hay (ST)
Middle Row: Peanuts Halfhill (GB); Kim McGinnis (GB); Susie Moore (RT); Shawn Beam (RT); Kristie Bardell (BD)
Back Row: Walt Spencer (WH); Travis Perry (WH); Tracey Hetherington (BV); Amy Hauger (BD); Joline Fochtman (ST)

Hoss's Manager Helps Choking Victim

Recently, Bobbi Grim, Assistant Manager at Martinsburg Hoss's, performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a gentleman who was choking on food. Fortunately, the gentleman recovered and is doing fine.

Thank you, Bobbi, for springing into action to help a guest in need!

District 1 Input/Feedback Meeting

A District 1 Input/Feedback Meeting was held at Enola Hoss's on Wednesday, August 15, 2007. A special thank you goes out to all who attended for their valuable input!

(Left to Right) Front Row: Vasilija Mrakovich (HM); Donna Sayers (EN); Jessica Emig (WY); Corbin Moyer (LP); Marge Jones (LZ); Megan Rinehart (EY); Kristen Spotts (CS); Allison Koch (CS)

Middle Row: Mitch Haas (HM); Greg Ingram (LP); Bernie Hopple (CR); Brenda Kosciolek (CR); Linda Gladfelter (WY); Courtney MacDonald (MC); Britney Roth (AV); Crystal Schlesman (AV); Mike Smith (ET); Kirsten Tabakelis (LV)

Back Row: Justin Glisson (LV); Nate Swanger (MC); Lynn Gromling (EY); Derek Starner (LZ); Tracy Phillips (ET)

Deziree Judy (employee at Somerset Hoss's) Completes Mission Trip to Guatemala

Somerset teen provided aid to Guatemalans
By ROB GEBHART Daily American Staff Writer
Saturday, August 4, 2007 9:27 PM EDT

Two Guatemalan widows now have their own houses thanks to the efforts of Deziree Judy of Somerset.

Deziree, a 16-year-old junior at the Apostolic Christian Academy in Somerset, recently returned from a mission trip to Guatemala. She and her best friend, Erica Walker, traveled to the Latin American country with Global Expeditions, a Texas-based organization that provides teens with mission and service opportunities on six continents.

During her eight-day stay in the country, she helped build two cinderblock houses and taught a vacation Bible school. Deziree, who said she speaks only a little bit of Spanish, talked with local people through a translator. But after the group dedicated one of the houses they built, the new homeowner was so happy Deziree didn't need a shared language to understand her.

"She was crying, she was so thankful for the house," Deziree said.

Deziree's parents, Daniel and Cheryl Judy, were at first unsure about the mission trip, Deziree said. They'd heard some dangerous news about Guatemala.

"They weren't quite sure if they wanted to let me go. But they prayed about it and decided it was the right thing to let me do," she said. Read on->