Ms. A.J. has been the hostess of Chik-fil-A at Moore Road in Suwanee for 14 years. Anyone who has dined there has surely come across the sweet and helpful lady whose mission is to brighten everyone’s day with good old-fashioned customer service with a smile, no matter the day. She is one of the people in our community who truly make a difference to everyone she meets.
Tell us where you are from?
I grew up in northern Germany in a town called Luneburg, close to the northern seaboard. I married an American at 17 and we moved here to the U.S. to New Orleans after high school. I went to trade school so that I could support myself in case anything happened to him. He was in the Air Force and he promised my dad that I would get some kind of training to learn office skills. We had a baby boy. I kept the books for a grocery store and then worked for a bank, then for Georgia Pacific. We moved a lot because of my husband’s job managing sawmills. I also worked for a company who supplied coatings, like Teflon, which was a German company, so I was able to use my language skills in my job. After that, I went to work for another company in Johns Creek with similar products and I specialized in customer service.
What inspired you or led you to your current career?
I was retired and attending a bible study at Shadowbrook Church in Suwanee and a gentleman came in, sat next to me, chatted and told me that he was opening at Chik-fil-A restaurant in Suwanee. He was looking for a hostess. I was serving and talking to some kids one day in Chik-fil-A and someone noticed my photograph in Suwanee Magazine. Now, almost everywhere I go, I run into kids I have known for 14 years whom I’ve watched grow up. I love what I do and the chance to see our community and kids grow.
What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there?
A favorite of ours is Cracker Barrel. When we used to travel, we knew where Cracker Barrel restaurants were in the South and we loved the vegetables and biscuits.
How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee?
Over 30 years.
What has kept you here?
My daughter lives in my subdivision and my grandkids are all around me. This is home to me.
How big is your family?
I have a son and daughter, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. We aren’t just a family anymore; we are a CLAN!
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee?
That is impossible to say. I have met so many interesting people here; so many of them, I don’t even know their names!
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland and Scotland. I have some roots there and both countries have always intrigued me.
What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
Hansel & Gretel
What advice would you give a crowd of people?
Be yourself, be honest, have integrity, let your light shine for the Lord. Be a blessing to someone.
What is something on your bucket list?
We are planning to go to Europe to visit friends and family, and also possibly an Alaskan cruise.
If you could take anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would that be and where would you go?
My son and his wife and my daughter and her husband, and we would go to Luciano’s.
What is your favorite music? Name three bands you would like to see.
‘50s rock and classical music. I would love to see Andre Rieu and his orchestra.
What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
Chik-fil-A!!
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
I love the people and community. It is a combination of a small town and cosmopolitan city and I have a sense of belonging.
Would you rather speak to a crowd of 500 or sing to a crowd of 50?
Are you kidding? I would have stage fright doing either one!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will be 90 and probably still working if my health allows it!
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love my family and togetherness, having them over for some German food and walk the trails in George Pierce Park. And of course, I love my Chik-fil-A family.