Vivian Khabeer started working part-time at the Roti Mediterranean Grill in suburban Northbrook about five years, an outlet to make some extra cash, she admitted.
"The general manager back then stopped into the Renaissance [Hotel] where I worked as a manager asking if I would be interested in giving Roti a chance. I took it and fell in love with the job," she said. "The best part of the job is serving and joking around with customers. Making their journey at Roti a fun adventure as they go through our line of service. But working with amazing employees makes it a fun environment."
Khabeer is admittedly a "big time joker" and she was working the register one day at lunch when a lady came to pay. "I noticed she was having a bad day," Khabeer said. "I asked her what she was having, [yet] she was looked at her phone and responded, 'WTF.' I looked at her and said, 'Sorry, we do not sell WTF here.'
"She looked at me, laughed and smiled."
Through Roti, Khabeer said she has "met most of my long term goals." Last year, for instance, she bought her first condo and she's already working toward a second for an investment.
"At a young age I dreamed of becoming a police officer, and about three years ago I applied for [a job with the] Niles Police Department. I passed my exam and interview, [but] right after that I broke my foot and couldn't finish the physical exam. Everything happens for a reason. Roti got an awesome GM as a result of that [injury]."
Khabeer said her rise through the ranks at Roti is attributed to "hard work and dedication," she said. "I'm a self-motivated person and failure is not an option. I have learned from the best and will pass my knowledge to my team as they get developed.
"Roti always [has] treated all employees like family. The [company executives] truly makes it a fun and enjoyable environment to work in. But overall customers and team members are the best part of the job."
THE STATS
Age
29
Lives in
Northbrook
Relationship status
Partners with Maria Maldonado, "who has made me the person I am today. I couldn't ask for a better partner, someone who understands, cares and loves me for me."
Job
General manager; Roti Mediterranean Grill in Northbrook
Hobbies
Softball, traveling, playing video games, spending time with family, friends and her beagle, Haley
Favorite movie
Hitch
Favorite TV show
The Walking Dead
Favorite actress
Eva Mendes
Little-known fact
"I love to entertain family and friends. Whether it's [for a] BBQ or getting everyone together for a fun night of Dance Central on the Xbox."