One local man's childhood dream of pursuing a career in the hospitality industry has landed him a chance to work at this year's summer Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing.
Photo provided
Auburn High School graduate Brian Grillo stands at the Great Wall of China. Grillo is serving as an operations manager for ARAMARK, which is providing food services for this month's summer Olympics in China
Auburn High School graduate Brian Grillo stands at the Great Wall of China. Grillo is serving as an operations manager for ARAMARK, which is providing food services for this month's summer Olympics in China
Brian Grillo, a Cornell University alumnus who graduated from Auburn High School in 1996, is serving as the operations manager for ARAMARK, a catering services provider that has worked 13 previous Olympics. Brian will help provide nearly 40,000 meals a day to athletes, coaches, officials and the media.
“The most exciting aspect of my job right now is being here in China,” Brian said during an e-mail interview. “I'm able to gain a wealth of experience by working in an operation whereby my staff does not speak the same language as me and learning of ways to overcome that challenge.”
Brian's parents, Linda and Don Grillo, said that despite the language barrier, Brian has found ways to communicate with his employees and the people he meets on the street.
“He learned to give directions to a taxi driver just by saying left and right in Chinese,” Linda said.
Brian said he did not have enough time to learn Mandarin Chinese after he was notified that he would be managing the company's catering services in China.
“I found out in late May that I would be transferring to our company's Olympic Division,” Brian said. “It was very exciting news for me to be selected to take part of such a prominent world event. It is clearly one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be a part of. Additionally, there are not many occasions where a company will sponsor their management to work overseas.”
When Brian is not busy working, he spends his time traveling the city and learning about the culture.
“I take full advantage of my free time,” Brian said. “On evenings after work, I will explore the restaurant scene throughout Beijing. There are some great traditional restaurants as well as great international restaurants to dine at.”
Brian has also seen the Forbidden City, the Lama Temple, the Summer Palace and both of China's Great Walls, one of which is an NBA player who stands 7-foot-6.
“Brian told us he saw Yao Ming at breakfast,” Don said. “He is so tall, you just can't miss him. He also said the athletes come to the meals dressed in their country's clothes. It was very impressive for him to see that.”
But catering for Olympic class athletes requires more than just making sure food is available 24 hours a day. It means ensuring the athletes are able to sustain their dietary needs while living away from home, Brian said.
That includes having a staff nutritionist available and ensuring that the food would meet any religious regulations that some individuals may observe.
“Each day we have meetings, carry out training and practice providing exceptional hospitality to our guests,” Brian said. “Our goal is to ensure that we cater to the athletes and ensure they are as comfortable as possible during their stay with us.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
“The most exciting aspect of my job right now is being here in China,” Brian said during an e-mail interview. “I'm able to gain a wealth of experience by working in an operation whereby my staff does not speak the same language as me and learning of ways to overcome that challenge.”
Brian's parents, Linda and Don Grillo, said that despite the language barrier, Brian has found ways to communicate with his employees and the people he meets on the street.
“He learned to give directions to a taxi driver just by saying left and right in Chinese,” Linda said.
Brian said he did not have enough time to learn Mandarin Chinese after he was notified that he would be managing the company's catering services in China.
“I found out in late May that I would be transferring to our company's Olympic Division,” Brian said. “It was very exciting news for me to be selected to take part of such a prominent world event. It is clearly one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be a part of. Additionally, there are not many occasions where a company will sponsor their management to work overseas.”
When Brian is not busy working, he spends his time traveling the city and learning about the culture.
“I take full advantage of my free time,” Brian said. “On evenings after work, I will explore the restaurant scene throughout Beijing. There are some great traditional restaurants as well as great international restaurants to dine at.”
Brian has also seen the Forbidden City, the Lama Temple, the Summer Palace and both of China's Great Walls, one of which is an NBA player who stands 7-foot-6.
“Brian told us he saw Yao Ming at breakfast,” Don said. “He is so tall, you just can't miss him. He also said the athletes come to the meals dressed in their country's clothes. It was very impressive for him to see that.”
But catering for Olympic class athletes requires more than just making sure food is available 24 hours a day. It means ensuring the athletes are able to sustain their dietary needs while living away from home, Brian said.
That includes having a staff nutritionist available and ensuring that the food would meet any religious regulations that some individuals may observe.
“Each day we have meetings, carry out training and practice providing exceptional hospitality to our guests,” Brian said. “Our goal is to ensure that we cater to the athletes and ensure they are as comfortable as possible during their stay with us.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
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