When the hospitality industry was turned on its head by forced shutdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, one of the first restaurant businesses in the region to fully transform and adapt to the need to craft a viable take out plan was Coach’s Bar & Grill of Stevensville. The highly adaptive and nimble team of workers under the tutelage of Tim and Jeannine Van Liere, quickly transformed the business from a very busy in-dining experience to a fine-tuned takeout operation that helped Coach’s not only survive, but make a rapid recovery when full service was able to be restored. The team at Coach’s is a well-oiled machine that has always delivered first rate service, but their ability to adapt and produce a to-go plan that became legendary has gone a long way toward helping the team earn a slot among the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan for 2022. The employees have always been valued at a high standard by the owners and management, resulting in good energy and vibes in the workplace every day. The nominator says, “Everyone works together here, and even the customers notice quite frequently how we all help each other and have good teamwork.” Being in a fast-paced environment and required to multi-task is never an issue as everyone shows up ready and happy to work. Read on for more of the Coach’s Bar & Grill success story as a prime example of a Best Place to Work winner.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Coach’s Bar and Grill
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Tim and Jeannine Van Liere
Business Contact Information
Coach’s Bar and Grill, 2528 West Glenlord Road, Stevensville, MI 49127
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
40
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
I’ve worked here for 9 years and the employees are valued at a high standard by the owners. It is well managed as well, which makes everyone work as a team. Always good energy and vibes.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
Because of how well everyone works together. Good management. Customers notice quite frequently how we all help each other and have good teamwork.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Confidence to be able to work at a fast pace and multitask. Always showing up ready and happy to work.
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
We were sitting at a table and noticed how well the staff worked together as a team and the servers didn’t just worry about their own tables. They were helping other servers clear plates off tables that weren’t theirs. You could tell how hard they all work together with a positive attitude.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Teamwork
- Passion
- Always smiling
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: Super speed
Super Power Two: Endurance
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? — Complimenting how well we did that day.
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? — Multiple meetings about what ideas they have and asking for our opinions.
C] Keep communications open? — We have an app for all employees and managers to communicate through.
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
Don’t really have a particular big story. It’s just a daily thing to feel the appreciation there!
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? — Free meals. Verbal compliments.
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? — Through our managers communicating with all employees.
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? — Sponsor of Lakeshore High School Baseball. Donates certain percent of sales to people in need.
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
One of the best restaurants in the area to work for because of how valued you feel as an employee.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
We have had multiple staff appreciation parties for us.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Discounted food
- Room for personal advancement
- Flexibility
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
Respondent skipped this question
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
Respondent skipped this question
