Employee Spotlight: Carter Saunders

Carter Saunders is a Fairmont local who graduated from East Fairmont High School in 2022, where he played basketball. He’s currently studying Occupational Safety (Safety Engineering) at Fairmont State and will graduate on May 9th, 2026. Carter will soon be moving on to a new role with Integrity Kokosing, a pipelining and construction company in the oil and gas industry, where he’ll work as a traveling safety specialist.

Q&A

What is your role here, and how long have you been part of the team?

I started as a Host Staff and then graduated to a Server and Off-Site Catering Staff for over six and a half years.

What do you love most about working here?

The relationships I’ve built with everyone who works here, I love getting to work in an environment with people I consider friends, and the employee staff meal program.

Favorite item on the menu and why?

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni it’s the best homemade sausage I’ve ever had.

Go-to recommendation for first-time guests?

Taste of Italy because you get to try all of the best sellers in one dish or Chicken Parmesan because it is hand-tenderized, breaded and fried to perfection.

What got you into the restaurant industry?

My older brother Trevor worked here before me and still does.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Go to the gym, golf, and help my fiancé with her event décor business.

Hobbies or hidden talents?

I can dunk… well, I used to. And I’m secretly good at pickleball.

Favorite local spot (besides the restaurant)?

Dairy Cream Corner. Their staff calls our group “the boys that show up right before close.”

Describe your job in three words.

Memorization, Hospitality, Time management.

Coffee or energy drinks?

Energy drinks. I’m sipping on a C-4 right now.

Guilty pleasure snack during a shift?

When a party gives me a slice of the cake they brought in.

If you could switch jobs with anyone here for a day, who would it be?

Chef Drew or Brennan, I’d like to work in the kitchen for a day just to see how the sausage is made so I can make it on my own.

Favorite memory working here?

The Greer Limestone Picnic Caterings every summer — the most fun and the most work.

Something you’ve learned while working here?

How to talk to people, manage time, effectively speak to guests, build relationships, and professionally communicate all the things that will help me in my career.

Quotes from Staff

"Carter can juggle timing, memory, and moods—and still make it look easy.”"Carter has always been someone that you can count on. Anytime he is working he has a positive impact on anyone he is working with. His coworkers and his tables always have something kind to say about him because he is a helping hand. "

“Six years ago, Carter joined our team and he’s been raising the bar ever since. His consistency, care for our guests, and dedication to doing things the right way make him someone we all rely on. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he brings to our restaurant every single day.”

“Carter isn’t just a great server, he’s part of the heart of what we do. For six years, he’s shown up with a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a genuine care for every guest he serves. We’re lucky to have him, and even luckier to watch him continue to grow.”

“For six years, Carter has been a steady, dependable presence on our team. His professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to great service set an example for everyone around him. He represents exactly what we strive for.”