
Employee Highlights: John Turcotte
Our Employee Highlights series has been a hit! We love introducing you to the team members who help make Alto-Hartley what it is. This month, we sat down with John Turcotte to learn more about how he got into the industry and what his favorite dish to eat in the D.C. area is.
What is your favorite part about working in the foodservice industry?
I have always enjoyed working with people in the foodservice industry, first with customers and then transitioning to chefs and owners. If you are a people person this is the best work to be in.
I started out young, bussing tables and working my way up to management. By my university years I was running a pizza shop while attending school. After that, I went into upper management for a local chain. This prepared me for the change I made from operations to advising on and selling equipment to people building their dreams of a new restaurant.
Where do you see the industry headed in the next 10 years?
The industry has so many new advances in food safety, production, and preparation that are amazing. Technology will be what enables the independent operator to continue and be profitable while offering high-quality products that are consistent — and work with reduced staffing with an ever-shrinking pool of workers.
What is your favorite dining experience in the Washington, D.C. area?
My favorite cuisine is Vietnamese. We are in luck here, as the choices are plentiful. I am most happy when eating a hot bowl of Pho.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a fan of rock hounding, which gives me the chance to hike and be in nature. Also finding bargains at the flea markets to turn into something special with a little TLC.
Tell us about the most memorable meal you’ve ever had.
I had the best meal and service ever at The Palm at the El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico. They were firing on all cylinders that evening, with perfect food, perfect service, and perfect atmosphere. Sadly, it closed after Hurricane Maria.
Thank you, John. We always appreciate your expertise, so thank you for sharing it with us in the Alto-Hartley Employee Highlights series.