By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
As salivating citizens await the opening of Lockhart’s BBQ to satisfy their carnivorous urges, the restaurant is seeking nearly 80 people so they’ll be ready for their mid-November opening.
The restaurant plans to host a two-day Job Fair on October 14-15 during the hours 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5- 9 p.m. on both days.?
The location, in the old Lake Orion Village offices, is going through a full renovation to convert the 120 year-old historic building into a full service eatery.
‘We want somebody that presents well, looks good and has a professional appearance,? owner Drew Ciora said. ‘We also want someone who smiles a lot and has an outgoing personality with a lot of energy.?
Lockhart’s has already filled their chef and floor manager positions but will be seeking full-time kitchen managers. They’re also looking to hire line cooks, prep cooks, dish washers and all floor positions including servers, bartender, hostesses, and food runners.
As far as what to expect for those not in the food-service industry, Ciora said their restaurant is fast paced and shifts in the kitchen range from five to seven hours while serving positions will be a little shorter.
Hostesses, busboys, and dishwashers do not need prior experience but for servers and bartenders they’re preferring at least a year of experience but will train the staff.
Servers must be at least 18 years-old due to the serving of alcohol while bartenders must be at least 21 years-old.
The restaurant will be interviewing and hiring the same day for qualified people and the managerial staff would like to remind people to bring a resume.
As the date closes in on the opening, Ciora is already fielding anticipatory messages of excitement.
‘I’m getting calls daily, my construction team say that people pop in there all throughout the day asking when it’s going to be open so I think the anticipation is high, people are excited about it so I hope we can deliver,? Ciora said.
As a Lake Orion resident for 17 years, Ciora is simply happy people will be able to experience another place to dine-in and enjoy themselves.
‘The Village in downtown has such a high appeal to everybody that lives here and it’s just nice to have another option,? he said. ‘It’s going to be nice to not only offer a unique food but a nice experience that people will like hanging out there.?
Hours of operation for the restaurant will be: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Friday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. (for brunch) to 2 a.m., and Sunday they’ll be open again for brunch at 10 a.m., but will close at midnight.
The new location will feature a wider variety menu than their Royal Oak location as well as a roof top deck that will seat about 35 people. The inside will seat approximately 150 people with two patio areas capable of each holding an additional 20 people.
The original Lockhart’s BBQ opened in 2010 in Royal Oak and this is the second location for Lockhart’s and the fifth restaurant in Michigan for Ciora. Those interested in applying can visit www.lockhartsbbq.com or call 248-584-4227.