OZARK, MO — “I never cooked at home,” says 21-year-old Michael Ploof. “I’d never eaten here (at Village Inn). “
Flashing a “get away with anything” smile, Michael describes how he went from zero to 60 in the Village Inn kitchen in a matter of months.
“Michael’s one of our main cooks now,” says David Haskins, general manager of Ozark Village Inn. “He’s a great worker.”
How did he do it?
Michael was just like a lot of kids in high school. He became a huge Chiefs fan, hung out with friends, and worked at McDonald’s. But at age 17, he didn’t want to work in fast food anymore. “I applied to be a server at Village Inn,” he told the CCT. “The manager asked me if I had any cooking experience. I said, ‘no, but I’m willing to learn anything’ and he said, ‘when can you start?’ “
What makes Village Inn in Ozark so special
From the franchisee to the manager, Village Inn leadership recognized the potential in young Michael. Despite his lack of experience, the team gave him a new start and a new career. Owner Billy Green was involved personally in shaping the future for the young man. Later, Haskins became the assistant manager and works with Michael. Haskins was asked who would be a good subject for a news feature.
He thought of Michael right away.
That investment paid off beyond the kitchen at work. Michael now shows off his skills for friends and family. “”I can make an amazing crepe,” he says, flashing his trademark toothy smile, adding with a chuckle, “I didn’t know what a crepe was when I started here.”
Michael also learned about chicken. “Common sense stuff,” I can cut it into strips; and I learned a lot about seasoning.”
Oh, and of course, Village Inn in notoriously famous for its all-day breakfast. “I can make pancakes from scratch now!” Michael exclaims. “I’ve made a 100 batches in a bucket so big I can sleep in it!”
Michael lost his Village Inn job in the first two months!
Michael was hired by Village Inn. He began learning right away, but two months later, he was laid off. Everyone was. The pandemic had hit.
Eventually, he got a job at another restaurant, but when he learned Village Inn was reopening and wanted him back, he was all over it!
How ’bout them pies?
Village Inn has a legacy for selling truckloads of pies. “We put the filling in right here in the store,” Michael says. “I’ve made more pies than I can count.”
Specials from Manager David Haskins
Haskins reminds the public that on Wednesdays, a free slice of selected pie comes with any purchase. Monday and Tuesdays, kids 10 and under get one free kids’ meal with each adult entree purchase.
We’ll be candid here. The store in Ozark continues to see lower guest counts ever since the divided highway along Jackson Street cut off direct access to the approach up the hill to Village Inn. So, please, come in and have a wonderful meal, let’s eat and shop local and help this amazing business bounce back! Here is their website for more information.
If you have a business in Christian County, MO that you would like featured in the Christian County Trumpet, contact Johnny Rooster at ChristianCountyTrumpet@gmail.com. Some other examples of featured businesses are here and here and here.
Are they still closing at 3:00? We used to go on Sunday evening but, can’t anymore!
Yes, they don’t have enough help to remain open after 3.
So nice to read news about young people doing well, making good decisions, and being proud of a job. Not enough of this type of reporting. keep up the good work Michael your grandparents are proud of the young adult you have become!