A Learning Moment in Ware Wash

During my night shift yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Jason, one of the managers in the Ware Wash Section. It was a quiet but meaningful moment—just the two of us walking through the area, talking about the little things that make a big difference in day-to-day operations.

Jason was generous with his time and knowledge. He pointed out something simple but important: making sure the machine operators are properly scraping off any leftover food from chinaware before it goes through the ware wash machines. It might seem like a small step, but it ensures the equipment comes out clean and stain-free. That attention to detail matters—not just for hygiene, but for efficiency too.

He also reminded me about the importance of checking the drains. It’s easy to overlook, but clogged drains can cause water to overflow, making the floors wet and potentially dangerous. That immediately took me back to all the inspections I’ve done over the years in flight kitchens across the world. I always started in the ware wash area, and the first thing I checked was the floor. If it was wet, it usually told me something wasn’t right behind the scenes.

It was a good reminder that no matter how long you’ve been in the industry, there’s always something new to learn—or something old that’s worth remembering.

I’ve always admired the work ethic in Ware Wash. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve noticed how hard people work at every level. The steady hum of the machines, the chatter, the occasional laugh—there’s a quiet pride in that space. And seeing it again last night reminded me why I’ve always respected that team.

I walked away from that conversation with Jason feeling grounded. Sometimes, it’s not the big meetings or announcements that shape your outlook—it’s those small, honest moments on the floor that teach you the most.