eGundo.com’s mission is to explore the good in Gundo and a big part of the good in Gundo is the people that live here and the businesses located here. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Cris Bennett, owner of Good Stuff, a restaurant in the heart of in El Segundo, to learn more about who they are and why they’re a shining example of the good in Gundo.
1. What is the Good Stuff Story?
When I was 15 years old I wanted to buy a car when I got a drivers license. So I asked my parents to allow me to work. Of course, as long as my grades didn’t slip they said fine. I got a job on Friday and Saturday night in a Mexican Restaurant called Casa De Carlos as a busboy. Well after the first weekend of work I was convinced that I had found my calling! I was going to be in the restaurant business and own and operate a restaurant.
2. What does Good Stuff do differently than other restaurants?
I have always looked at my restaurants as a long-term commitment. Feeling that the most important thing is to make sure the employees had a safe, fun, supportive place where they could meet their financial needs. If your employees are happy then there is a very good chance that they will take care of the customers.
I am proud to say that I still employ the first cook that I ever hired in 1979 and we have numerous back of the house as well as the front of the house employees with many working for us for more than 20 years.
3. How is the menu determined?
We try to stay ahead of the trends and of course listen to our customers and our employees and welcome suggestions.
4. Can you tell us about your involvement in the community?
We have been connected with the ED! foundation for years. Sponsor and help with donations to the local churches, all levels of the schools and many other charities in town.
The mission statement of Good Stuff includes being a fabric of the communities we do business in!
5. What does Good Stuff look like in 5 years?
Good Stuff is a small chain of 4 restaurants doing business in the area since 1979. We are very conservative in our expansion. We want to be the best we can be in our current operations and that doesn’t necessarily mean having a bunch more locations. Now we are concentrating on our newly expanded dinner hours. Being the best we can be is at the core of what we do and how we do it.
Quick Q&A With Cris Bennett
1. What do you or your team enjoy most about El Segundo?
Hometown feel. We love hiring the locals to work for us. We love that so many of our customers and employees have grown up in El Segundo and still live here! That speaks volumes to me and our involvement in the community.
2. What’s your favorite event in Gundo?
The annual Ed Foundation fundraiser at Chevron Park. Just an awesome local event!
3. Can you share an example of the “Good” in Gundo?
Hey we live in Paradise! Gundo is no different. Love the attitude, our great customers that have been so loyal to us. How everyone knows everyone!
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