One year of Orleans Smokehouse: what it’s really like working for a new restaurant

Orleans Smokehouse is turning one! It’s been a year of excitement, challenges, and incredible teamwork, and what better way to celebrate than by hearing from the people who’ve been part of the journey? 

From launching a brand-new dining experience to shaping the future of the brand, our team has been at the heart of it all.

We caught up with Stuart, Scott, Taylor, and Chloe—four of our Orleans Smokehouse team members—to find out what life’s really been like in the first year of a brand-new business.

Orleans Smokehouse: fresh, exciting, and full of surprises

Opening a new restaurant isn’t just about firing up the grill and unlocking the doors—it’s about creating something special from the ground up. Taylor, one of our team coaches, remembers the buzz of launch day. 

"It was amazing to see everything come together," she says. "From live music to magicians, there was always something new happening."

Of course, with something new comes a whole lot of learning. Stuart, covering manager, talks about how adaptability was key in those early days.

"There were tweaks and changes we had to make to find the right balance in how we worked. But that’s part of the fun—you get to shape how things run."

Mastering the menu: how training set Orleans Smokehouse up for success

When you’re opening the very first Orleans Smokehouse, there’s no blueprint to follow—so training was absolutely essential. Taylor recalls those intense (but delicious!) few weeks before opening.

"We got to try the entire menu and learn all the new systems," she says. "It was fun, and it made us feel confident from day one."

With no other Orleans Smokehouse locations to turn to for advice—like you would with a Harvester or Miller & Carter—our team had to rely on each other to make it work. And they did exactly that.

Building something new: shaping the future of Orleans Smokehouse

Being part of a new brand doesn’t just mean clocking in and out—it means having a real say in its future. Scott, Kitchen Manager, highlights the unique opportunities Orleans Smokehouse offers chefs.

"The chefs have had the chance to learn new skills in a constantly evolving kitchen, and those skills can now be passed on to new team members as we grow," he says.

For Chloe, Marketing Manager, the ability to test and learn has been a game-changer.

"Because Orleans Smokehouse is a new brand, we have the freedom to experiment. We can try things out, see what works, and get real insight into what our guests love," she explains.

And that culture of open communication isn’t just for customers—it’s built into how we work. Stuart values the direct collaboration with support teams, from marketing to menu development.

"I can provide feedback and actually see changes happen. Even the smallest tweaks make a big difference."

The Orleans Smokehouse team: more like family than colleagues

One thing that makes Orleans Smokehouse truly special? The people.

Taylor points out that because everyone started together, the team feels extra close-knit.

"We've all known each other since day one, and that makes such a difference. We’re not just colleagues—we’re a team that genuinely wants to see each other succeed."

Scott, too, has seen incredible stability in the kitchen, with many chefs staying since day one.

"It’s a place where people want to work, and that’s because of the environment we’ve built together."

When people from different backgrounds come together, it creates a vibe where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s this mix of perspectives that makes the environment more creative, inclusive, and fun for everyone involved.

What’s next for Orleans Smokehouse? More growth, more opportunities!

With a full year under our belt, what does the future hold for Orleans Smokehouse?

Scott is excited about the potential for expansion.

"We’re always looking for ways to improve and grow. Everything we’ve learned this year is going to help us support future openings."

For Stuart, the journey doesn’t stop here.

"The skills I’ve developed at Orleans Smokehouse will be invaluable in future brand roll-outs. I can’t wait to see where we go next."

And Chloe? She sums it up best:

"I've learned so much from the team around me—everyone is so passionate about making Orleans Smokehouse a success. It’s been amazing to be part of something from the very start."

Join the Orleans Smokehouse family!

Looking for a career that’s exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunity? Orleans Smokehouse is the place to be. Whether you're a chef, a front-of-house superstar, or a future manager, there’s a place for you on our team.

Join us as we continue to grow, shape the future of Orleans Smokehouse, and create something truly special.