When thinking of the term "groupies," people think of rock stars or professional athletes. The service industry is probably not at the top of the list. However, The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa is fortunate enough to have just such a "rock star" among its list of employees, and Betty Dunn shines.
Dunn began waitressing tables for Carl Duncan, The Austin Hotel's general manager, in 1984 at the Ramada Inn and Velda Rose. She has continued to work for Duncan since, following him to The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa where she serves at Jeni's Vineyard Restaurant. In addition to waitressing, Dunn was owner of The Spillway Landing on Lake Ouachita for three years.
"Betty knows that nothing brings people together like a great meal and good service, and Betty has made it her mission to make sure that guests receive both," said Gail Pitts-Holloway, sales manager, in the release. Recently, Dunn was awarded the Employee of the Month award at The Austin Hotel's Spring, All-Employee Meeting. But she is no stranger to awards. In 2000, she won the "Best Star" award for the state of Arkansas by the Arkansas RMA. Over the years, Dunn has won numerous awards for her service at Jeni's Vineyard in The Austin. Similarly, she was pivotal in creating the delectable truffles which garnered The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa the award, a tie for third place, for "Best Taste" at the 2015 Chocolate Fest benefiting CCMC.
Despite being 82 years of age, with a husband, six children, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, Dunn waitresses at Jeni's Vineyard several days each week. She is a fixture at The Austin's popular Sunday buffet, where she hand prepares several salads and desserts. Her banana pudding is renowned.
"The banana pudding, great food and service are not the only things that bring people back. They return for Betty. Throughout the years, patrons from each of the establishments in which she has served, faithfully ask for Betty when dining at The Austin. She has amassed quite a following," said Pitts-Holloway. According to Duncan, "We love her; our customers love her; she just does so much for the hotel and Jeni's Vineyard ... Betty is truly a gem."
Business on 06/29/2015