Meet Allen Jefferson: family man, student, waiter
How long have you worked at the Richmond Hill Quality Inn?
I’ve worked at the restaurant here since 2006, as a server on the floor. I like the atmosphere and I like the people that come in here.
How is business?
For some reason or another, a lot of people have stopped coming here because we used to be 10 times busier. I wish they’d come back because we have a delicious lunch buffet everyday.
What do you like about this community?
The community is growing, but it seems to be going in a positive direction. The best thing I like about Richmond Hill is the people that live here. I meet a lot of them here at the restaurant, and, let me tell you, there are really good people in this community.
Did you grow up here?
Actually, I came from Sacramento, Calif., and I moved to this area along with my immediate family when my sister retired from the military. I came here to slow it down a little bit while my wife Dorothetta and I raise our kids. We’ve got two kids – Gregory, 14, and Jasmine, 13.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I love spending time with my kids, like going to their basketball games. I like to bowl. I read a lot too, mostly non-fiction.
What’s your favorite TV show?
I don’t have a favorite show, but I love to watch football and basketball.
Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
Miami. We came to Georgia when my father was stationed to Fort Benning but I was born in Miami, so I have family and friends there.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m 53, but I’m working on getting my BS in human services at Brewton Parker. My goal is to work as a counselor at a shelter. If I can motivate just one person and make a positive impact on their life, then it’ll all be worth it. I’d like to lead someone by the hand and take them out of there.