She keeps her customers happy

Full of enthusiasm and a love for people, Aram’s Cafe waitperson Jenny Cumpston helps locals kick-start their mornings with a smile and a cup of joe.

It’s her positive, welcoming attitude toward her customers that has earned Cumpston the title of Service Person of the Week and placed her in the running for the Service Person of the Year award.

”This is really exciting to be nominated,” said Cumpston, who was born and raised in Petaluma. “I love what I do.”

Cumpston has worked at Aram’s for the past 18 years and used to live next door to the owners.

“I used to babysit for their kids,” said Cumpston. “This is the only waitressing job I’ve ever had. In fact, I’ve waited on some of the same people since I was 16. Aram’s is like another home for me.”

Cumpston describes herself as a morning person, which is exactly what sleepy customers on her morning shift need to help get them smiling and on with their day.

"Jenny is always, always friendly, cheerful, upbeat, and is constantly making sure her customers are happy with their food and beverages,” wrote Jeanne and Ken Hartmann in their nomination form. “She goes out of her way to accommodate the customers she is serving. When it is not her day to work at Aram’s, we don’t go! Also, she makes a killer soy capuccino!”

“I love the people,” said Cumpston. “I work for the people. I smile a lot and kill them with kindness. That’s what you gotta do.”

Cumpston is the fourth of five nominees for Service Person of the Week. After stories on all five have run in the Argus-Courier, locals will vote on which one should be crowned Service Person of the Year. He or she will be honored in the Argus-Courier and at the 2009 Community Recognition Awards on March 27.