Life & Work with J Waddell of Downtown Fenton, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to J Waddell

Hi J, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started working in the hospitality industry at the age of 14 (2002). My first job was washing dishes at a local restaurant just down the street from where I lived at the time. This job was very fast paced, and I can recall being soaking wet by the time my shift ended. I loved the energy of a bustling restaurant, the noise and the chaos behind the scenes. I worked this job for a couple of years before moving on to work at a fast-food restaurant. I learned new skills in this environment. Speed, efficiency, working on a large team and working directly with the customer. I enjoyed working in this style of restaurant and did so for a few years before returning to a full-service restaurant. With a few years of restaurant and customer service experience, I took on a new position and began waiting tables. I can remember being so nervous serving my first guest. My hand was shaking and spilling the coffee that I set on the table. I did get better over time and really liked working directly with guests. I liked the social interaction with guests and getting to know a bit of their story when I could. I picked up bartending skills at this restaurant too and gained a better knowledge of the beverage side of dining. I worked at this restaurant for several years. I met many wonderful people and made several good friends along the way.

I was living in Fenton at this time and knew The Laundry had not only an outstanding reputation, but really good food and the place was always busy. This of course was attractive to a tipped employee and lover of all things edible. I put my best button up shirt on and stopped in to apply for a serving position. I popped in few more times after that hoping to touch base with a manager. I was running out of nice shirts to wear. I knew a couple of their employees and I believe they put in a good word for me, I started waiting tables at The Laundry in the summer of 2012. The job was challenging, and I loved every minute of it. I was learning so much about food, beverage and service. The team of people I was working with were cool, creative and I was learning a lot from them too. I was excited about the work I was doing and having a great time! I waited tables for a couple of years before applying for an Assistant Manager position that was posted at the restaurant. I interviewed with the business owners and ultimately accepted the opportunity to continue to learn new skills and grow in the industry. Although I had no official management experience, I accepted the challenge and joined a management team that I respected and admired a lot. A few years later, a General Manager position was posted in the restaurant, and I applied. I was again at a table with the business owners interviewing for this position. I was The Laundry’s General Manager for several years. Fast forward through years of hard work, many really great days, a few tough days and a global pandemic that challenged yet strengthened The Laundry, I was back at a table with The Laundry’s founding owners discussing purchasing their landmark business. I took sole ownership of The Laundry in October 2023.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had many challenges along the way, and I am grateful to have learned at an early age to accept challenges. Challenges have taught me many lessons, given me strength and shaped the person that I am today. The restaurant industry is a tough industry and the positions I’ve held have required a lot of dedication and long days. My busiest time at work has always been during the weekend when majority of my family and friends do not work. I’ve sacrificed many milestone celebrations and holidays with family and friends, and I just hope they know there was purpose behind my absence.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Laundry is a Euro-American Bistro located in Downtown Fenton, MI. The restaurant has been in business for more than 27 years and is considered one of the pivotal businesses in Downtown Fenton. Our scratch kitchen creates unique dishes for Brunch and Dinner and both services are available six days a week. We have an impressive and innovative bar team that updates our bar menu seasonally and highlights even more creativity with monthly features. The Laundry’s Side Door offers coffee beverages, housemade baked goods, carry-out and catering. Our private event space, The Laundry Room, hosts celebrations of all types. The Laundry offers coursed dinners throughout the year and recently hosted its annual Zero Proof Dinner and Vegan Dinner. The Laundry is dedicated to giving back to the city of Fenton, partnering with other local businesses and supporting remarkable causes throughout Genesee County.

We aim to offer an exceptional dining experience on all levels including food, beverage, service and ambience.

I’m proud to work on a team with so many talented and dedicated individuals. The members of our leadership team have all been with the organization for many years and have been promoted from within. It has been a wonderful journey growing with them! The team is very strong and I’m looking forward to our future at this ever-evolving restaurant.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I always enjoyed being outside as a kid. I was never much into video games, although I am very good at Tetris. My family lived in a more rural area for part of my childhood and “exploring” in the woods with my siblings and cousins was always an exciting time. I live in a rural area again with my two dogs, Asher and Apollo who also like “exploring” the woods.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lunchandbeyond.com
• Instagram: the_laundry
• Facebook: TheLaundryFenton