Finding Your People: Tonjua Brown

Tonjua Brown

Tonjua Brown has worked for  Alcenia’s Restaurant for a year. In that time, she’s discovered the joy of working in the kitchen. For anyone who is new to the hospitality industry, Tonjua says, “Make sure you find the kitchen staff that you can be a family with.” 

Tell us about your role at Alcenia’s. 

My role here at Alcenia's is to fill in wherever I’m needed. When I walk in in the morning, I take a survey of the kitchen and see where I need to fill. I look around and see what's not done and get to work. So if it’s a Saturday brunch, that means getting the waffle mix started, or looking over Ms. Pat's shoulder and loading her up with eggs, or standing beside Ms. Ashley and rinsing dishes. I see a spill and clean it up, I take the trash out, I go out and sing Happy Birthday to a guest. Whatever is needed. 

How did you get started working at Alcenia’s?

I have known of Ms. BJ Chester-Tamayo, Alcenia’s owner, for probably 20 years, but after the devastating fire and the renovation at Alcenia’s, she reached out via a family member. She was asking for serious inquiries only for people that need a part-time gig. And I signed up. So I have my nine-to-five that I work during the week and I come here on Saturday and try to give love and receive love.

I love the spirit that BJ has behind the restaurant and it's also a part of the spirit that I have. There is a family restaurant out there. But mostly what I love is the family atmosphere back here.

What advice would you give to somebody who's working in the hospitality tourism industry here in Memphis?

I'm new to the industry; I've only worked in this industry for a year. I come from the medical industry. Even though I'm a professional, when I tried waiting tables, I knew my hands weren't sturdy enough and my nerves weren't calm enough to be out there in front of people. But I love it in the kitchen. It's the camaraderie. If you can be family with the folks in the kitchen, then it helps with the time you have to spend away from your own family. It's long, hard hours back here, and so you’ve got to enjoy the people you work with. The advice I would give is try to find a kitchen family. 

What is your favorite item on the Alcenia’s menu that you go to every time or one that you just can't get enough of?

My favorite is the smothered fried chicken. That's my absolute favorite. 

Thank you, Tonjua, for your dedication to your guests and coworkers at Alcenia’s!