Albert
Albert has been with PizzaExpress for 21 years and started working as a Pizzaiolo. He's currently the Dough Quality Trainer & Advisor and being part of the Back of House Training department he also trains all Back of House Team Members on other operational courses."
Why did you join PizzaExpress?
"A friend of mine worked here and I was asked several times to join the company as a Chef. I always refused because, working in retail, I had a completely different background. But in the end I thought 'let's try and see what's in it for me' - and that was 21 years ago!"
What do you like about working for PizzaExpress?
"It's to do with what we serve. By having a simple menu with lots of fresh ingredients it's easy for chefs to work with - and that's part of why I've stayed here so long. The atmosphere in the kitchen is great too, and since I've been working here I've had a lot of interaction with customers and I meet new people all the time."
What's been your most memorable moment so far?
"Being nominated as employee of the year in 1995! It was the first time this award was being given to someone here and I felt honoured to be nominated and rewarded. I was a Chef trainer at the time and was given the award because of my support to my colleagues. Apparently I never said 'no' and worked very hard to accomplish things. I've also done a lot of outside catering work with PizzaExpress, like making pizzas for the 21st birthday of the daughter of a very famous singer and taking part in a BBC programme, showing children how to make pizzas. That was really nice!"
What's your favourite PizzaExpress dish?
"That changes a lot. In the past I would go for a lot of toppings on my pizza, but at the moment I think the simpler, the better. My favourite at the moment is the Romana Margarita. I love the thinness of the Romana pizzas."
What would you say to someone thinking of joining PizzaExpress?
"It's fascinating working here, and it's one of the best working environments. We have a very supportive team in place - we care for each other. And, thanks to all the training and development we have, you can become whatever you want."
