a the tennessee theater in knoxville street tennessee

New Beginnings: A Heartfelt Update from The Gumbo Hut

Hey there, dear friends and patrons of The Gumbo Hut! I hope this note finds you all well and enjoying the flavors of life. I wanted to take a moment to share with you some exciting news and also explain a few things that have been going on behind the scenes at our beloved restaurant. First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support and love for The Gumbo Hut. We’ve been open for over a year now, and that’s a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. As a single parent with three amazing kids, this journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with joy, challenges, and lots of learning. You might have noticed that our hours have been a bit sporadic lately. I want to be open with you about why that’s been happening. Just recently, I dropped off my youngest child at college across the country. Yep, I’m officially an empty nester! It’s a bittersweet moment, filled with pride and a touch of sadness. Balancing the responsibilities of being a parent and running a restaurant has been a delicate dance, and I needed some time to adjust to this new chapter in my life.

Changes on the Horizon at The Gumbo Hut

But don’t you worry! The Gumbo Hut is about to embark on a new and exciting journey. We’re cooking up some fresh changes that I know you’re going to love:

  1. A New Logo: We’re refreshing our look with a reimagined-logo that captures the essence of our restaurant. It’s vibrant, it’s fun, and on display.
  2. A New Menu: Our culinary team has been working hard to create a menu that’s full of new flavors and old favorites. We can’t wait for you to taste what we’ve been working on. Maybe some Cajun shrimp skewers or what about Andouille Sausage and Red Bean Hash.
  3. The Great Game Exchange: This one’s a surprise, and I promise it’s going to be a game-changer. Free games and prizes too! Stay tuned for more details!

I want to thank you once again for being a part of The Gumbo Hut family. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share these exciting changes with you. Stay hungry, stay happy, and see you soon at TGH 2.0! To stay up to date, follow us on FaceBook.

With heartfelt gratitude,


Michelle

woman pointing at whiteboard

What is coaching?

Part 1 of a 3-part series

An outstanding leader and his team
An outstanding leader and his team by Markus Spiske is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Welcome to the exciting first episode of our 3-part series, where we delve into the incredible world of coaching. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, aiming for professional development, or contemplating a fulfilling career in coaching, this series is tailor-made for you.

**What is Coaching?**

Coaching is more than just guidance; it’s a powerful partnership that empowers people to unleash their full potential. Through active listening, thought-provoking inquiries, and personalized support, coaches assist clients in identifying their goals, surmounting obstacles, and achieving remarkable success. It’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

**How Can Coaching Benefit You and Our Community?**

In our community, coaching acts as a catalyst for positive change. Let’s explore how:

1. **Individual Growth**:

Whether you’re navigating a career transition, facing personal challenges, or simply striving to enhance your life, coaching equips you with the essential tools and unwavering support needed to thrive.

2. **Professional Development**:

From honing communication skills to refining leadership abilities, coaching provides tailored guidance to help professionals excel in their careers.

3. **Community Collaboration**:

Coaching fosters a spirit of collaboration, empathy, and understanding. By engaging with local coaching practices, we can cultivate a stronger, more supportive, and resilient community.

4. **Career Opportunities**:

With the demand for coaching on the rise, now is the perfect time to embark on this rewarding career path. Coaches have the distinct privilege of making a profound difference in people’s lives while continuously evolving and expanding their own horizons.

**Why Choose Coaching as a Career?**

Coaching is not merely a profession; it’s a vocation. If you possess a deep-seated passion for helping others, a profound curiosity about human potential, and an unwavering desire to leave a positive impact, coaching might be your calling. This fulfilling career offers flexibility, continuous learning, and the opportunity to be part of a nurturing community of practice.

**Stay Tuned!**

In the upcoming segment of this series, we will delve even deeper into the essential skills and qualities that make a remarkable coach, as well as how you can embark on your own enriching journey in this field. Whether you are curious about receiving coaching or becoming a coach yourself, we warmly invite you to embark on this adventure with us. Together, let’s embrace the transformative power of coaching and embark on a journey of personal and community growth. Your remarkable journey starts right here.

uncooked chicken on wooden chopping board

Making Étouffée


Étouffée vs. Gumbo: The Gumbo Hut‘s Signature Difference At TheGoodGumbo.com, we pride ourselves on our authentic Étouffée – a dish that often steals the spotlight alongside our renowned Gumbo. Wondering what sets our Étouffée apart? It’s the vibrant touch of red and orange bell peppers. When these peppers mingle with paprika, they grant the dish a distinct reddish hue and an irresistible sweet undertone.

Why The Gumbo Hut’s Étouffée is Special:

  • Bell Peppers: Not just any peppers! We selectively use red and orange bell peppers, not commonly purchased in bulk, to guarantee that signature hue and taste.
  • Quick & Delightful Recipe: In just 30 minutes, you can recreate our Étouffée. If we’re out, don’t worry! Head to instacart, gather the ingredients, and indulge in this delectable dish from the comfort of your home.
  • Freshness Above All: You might wonder, if the recipe is so simple, why do we occasionally run out? The answer is straightforward: we are uncompromising about quality. Seasonal challenges sometimes make it tough to source the freshest ingredients. If we can’t serve you the best, we’d rather have you make the best at home.

Ingredients to add to instacart:

  • 3 cups long grain white rice
  • 6 cups water, divided
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • one red/orange bell pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound crawfish tails
  • 6 green onions, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic poweder
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste

Directions

  1. Combine rice and 6 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until rice is tender and water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. While rice cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook, stirring, until transparent. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in 1 cup of chicken broth. Add crawfish tails and bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in green onions and season with salt, pepper, other seasonings and Cajun seasoning.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer until crawfish is cooked through but not tough, 5 to 10 minutes.
  7. Serve étouffée over cooked rice.

I’ve adjusted and personalized the recipe a bit, but the original inspiration can be credited to a Louisiana Crawfish Étouffée recipe on Allrecipes. You can view it here. This is a quick and easy dish that kids will love and it will be ready in no time when they get out of school.

crawfish in thick sauce topped with rice

join our team wall decor

The Gumbo Hut is Hiring for the Fall


The Gumbo Hut is hiring. Join Our Team in Waynesboro, Where passion meets flavor. Are you a culinary enthusiast or cocktail connoisseur looking to make a mark in the vibrant restaurant scene of Waynesboro? The Gumbo Hut is on a quest to find dedicated individuals to be a part of our growing family. With over a year of serving heart-warming dishes, refreshing beverages, and memories, we believe in fostering a collaborative, creative, and rewarding environment.

Available Positions:

1. Prep Cook

  • Role: Assist the main chefs, ensuring ingredients are prepared with precision and care. Maintain the freshness of inventory and uphold our standards of hygiene and quality.
  • Requirements: Previous kitchen experience is a bonus, but not mandatory. Must possess a passion for culinary arts and a willingness to learn.

2. Facilities Staff

  • Role: Ensure the restaurant maintains its pristine charm. From the front of the house to the kitchen, ensure everything is in order, clean, and functional.
  • Requirements: Attention to detail, proactive approach, and a strong work ethic.

3. Lunch Line Cook

  • Role: Command the lunch rush! Prepare delicious dishes in a fast-paced setting, ensuring every plate embodies The Good Gumbo’s commitment to flavor and quality.
  • Requirements: Experience in a similar role preferred. Must work well under pressure and be a team player.

4. Bartender

  • Role: Mix, garnish, and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks according to recipes or customer preferences. Engage with customers, creating a lively and memorable bar experience.
  • Requirements: Knowledge of mixing, garnishing, and serving drinks. Ability to interact professionally and warmly with customers. Previous bar experience is a plus.

Why Join The Good Gumbo?

  • Food & Drink Benefits: Enjoy a whopping 60% off on our delectable dishes and refreshing beverages.
  • Timeliness Rewards: Stand a chance to win our weekly gift card drawing simply by showing up on time.
  • Bonus Surprises: Who doesn’t love a good surprise? Earn lottery tickets and more!

To apply, drop us an email at michelle@cox-and-associates.com, with your resume and the position you’re interested in. Alternatively, visit us in person at 403 West Main Street, Waynesboro, VA 22980 and introduce yourself. We’re always eager to meet potential family members!

Contact: 434-260-1511 (this number accepts text messages) Spread the word, and let’s make good gumbo in the heart of Waynesboro, Virginia.


Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Hiring a virtual assistant has been a great help for many small businesses and entrepreneurs. They can help with a wide range of tasks, from simple data entry to more complex projects. However, finding the right person can be difficult, especially when you’re looking for someone with the right combination of skills and experience. This guide will help you find the right person for the job.