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Recent News
Excelling in the Food Industry on the Shore
One of the booming industries on the Shore is the food service industry. Benefiting from the tourism industry and the business center of the region being Salisbury, the food service industry continues to see growth. It is proving to be a good industry for African Americans. And, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has its Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management to supply a wealth of African American talent in the field. In our new series on careers, we have decided to profile some of the talent that we have found in the industry.
Fred Blankenship, Executive Chef
Ramada Inn SalisburyThe Executive Chef for the Ramada and Conference Center in Salisbury is Fred Blankenship. He has been there four years and serves the restaurant, bar, room service, and conference rooms at the downtown facility. The restaurant is open for breakfast buffet and for dinner. Chef Fred is introducing a new flare to the dinner with a Southern cuisine buffet.
A native of Newark, NJ, Blankenship studied to be a chef at Essex Community College in Newark. He started his career at The Dorchester Hotel in Newark where he became Chef and manager. He was attracted to the Shore and worked at the Carousel Hotel for ten years prior to joining the Ramada. He resides in Salisbury and is father to three children.
Gregory "Greg" Estes
Manager Applebee's in Salisbury
One of the managers of Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill in Salisbury is Greg Estes of Georgetown, Delaware. He has been a manager there since 2006. Greg has been with The Rose Group, who owns the franchise, since 2001. Then, he worked at the Rehoboth Beach restaurant. Estes is a native of Greensboro, NC and has resided in Delaware the last four years.
He began his career in food service as a bartender in Fayetteville, NC in the late 1980's. After studying for a while at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he decided that he wanted a different career path.
Steven Houston, Manager
McDonald's N. SalisburyThe manager of McDonald's across from Wal-Mart on North Salisbury Blvd. is Steven Houston. He was recognized by the company's national CEO as one of the top one - percent of McDonalds' managers in the Nation and was presented the Ray Kroc Award in 2006.
Steven started at McDonald's as a grill closer in 1992 and worked his way up to management. He is also an ordained minister at Mt. Mariah Church in Greenwood, DE and is studying for his doctorate of divinity. His and his wife have three daughters. Rochele McLeod, VP of Operations International House of Pancakes (IHOP) The general manager and vice president of operations for the Lower Delaware and Salisbury IHOP restaurants is Rochele M. McLeod of Felton, DE. She oversees the operations of the IHOP's in Dover, Salisbury, Rehoboth, and Seaford, owned by S & I Corp.
A native of New Jersey, McLeod has been with the company six years, starting out as a part time hostess. She moved to Dover in 1986 and operated a child day care center for 14 years. While doing that, she became state director of the Children and Adult Feeding Program and started working at IHOP while doing that. Impressed with her work and knowledge, S&I made her an offer to head their operations. The daughter of Marilyn McLeod of NJ, Rochele earned a bachelors degree from Rutgers U. and studied at its law school. She is also a graduate of IHOP College. A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Rochele also belongs to Holy Cross Church. She is the mother of four children.
Robert Fooks, Co-Owner & Chef
Trappe Creek Restaurant in BerlinBerlin native Robert Fooks has returned and his wife, Keisha, own and operate The Trappe Creek Restaurant at 10702 Assateague Rd. outside of Berlin, MD. lt opened in December 2005 at the renovated old Dailey's Store. Robert studied and practiced culinary arts in Los Angeles and Baltimore prior to coming home. The couple has three children. The restaurant is open daily and features home-styled cooking. lt serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You may dine in or carry out. Catering is available.
Garry Howell, Jr., Owner/Operator
In & Out Deli in SalisburyThe owner/operator of In & Out Deli in Salisbury is Garry A. Howell, Jr. of Salisbury. Located inside Eagle Express Mart at 1312 N. Salisbury Blvd., the deli is heir to the renown soul food cooking of Garry "Big Daddy" Howell, Sr. who helps his son. Garry, Jr. opened the deli three years ago. A James M. Bennett High School graduate, he learned to cook and operate a food service from his father who has 34 years experience in the business. Garry, Jr. is married and has two children.
