AJ's Dough-Getter

Mariana Valdez

1. What’s your go-to AJ’s Pizza order? (and any secret modifications) 
Sicilian style with Roasted Tomatoes, caramelized onions, sausage (light), pepperoni, and Mikes Hot Honey on the side. 

2. If you could create one limited-time pizza for AJ’s, what would be on it and what would you name it? 
Sicilian style with red sauce and pickled onions. I’d call it “The Mari”. 

3. What does great hospitality mean to you? 
To me, it means having a great team and coworkers that love creating a great ambiance and treating guests like family.

4. What’s one small thing a guest has done for you that made your day? 
A guest gave me a piece of their birthday cake! 

5. When you’re not at AJ’s, what are you usually doing? 
I’m usually studying. 

6. What’s your “fresh up” moment after a long shift? 
I love watching Netlix in my car for 30 minutes before going inside my house. 

7. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? 
They’d be surprised to learn ’m in medical school  

8. What’s your dream vacation destination and why? 
My dream vacation destination is Mexico, I love visiting my family that lives there. 

9.If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life (besides pizza), what would it be? 
Tacos! 

10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
If you already have the no, why not go for the yes. 

Tahelys Leo

1. What’s your go-to pizza order at AJ’s (build your perfect pie)? (Crust, sauce, toppings—full breakdown) 
I like cheese pizza with bacon, fresh mozzarella or ricotta and vanilla honey added to it. 

2. If you could add ONE new item to the menu, what would it be? 
I miss some foods from my home country that are hard to find here, like ham and corn, or chopped roast beef. 

3. What’s your favorite part about working at AJ’s Pizza Joint so far? 
My favorite part is that I can support my household by adjusting my schedule to continue my studies and look after my family. 

4. Who on the team makes your shifts better (and why)? 
The entire team and I have established an effective and very funny work dynamic 

5. What’s your go-to hype song before or during a shift? 
I listen to Venezuelan or Christian music 

6. What’s the busiest/most intense shift you’ve worked here—and what happened? 
We’ve had several shifts where it’s been very busy, and when something on the line runs out, it’s exciting to work together to solve it. 

7. If you weren’t working in restaurants, what would you be doing? 
Probably as a health insurance advisor, doing income taxes, and/or as a notary. I've been preparing myself and even have certifications for childcare.  

8. What’s one thing guests would be surprised to know about you?
It always surprises them to learn that one of my teammates is also my 21-year-old son. It might also be the fact that I have quite a diverse educational background, serving as a coordinator of traffic customs and international negotiations in my home country.  

9. Sweet or savory? (And what’s your go-to snack after a shift?)
Savory, I like eating at home cooked meals! 

10. In one word, how would you describe AJ’s Pizza Joint?
Family

Kara Cianca

1. How long have you been part of AJ’s and what is your favorite opening-week memory?
Since being hired in November of 2024, my favorite memory from opening week was meeting all of my coworkers
and participating in team bonding activities. I knew we'd be spending a lot of time together, so I was excited to meet them all.

2. One thing guests wouldn’t guess about you?
I’m studying Forensic Science when I’m not serving up drinks and pizza.

3. Describe AJ’s in three words.
Unique, welcoming, energetic. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you’re in a restaurant like AJ’s.

4. Favorite part about working with the AJ’s team?
How close we are and how well we get along. We work together flawlessly and teamwork is a huge factor at AJ’s.
We genuinely care about each other - FOH, BOH and management, and it makes you look forward to coming to work.

5. Go-to pizza order at AJ’s?
The Goldie. My number 1 favorite pizza on the entire menu.

6. Best compliment you’ve received from a guest?
That they can tell I don’t do my job just because it’s my job. I genuinely enjoy what I do and I’m a hard worker.
I like to ensure each guest has a great, unique experience. If a guest leaves happy and I’m part of that reason, I did my job right.