If you’ve ever visited the Geist Puccini’s near the marina, then you’ve probably seen one of the most dedicated employees in the area—Amy Spear. Amy has been with this Puccini’s for 19 years, since it first opened in the summer of 1994. Many customers have told her that she is “all over the place.”
She is one of three fraternal triplets with a sister and brother. She and her sister both applied for their first job at this location when they were just 15 years old. The owners, Don Main and Brooks Powers (Digger) hired them immediately. Amy started as a hostess while her sister began as a busgirl. Amy has enjoyed working with both owners ever since.
“I love being around people and the restaurant business,” says Amy, who became a manager at age 21. “I have a very high energy level so I like this type of work. It helps me sleep at night.”
“Amy works 100 miles per minute all the time,” says Deven Willis, Vice-President of Operations of Puccini’s Smiling Teeth. “She’s been a spearhead (no pun intended) in serving as a role-model to other young women as they move into management. When I train others, everything is based on what I call the ‘Amy Spear’ way, which involves working long and hard in the kitchen without ever complaining.”
Although Geist Puccini’s represents the third location, there are now 14 restaurants spanning from Indiana to Kentucky including two sister locations (Buccetos) in Bloomington. Amy has helped open four new locations.
“I’m like the guinea pig for Puccini’s. I help by doing whatever they need done, from paperwork and overseeing the construction to hiring and training new employees.”
She likes her job because Puccini’s is not a corporate company but rather a casual, comfortable, family-oriented environment. She admits that she’s a tomboy at heart and likes the way the management isn’t afraid to get dirty and right into the mess. She says, “In some restaurants you’ll see the managers all dressed up wearing a tie, but here, we get into our jobs, literally. Tonight, I will be in the pasta station and tomorrow I will be serving.”
Amy enjoys working with the youth. “This job keeps me young. We have lots of kids from different schools working here and it’s great to see how everyone’s personality fits so well.”
She was raised in a family with a strong work ethic. In addition to her triplet sister and brother, Amy also has an older sister and two parents, who reside here in Indy. Today, they remain close to one another. In fact, her triplet sister still picks up a shift once in a while so that they can visit with each other. In her spare time, Amy enjoys riding mountain bikes and golfing with her boyfriend.
Amy invites you to come in and taste Puccini’s exceptional salads, pizza, pasta and calzones. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The menu also offers gluten-free appetizers, pizza, pasta, and sandwich breads. In addition, Puccini’s supports the local breweries by carrying Sun King and Triton on tap.
Take advantage of the “Dockside Delivery” by calling ahead (842-2356) to place your order.
Go to www.puccinissmilingteeth.com to learn more.
