Friendly waiter keeps his customers happy

January 18, 2006

An employee of Petaluma's Pazzo restaurant has been recognized as this year's first Service Person of the Week.

George Blackshaw, 36, has only been in town for six and a half months, but already has a reputation for being a "friendly, personable, witty, polite and excellent waiter" -- at least by a customer who nominated him.

"My big goal is to make it on the PGA [Professional Golfers' Association] Tour," he said. "But if that doesn't work I'd like to eventually own my own restaurant."

Blackshaw, a pro golfer, came to Petaluma from Florida late last year and is getting ready for the A.G. Spanos Tour in San Diego. He placed seventh in the Northern California Open and can be found on the Rooster Run Golf Course green "rain or shine."

"I started playing golf in college," said Blackshaw, who got into the sport 14 years ago. "I went to Florida and decided to turn pro. I won the very first tournament I was in."

When not practicing his swing, Blackshaw tends tables at Pazzo on Keller Street. "I'm a chef as well," he said. "But there's not enough room in the kitchen there right now. The head chef, owner and I have a good rapport. We're really focused on getting a lot of return business and seeing that the customers are happy."

The Argus-Courier is looking for outstanding service persons throughout the community. Nominations can cover all aspects of the service industry.

Five nominees will be named Service Person of the Week, then locals will vote on which one should be crowned Service Person of the Year. He or she will be honored in the Argus-Courier and at the 2006 Community Recognition Awards on March 24.

In the past, many ballots have not come in until the final two weeks. The earlier a ballot is sent in, however, the greater chance the nominee has to become a Service Person of the Week. So fill out the coupon provided on this page and mail it to: Service Person of the Year, Petaluma Argus-Courier, P.O. Box 1091, Petaluma 94953 or drop it by the Argus-Courier office at 1304 Southpoint Blvd. Coupons can also be faxed to 776-8482.