Bistro Newsletter

Although ALL of you have met Alida Berganza… she is the lovely fashionable lady who greets you at the front door…. Most of you probably do not know her story. Alida was born in Guatemala and came here on her own as a 20-year-old girl. She came straight to Michigan where she did have a cousin to stay with but without her immediate family.

Believe it or not, her first job was working with Mary & Tom at the Bistro 24 years ago. She started off cleaning the restaurant. Alida knew very little English. She taught herself the language from listening to staff and guests at the Bistro and watching movies. Because she came here so young and by herself, she was unable to finish school, but she did take some courses here to perfect her English.  She worked very hard, had multiple jobs at many local restaurants, saved her money and sponsored her family to come into the United States. Legally sponsoring someone to come into the Unites States is very expensive and you commit to be financially responsible for them if they are ever to become a “burden” to the government. Alida’s family is just the opposite. They are the hardest working, most honest, loyal and kind people. First to arrive was her sister, Marilu (our amazing server assistant), who introduced Alida to her husband Maynor. They have been married 17 years, live in Commerce, and have 2 beautiful girls Leslie (15) and Alexa (10). Just this summer we at the Bistro were lucky enough to score an invitation to Leslie’s Quinceañera. I’ve never been to such an extravagant event! In Latin culture when a young girl turns 15, she is no longer considered a child and they celebrate in grand style. Her party was over the top!

Alida is La Jefa. The Lady Boss in English. Not only is she the leader of her family, hosting many holidays and looking after her extended family, she is my mini boss here at the Bistro. Whenever I am not around, I say “Alida, you’re the boss”. She is the boss because she does everything. She arrives around 9 in the morning, cleans the Bistro with her sister and if I’m not working lunch she covers me, greeting guests at the door, answering the phone, confirming reservations, expediting food from the window, clearing and resetting tables. She takes about a 2-minute break, and she comes back as the host or the busser and does it all over again at night. Alida is the one person who may put in as many if not more hours than I do. I’m incredibly grateful for her. I trust her completely. She always has the Bistro as a priority… which means she takes care of YOU. Alida knows your name and where you want to sit, she scrambles tables around to get everyone just where they need to be, and she does it with a smile. She is always kind to everyone, and the girl just never stops moving. I get dizzy working the door with her!

In Alida’s rare free time, she loves to dance. She loves music and live concerts. Alida loves Miami and she enjoys traveling anywhere warm with her family. They go to amusement parks and love to hit the beach or have backyard BBQs. She LOVES to shop and finds the most amazing deals out there! Girl knows how to stretch a dollar! Alida also enjoys the casino and tends to be lucky. We usually send her out to buy our group lottery tickets… so far not lucky enough on that one!

Next time you’re in the bistro be sure to say hi to Alida and I would like to say a special gracias por ser mi amiga y mi pequeña jefa.​

Cheers,
Sharon