From dishwasher to Everett restaurant owner

Carrie deKubber is proof it’s absolutely possible to climb the ladder.

Approximately 20 years ago, deKubber started as a dishwasher at Bob’s Burgers and Brew, now she’s the owner of the local chain’s Everett location. She told AM 770 KTTH’s Jason Rantz it was just a matter of taking each opportunity as it came.

“Hostess, and then I went to server, then I eventually moved up to bartending, and then I was a manager,” deKubber said. “Once I was a manager I really enjoyed that position. I really enjoy leadership.”

deKubber’s trajectory actually mirrors that of Bob’s Burgers and Brew founder Bob Kildall. According to the history section of the restaurant chain website, Kildall discovered his love for the food industry when he was working as a burger-flipper. Then when he was 25, he bought his first restaurant.

He opened his first Bob’s Burgers and Brew location in 1982. Today, there are 13 locations in Washington state.

deKubber said working her way up was actually a great way to prepare for the ownership role.

“I am very much observing, the whole time, so I watch other people doing their jobs,” deKubber said. “When you become a manager you need to know what everybody is responsible for.”

For deKubber, owning a restaurant wasn’t necessarily something she set out to do at the beginning. It was more just a manifestation of years of hard work.

“I don’t give up, and so if I want something I figure out a way,” deKubber said. “I feel like if somebody can’t get there it’s because of themselves.”

She acknowledges both she and her husband had to work really hard to save the money necessary to become a restaurant owner.

“It was about taking good care of your credit and living below your means and saving, saving, saving,” deKubber said. “It’s not buying extravagant things, it’s making smart decisions, it’s not going out all the time. We’re both homebodies, so I guess that helps.”

Unlike Seattle, Everett hasn’t increased their minimum wage above the state minimum, but deKubber says she tries to work with her employees to make sure they’re using their money responsibly.

“Usually my response is helping them personally with their financials, as far as helping them organize,” deKubber said.

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