TOMMY MARTIN, a co-worker at Five Crowns for four decades, received the prestigious Rosalind Williams Service Excellence Award from Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau. Five Crowns Marketing Manager, Margo Brask, says, “Tommy truly sets the bar for service and hospitality. He’s a treasure to Five Crowns.”

A native of England, Tommy moved to Orange County in 1967 and knew Five Crowns was “home” the moment he saw the Tudor architecture and red telephone booth. Tommy started as a bartender, became wine captain and is now Guest Ambassador.

a treasure to Five Crowns

General Manager Steve Kim says, “Tommy Martin is an inspiration to those who work with him. After 43 years at Five Crowns, his positive attitude has simply grown stronger.”

Tommy always goes the extra mile for his guests and has become close to many of them. Famed Warner Bros. animator and Road Runner creator, Chuck Jones, was one regular with whom he formed a lifelong friendship. Jones even invited Tommy to the installation of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today, Tommy honors Jones by wearing lapel pins the artist gave him of his cartoon characters.

always goes the extra mile for his guests

Tommy describes the philosophy that makes him so successful: “The secret of life is loving what you do. My reward comes from taking care of guests and being appreciated in return. I feel blessed to have been at Five Crowns. It’s the best company you could possibly work for.”

Chef Matt Melton of Lawry’s Dallas volunteers time to teach cooking to special-needs kids at Market Street in McKinney. Throughout the year, different groups bring students from local middle and high schools to take Melton’s hands-on classes.

Matt says, “They create these dishes themselves, so it’s a huge feeling of accomplishment. I’m no celebrity chef, but when they see me in a uniform, it makes them feel fantastic. And I feel like a rock star.”