BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Managing a restaurant through a pandemic has been tough with all the changes including a current ban on outdoor and indoor dining in Kern County, but one local eatery is continuing to bring the seven seas to Southwest Bakersfield, and with it, will soon come a few job opportunities.
You might have remembered the name Garrison's Seafood Express Restaurant after we shared that it was partially owned by a 14-year-old Garrison Ray. Due to their success they are now expanding this year, and customers say they have the best catfish in town.
"It's pretty much like my own the way I would cook it and you know when you don't feel like cooking you want to go where you are getting your money's worth and that you love," said Marcella Porter, a customer.
Forever customer Marcella Porter continues to make her way to Garrison's Seafood Express located off of Panama Lane near the Silver Creek Shopping Center.
The restaurant is known for its home-style fried seafood. Which has the line out the door and includes newcomer Casi Brooks who says she's there to support local businesses.
"You want to keep them going you want to keep them alive and with them having to close left and right. We want to support them," said Brooks.
While maintaining their under-the-sea cuisine, with everything from shrimp to clams, the restaurant, like many others, was forced to make changes due to COVID.
All seating has been eliminated, instead, you'll find hand sanitizer stations and social distancing reminders, even with the changes, business is still strong.
"We had a good influx of customers due to the app orders and everyone was still doing takeout anyway so it hasn't been that bad because we have loyal customers," said crew member Fayth Jones.
And thanks to business being strong, this local eatery is expanding.
"We will be opening a new location out in Rosedale. It's something we have been really excited for and preparing to make sure we are continuing to make a lasting impression so they can meet us at Rosedale too," added Jones.
Garrison's new location will open in Rosedale this April, and they are currently looking to hire three to eight crew members, which will include a line cook and a regional restaurant manager and as for the food, Porter says it's worth it to stop by.
"They won't be sorry, trust me they won't be sorry. I am 66 years old and trust me I know what's it about when it comes to food."
And if you would like to apply to any of the positions mentioned earlier email GSE18@yahoo.com.
