Radisson Woodlands Hotel is excited to announce that our own Reuben Stoller, teppan chef at Sakura Sushi & Teppanyaki, has won the Governor's Tourism Award for the 'Spirit of Service' awarded by the Arizona Office of Tourism.
The Spirit of Service Award is presented to the non-management tourism employee who best exemplifies the Arizona tourism industry's commitment to exceptional customer service.
Reuben displays all of the qualities that exemplify Arizona's tourism industry with his fantastic customer service, attention to detail and his wonderful personality.
On September 30, 2005, Reuben Stoller was hired at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel as a banquet cook. Reuben was a young chef who as very eager to learn the ropes in the kitchen. Within Reuben's first year of employment he was promoted to a line cook and then to a Teppan Chef Apprentice. Reuben has always been fascinated by watching people cook since he was a child, he has always been intrigued by the art of cooking. When Reuben received the opportunity to become a Teppan Chef Apprentice he knew that this was the career for him. After mastering his apprenticeship, Reuben was promoted to Teppan Chef and then in 2008 he was once again promoted to his current position of Lead Teppan Chef. Reuben began his restaurant career in Bisbee, Arizona where he grew up with his three brothers and two sisters. In Bisbee he worked at the Copper Queen Hotel in their in-house restaurant where he was a dishwasher. Reuben is a well rounded individual who loves the art of cooking and performing, spending time with his family, playing softball on the Radisson softball team, and is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to go camping and spending time outdoors.
Reuben is the face of Sakura. He has received numerous compliments and letter from our out of town guests as well as locals who will come to the restaurant time and time again just to see Reuben's show and be surprised by what new tricks he will incorporate into his show. "Reuben was our teppan chef and he was by far the best chef I've seen. He put on a show that rivals the best chefs I've seen in LA & Phoenix" claims a Radisson Woodlands guest who had the pleasure of viewing Reuben's show. Reuben has had the honor of being showcased in the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau video publicizing Flagstaff. He is also the star of the Sakura commercial that is shown on the local television station. Reuben has been interviewed on local radio stations and has a video of his teppan show broadcasted on Youtube, Facebook, and Myspace. Reuben's face can be seen in Sakura's print ads that are featured in the Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff Live and other publications.
Reuben is Sakura's most requested teppan chef. We have had guests wait up to 90 minutes just to be seated at Reuben's table. Reuben is a famous face within the City of Flagstaff, because of his show people remember him and the amazing show and culinary cuisine that Reuben prepared for them. Guests that are from the east coast and Europe that by chance sat at Reuben's table, now they are return guests to the hotel and will specifically ask for Reuben by name. Reuben is known for his culinary tricks and his 'train.' Flagstaff is known for the numerous trains that come through our city; Reuben mimics the sound of the trains that go through town in each and every one of his shows. "I travel to Flagstaff on a regular basis and since I've found Sakura's and Reuben (best Teppanyaki Chef), I don't eat anywhere else. After a long day working, it's nice to relax in a nice restaurant with a great meal... Reuben is exceptional. Not only will he cook your food to perfection, but he makes the whole dining experience memorable and enjoyable" claims a guest who frequently enjoys Reuben's dining experience.
Reuben has such a fun personality. Each and every one of his shows is unique and he will tailor each show to the guests that are at his table. He is very kid friendly; if he sees a child taht is nervous about the fire he will take extra time to make their nerves go away. He will do magic tricks for the children sitting at his table while he is cooking their food. You would never know if Reuben is having a bad day, when he is 'on stage' behind his teppan table, he will be performing a fantastic show and cook yourmeal to perfection. If Reuben sees that he has a group of tourists at his table who are taking photos of the food and restaurant, he will incorporate the camera into his show, posing for the camera, completing extra tricks and posing witht he guests around the table for a group photo. Reuben is 100% focused on customer service and will guarantee a fabulous show and delectible cuisine.
Reuben has helped put Sakura on the map. He is a contributing factor to Radisson's Sakura Sushi & Teppanyaki Restaurant's numerous 'Best of Flagstaff' awards. Reuben makes our guests want to come into Sakura, he makes sure that each of his guests experience an exquisite culinary show, that will leave them with memories that will last a lifetime. Reuben has become as famous as the restaurant is, first time customers will come in asking for the chef that does the train routine. Even though they don't know his name, his reputation keeps our first time and return guests coming into the doors of Sakura. "Our chef was incredible. He put on a show like we have never seen before and the food was delicious.... Benihana used to be my favorite restaurant but now it is Sakura. What an experience!" From guest Ashley Martin.
To see Reuben in action, check out his videos on YouTube: Reuben Stoller or visit him at Sakura Sushi & Teppanyaki and the Radisson Woodlands Hotel.
Congratulations Reuben!
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