Brad Fassett, our Director of Dining Services is well known and loved on campus by employees and residents alike. This month, we are highlighting Brad for his dedication and hard work here at The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living.
Having started cooking at age 17, Brad got his first job as a kitchen supervisor when he was only 18 years old. His boss at the time had noticed how great he was as a food expeditor and how well he knew the menu. Thus, he was given the opportunity to cook orders for a day and his culinary career took off from there. “I fell in love with cooking and there was no looking back,” Brad explains. “I learned everything I know about cooking while on the job. I owe everything to the people I’ve worked with along the way.”
After working at various restaurants and kitchens early on, Brad brought his talents to Stein Assisted Living where he started as a line cook. “It was a really great job for me. It gave me the time I needed to spend with my family,” Brad says. He then went on to become the Kitchen Production Manager and eventually obtained the certifications required to become Director of Dining Services for the Wilf Campus in the fall of 2014.
As Director of Dining Services, Brad does it all. From cooking, to washing dishes, to waiting tables — he is ready to take on any task. Brad is also very appreciative of his staff, who he says is willing to step in wherever help is needed.
Brad’s staff prepares three delicious meals per day to meet our residents’ needs, while at the same time accommodating special diets. Meals are served restaurant style in the Stein Assisted Living dining room. Special snacks and refreshments are also prepared for various programs such as a recent strawberry festival, happy hours, and other programs. Although most of Brad’s responsibilities center around Stein Assisted Living, the Assisted Living kitchen also prepares dinner for our residents at Wilentz Senior Residence and caters for educational and special events organized by the Wilf Campus.
“Wilf Campus is fortunate to have Brad Fassett as our Director of Dining Services,” says Anna Simmons, Executive Director of Stein Assisted Living. “Brad brings his culinary talents to Stein Assisted Living and works tirelessly to make sure that our residents have delicious, nutritious and kosher cuisine. He seeks out input from our residents via resident council meetings, through a resident food committee and by frequently walking through the dining room to get real-time input,” Anna adds.
“The residents are definitely my favorite part about working here,” Brad says, adding, “It’s a great environment full of happiness between our residents and staff. I enjoy talking to them and hearing their feedback about the food and how to make it better.”
“I have a six-month-old son at home and some of the residents have even knitted him blankets and scarves. We’re all close here,” Brad explains.
One of Brad’s favorite dishes to cook is Chicken Murphy, and he also enjoys running the made-to-order omelet station.
Brad has had a great impact on the lives of our residents at Stein Assisted Living and we are very fortunate that he is part of our team at the Wilf Campus.
Brad can be reached at [email protected].