RENO, NV - Organizers say they were very specific as to what they were looking for at Heidi's. Recent experience was a must, and with training starting in about a week, their priorities were severs, hostesses, and cooks.

People waited patiently in line to get their shot at a job working for Heidi's Restaurant. They filled out forms and applications. Those who did not have exactly what the company was looking for were asked to leave their applications up front....others actually got to meet with management for a one on one interview.

“I need to find something you know may be a couple nights and weekends. My husband was laid off in February after 21 1/2 years so you know we are trying to find extra ways to get through this whole recession thing until he can go back to work,” said Kim Bird.

Within about two hours the lines had diminished, and organizers announced they were no longer interviewing for the cook positions.
Carl Jolly met us outside, disappointed, he was still undiscouraged which is amazing when you consider the additional odds he is up against.

“She liked my application so I have a feeling I will hear. She wrote down my phone number. I have worked without this notebook and done well this tool would make it even better. The communication would be yes or no answers anyway,” Carl Jolly and unemployed cook.

Jolly lost his voice to cancer 17-years ago. He however was able to keep his job at that time with Fitzgerald's until the hotel casino closed down last November. With more than 30- years experience, he knows he has the knowledge and skills to work in a kitchen like this. Life coach Beverly Marshall says it just takes some convincing.

“We believe that Carl is still capable of handling that position and more with his notebook---to be able to communicate with his note book now,” says Marshall a local life coach.

Marshall says Carl's small computer would not hinder his abilities, after all she says, when have you seen restaurant cooks just standing around talking? But even during a down time Carl says he'd be useful,, When asked what his favorite thing is to prepare? His answer? Comfort food.

Organizers here at Heidi's say they received the most applications for cooks. Bus people and dishwashers will be hired once their front line employees are in place.

Heidi's says of the 175 prospective employees about five-percent had the actual skills the restaurant was looking for at this time.