How I Created...

The World's Most-Loved, Best-Made Server Aprons

…and accidentally started a new business.

It was June 28, 1987. 

I started my new job at Steamers Fine Seafood in Phoenix.

My first day, they gave me an old, used apron. It was worn, torn, stained and re-stitched with the wrong color thread. 

It looked just awful. 

When I stood at a table, that horrid apron was at eye-level for my customers.

I already knew my appearance spoke volumes about me and the company. 

What kind of message did that old, ugly apron deliver? Certainly not the message I wanted to deliver. So, I asked my manager if I could make a new apron for myself. He said "great!"

I knew exactly what I wanted: the perfect server’s apron.

• I chose my fabric so it would be the right color, weight and material for a great looking, long-lasting apron.
• I made it slightly wider to fit me better – and look better as well.
• I gave it wider strings so they would stay tied and not fray.
• I added extra pockets for my pens, wine-opener, lighter and ash tray holder. (Remember, this was 1987!)

When the other servers saw my new apron, they all wanted one. Soon, Steamers’ sister restaurants asked for my aprons as well.

I was in business!

Since I didn’t want to spend all my time sewing, I hired a professional tailor. Linda helped me perfect the design of all my products to be the best they can be.

Over the years, we added lots more apron styles as well as tablet belt pouches for iPads and other smart tablets.

(Linda finally retired in 2020 after 33 years with me in 2020. Thank you, Linda!)

I believe your apron should look as good after a year of wash and wear as it does the first day you open the package.

My aprons are the most-loved, best-made aprons in the world for one simple reason: they're made with love.

 

P.S. Here are some videos from our beginnings...