A family resides at Kelsey’s Steak House, and the guests who dine there are considered to be the extensions of that family. They share in their lives, their happiness, and their food. Justin Oettinger, a manager at Kelsey’s makes sure that the family traditions within Kelsey’s continue inside and out of the restaurant.
Oettinger started life in Pittsburgh, PA, and was brought to the northwest suburbs of Chicago after his father was transferred there due to work. He grew up in Hoffman Estates, and attended Columbia College and the University of Illinois at Chicago where he studied Literature and Music.
While in college, Oettinger began bartending to make some extra money. The job worked around his school schedule and he fit into the position right away.
“Tsunami in Chicago was the first place that I worked as a bartender,” Oettinger said. “Then I got a job at Kamehachi, Chicago’s first sushi restaurant, and held positions as a bartender and manager. I really loved working there.”
Not too long after Oettinger decided to try his luck in the sales industry. Working with people was something he loved to do so he wanted to try it in a different way. As it turned out, sales was not where he wanted to be and he was drawn back into the restaurant industry.
Oettinger met his fiancé, Alexa, and moved to Valparaiso with her where they happened upon Kelsey’s Steak House. They would go there for special occasions before Oettinger left Chicago and each time was a great time for them.
“I loved the prime rib at Kelsey’s and decided that I wanted to work where that prime rib lived,” he said with a laugh. “I applied immediately when I moved here. Michelle called me a few weeks later and I was hired and started as a server. After about a year I was promoted to floor manager in May 2015.”
On a daily basis, Oettinger makes sure that all guests who come in have a great time just like he did when he was a guest. He helps to support the staff at Kelsey’s and provides them with whatever they need to get the job done.
“I have been around this industry for a long time and when you find that place it has that ‘it’ factor, you stick with it,” Oettinger said. “It feels like a family here. I felt that way when I walked through the door. We always strive to do better and the satisfaction that you get form that is great. Everyone knows that they are part of something special. I feel truly blessed to work at this place. Kelsey’s is steeped in tradition.”
Outside of work, Oettinger enjoys golfing, playing music, and cooking with Alexa – whom he plans to marry in August of this year.