Working at the Largest Grocery Store in Yonkers | On the Job | Priya Krishna | NYT Cooking

Meet Amy O’Rourke. As assistant seafood manager at Stew Leonard’s, she isn’t just the person who hands you your salmon from behind the counter. Her goal is to make this job that can seem invisible, visible. Regardless of how she feels on the day, she shows up with a smile, a hard work ethic and even a lobster suit, to tend to and even entertain the almost 35,000 customers who shop here weekly.
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[@flashstatus9025]

Stew Leonard was my first job as a kid and I worked there all through medical school. Amy is such an amazing person. If it wasn't for her talks and encouragement, I probably wouldn't be where I am right now. She taught me so much and to this day, more than 15 yrs later we are still close friends.

[@AngelusNielson]

She sounds like an awesome person and it's nice to see her get some publicity.

[@jw5275]

Proud of you!

[@keithpvd]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@thesearedaydreams6854]

Love her energy!

[@gromit0299]

❤

[@the_mentaculus]

Service jobs should be careers. In the US there is this toxic attitude that service jobs are temporary positions for people who can't find something better. But grocery store and restaurant employees are doing more important work than 90% of office jobs. People talked about them as "essential workers" for about 3 weeks during covid, then went back to treating them like shit.

[@adventureswithwonu4467]

Couldn’t agree more. I’m in the process of transitioning from an “office good job” to a more service oriented job because I believe those are the truly lasting jobs, if the world is ending everyone still needs to eat and be taken care of by the service sector

[@memary4887]

In Germany IT IS the Same😢

[@thecarlob_007]

And it seems ridiculous that when these “unwanted jobs” are being filled-in by outsiders, people complain.

[@gee_emm]

Imagine how screwed we’d be without essential workers? Trucks stopped driving for a few days during lockdown and the world almost fell apart. No gas/petrol to go into your car. No groceries in the shops. No deliveries of your online orders, no prescriptions, no supplies, nada. We are playing with the people we depend upon for our very survival.

[@TheGreatElmer]

It stems from the idea that jobs "of the mind" are more difficult than jobs that involve physical labor.

[@mnimalisticc]

People like this lady... are the ones who should really run the world.. filled with hope and positivity.. need more ppl like her

[@mmmaaannnyyy]

Facts

[@SpintoSopranoSexyYea]

Well said!!

[@sebastian3004]

People like her are always Underpaid. It's a FACT. Welcome to the fucking reality ROFL

[@facuromeo]

100% @@mmmaaannnyyy

[@BFRIZZLE909]

She's a gem for sure.

[@neon471]

Concrete proof that all work is skilled work. Not everyone can do what Amy does every day. Love to see people who generally go unappreciated get their flowers!!

[@DizzyBusy]

Damn right!

[@pinkmonkeybird2644]

It’s not that all work is skilled work, it’s that all workers should do their job, no matter what it is, to the very best of their ability. And those workers should be rewarded for their efforts with respect, civility, and a reasonable wage.

[@leventhumps3861]

Exactly! The myth of the “Unskilled” worker was designed to belittle those in blue collar jobs!

[@xoxo4335]

"I get up everyday, I get up on my two feet, I have a job and my family is healthy, everything else from there is pretty much extra." put that on a holiday card!

[@AC3PG]

I started as a cashier at my grocery store and have since worked my way up to Asst. Store Manager. I often feel like I’m looked down upon because of my “career” but I know what I do is important to my community and this video helps validate that.

[@NinaSimone24U]

You're very important..You guys feed the WORLD 🌎 by way of Westchester ❤🎉

[@patrickthomson347]

No need for the quotation marks there my guy. Any job that helps and feeds people like yours is a real and true career.

[@fruit4evr]

As long as it pays your bills and you look it, who cares what you do is important

[@ANGELSLVME]

Don’t you ever let people make you think your job is degrading , as long as you are doing your best, it’s legal and pays your bills ! FIRGET THEM😮🎉🎉🎉

[@FishyMango]

No shame, Assistant GM for a grocery store is still making more than 80% of America

[@renc.2632]

Almost started crying when baby lobster and mom lobster came out. I love how hard she works. I'll definitely be making my way out to the store because of her work, the team, the amazing store, and the LOBSTERRRRR!

[@renc.2632]

I hope Amy, if you're reading this, you don't absorb any of the negative comments on this video and feel the love that grew from so many people within just the 30 minutes of this being posted

[@boohere2]

You live close to the store?? Lucky you!!

[@ariannadelbene6247]

Amy is such an amazing person. My first real job was working at Stew Leonard’s. Amy’s energy is contagious. You can never have a bad day working with Amy. I’m so proud of all her hard work and dedication.

[@Tbear995]

They are not "just grocery store workers" and deserve respect, dignity, and even admiration.

[@Reddylion]

Ya

[@Beckala67]

The Shutdown taught us to treasure them.

[@mageraine]

As a former seafood department manager, this is the most seen I have ever felt on this channel. She reminds me of all the things I loved about the job, before I was driven out by absolutely horrendous management. I'm wishing her all the best in life ❤❤❤

[@mmmbbq]

I’d bet dollars to donuts you worked for Whole Foods. Ask me how I know! lol. What an absolute shit hole it’s devolved into.

[@mageraine]

@@mmmbbq Actually, it was an east coast chain called Weis. But my spouse works at WF so I know what you're talking about. XD

[@gromit0299]

@@mageraineThat really sucks because they’re a pretty small chain, I know of only a few in the Lehigh Valley and one in Montco. You’d think they’d foster a better workforce. 😢

[@chanceDdog2009]

It’s so much work. People in other departments think we stand behind the counter. The amount of cleaning. Rotating. The amount production on ready meals , and maintenance on knives., lobster tanks, steamers ice machines . And the amount of times we go from a freezer for displays.. to a boiling hot water sink to wash dishes. It’s not the worst, but it’s not always fun.

[@toddcain553]

I found this film deeply moving. Amy seems to treat her team, customers and herself with respect, dignity and kindness. And her energy and pride in her work is amazing. I loved seeing the talents and hard work of grocery workers spotlighted like this. I worked in a grocery store when I was in high school and I loved my experiences there - I learned so much about life, people and customer service. Thank you NYT for this very thoughtful peace. I wish Amy all success in her work and life.

[@sirzubinmarkfernandes]

Amy is the example of a true leader. She has no inhibitions. She does everything and that for me is what defines a leader!!!!!!! She made my day. God bless her. love from India

[@henryforcelle]

Give her the promotion, the raise and her flowers. People like Amy are why I worked in the service/food industry for so long. All the blessings to her and everyone around her because her presences clearly has a magnetic effect of positivity.

[@Pammellam]

Amy is like a Japanese manager. She does everything and is not afraid to do everything. Amazing woman!

[@user-oc6jp2ii2g]

honestly priya seems like the next Anthony bordain. she should have her own show, she really cares about the stories and people in all her videos

[@trel4504]

Lol slow your roll

[@fruit4evr]

i see it honestly

[@RickR69]

Next Tony Bourdain lol. She's fine, but let's not get crazy.

[@acd138]

Wow no. And just offensive.

[@Shelleebeee]

I love love love Priya's videos, this is all I want to watch - the ways that everyday people interact with food at every level from production to eating. make them forever please!! Amy seems like an absolute treasure.

[@mikeyg2663]

I'm a cart pusher for a grocery store in Canada, Nova Scotia to be exact. I worked through the pandemic, I had to wash the carts and help with the lines of letting certain amount of people in a time, It was frustrating. We got yelled at and cursed at. I feel like sometimes my job is the lowest. I keep pushing though and try to keep a smile on my face for the customers!

[@selinab.robinson165]

Thanks for all you do. - fellow Canadian

[@mikeyg2663]

@@selinab.robinson165 Thank you, we don't get told thank you enough, so that just made my day!

[@Oceanman_amazement]

Hey fellow cart pusher from Oregon USA

[@mikeyg2663]

@@Oceanman_amazement Hello! Nice to meet a fellow cart pusher!

[@krschulman]

Stew Leonard's is lucky to have such a great employee. Amy is so talented and such a truly sweet person.

[@too_much_sky]

I’ve worked in grocery stores for ten years. This story about the dedication, passion and hard work that goes into working in a grocery store sums up the reason why I find my job fulfilling even though others may not see it as a “career”. I feel so seen by the work that Amy does and Priya for telling the story of the labor and dedication that goes into making a grocery store run.

[@savannahralston8877]

I just cried. I had the roughest morning with my daughter. From her trying to pull away and run in the street to her having a hard stepping into class. The patience and the love Amy has just gave my momma's heart a hug, because I feel that we moms who are working hard and trying our best(being a mom and working full time) need to be seen. Thank you

[@thecarlob_007]

As a manager, Amy and personnel like her are valuable assets to any business. You can teach skill, processes, whatever but you can never teach personality and character. And more often than not, their personalities are very contagious which makes for a very effective and cohesive workforce.

[@Damage_Inc]

Priya, another 10/10 video as always. How is Amy only the Assistant Manager? She runs the place and does the hard and dirty work too. She's operating cerebrally at work and she's an expert. She's a great mom, worker, friend. I'm motivated to do better seeing how hard she works.

[@guillermocuellar765]

It looks like Seafood Asst Manager is actually ranked higher than Store Manager, which she already did before this position. There’s an org chart somewhere in the beginning of the video

[@legorockstar2000]

@@guillermocuellar765 its at 4:26

[@thedjisin]

Department assistant managers and department managers are kind of ranked equally, but I'm pretty sure department managers make more since they drive sales more within their specialization

[@anthonyvaldez100]

And that’s why her dedication and commitment should be honored and rewarded. She makes that store profit and has return customers. Give her the Manager Spot. Stop fucking around and give her the respect she has earned and allow her to lead the team into the future.

[@anelam71]

I love this, I worked for 3 grocery stores and it's so much work! People don't realize what it takes to make their food appear on all those shelves!

[@kylesavy6250]

I really hope she is being well compensated for all the love and dedication she gives to the company. Especially considering her many years of service.

[@ManuelRamirez-lg6tx]

Bless her. That woman deserves every good karma point ever.

[@georgegibbs3951]

I was a restaurant Manager for 35 yrs. You have to love helping people!! We need more like Amy.

[@mikieanthony777]

People laugh when i say the supermarket is My Happy Place, but that's been the case since i was about 20 years old. Some of the best people work in The Deli, Fish, Cheese, Produce, Bakery, Prepared Foods, Meat Department, Dairy, Wine and Beer, Cashiers, Customer Service, Baggers, Cleaning staff. I love them all. 🛒 🛒 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@June-pm2ub]

This amazing woman deserves so much more. Her energy is contagious.

[@paulconroy6394]

I worked at the East Meadow location on Long Island for 5 1/2 years when I was in college. This video shows no exaggeration, employees just like Amy are the reason this is such a fantastic company to work for. There are people I had the opportunity of working with who have left a lifelong impression on me just by being able to work with them and listen to their stories they would tell me about “the real world” as a young kid and what it takes to provide for yourself in it. I consider working here as an entire phase of my life, it was an honor that I truly will never forget.

[@richardg8651]

Gosh Amy's a kind hard worker . So sweet .

[@arlenesolis024]

Way to go mama lobster with your baby lobster! He has a lot to be proud of and you make an excellent role model.

[@bendemolina]

Things this series has made me emotional over: Bagels, tamales, and now lobsters. I love it.

[@DizzyBusy]

The laundry one was also so good. Sure it's more about the company than a single worker, but still good

[@MayAstrid]

4:56 : "I'm retired, I only work a few days a week. (...) That keeps off the streets!" (Everybody laughs)

[@Garbageman28]

Yeah he wasn’t joking

[@shakirawise2545]

What’s funny is, I’ve been going to this Stew Leonards location for about 15 years and I don’t recognize Amy but Mike has served me countless times. Her energy is definitely infectious though. ❤

[@MaureenDrees]

Thank you for highlighting Amy, her positive attitude and her way of leading by example are traits that all managers of people should have.

[@jackiwannapaint3042]

Its amazing how much there is to know and learn about your job to do it well--the only way to do it

[@hoodooladiiiii9625]

Amy is a superstar ♥️✨✨✨ we need ppl like her in this 🌎

[@addieadaaddition]

I worked at a grocery store for 4 years and I really wanted it to be my career. I found myself nodding along to much of what Amy said. I worked in produce, and the constant learning made the job so incredibly fulfilling and interesting. Too often I felt uncared for by the company I worked for and had to leave. This made me really miss that kind of work. I wish that more places made grocery work a sustainable career, the way it seems Stew Leonard's has.

[@Im_a_49er]

She honestly deserves to receive a 6 figure salary. Hard Working is an understatement.

[@Leopard_Lover]

This is so touching I have tears 😢 thank you for showing us the compassion of others ❤

[@minassu4019]

THE DEFINITION OF PERSONALITY HIRE except she does everything my QUEEN

[@complicateditis]

On the Job is such an amazing series, and Priya is incredible. More of this type of food journalism please. Thank you Priya!

[@ElyseTager]

This was wonderful, Priya and team! And thanks to Amy!

[@JamesGoldblood]

My grandpa worked at the Yonkers Stew Leonards for several years before he passed so this warms my heart.

[@lorassorkin]

I wish I had a 10th of Amy's energy and joie de vivre! This series is wonderful, we get to meet so many mostly under-appreciated people who deserve to be celebrated. Thank you Priya!

[@chaizea9429]

My family used to grocery shop here every Sunday after Ukrainian church for around 10 years. All the shenanigans feel very normal to me. Stew Leonard's is so unique and especially the Yonkers location is very special, love it!

[@grouchosaidit5454]

Great to see someone so keen to be positive. I'm sure it makes a big difference for everyone who interacts with her.

[@Thyeggman]

This is the best episode of On the Job yet, awesome work Priya & crew ❤

[@adventureswithwonu4467]

I’ve always loved the experience of the American grocery store. I’ve traveled to many different countries and none of the grocery stores quite hit the same way, America’s not perfect by any means but there are some aspects I enjoy, weirdly enough the grocery store experience is one that stands out for me

[@lilithz]

it absolutely takes a lifetime to learn to have this mindset and energy and be settled in yourself all day while keeping up that energy. i wish they were compensated appropriately.

[@joshnova9163]

Love this series. Priya has a wonderful presence, a genuine rapport and an empathy for work that most of us under appreciate.

[@blue_champignon5738]

I love this series, Priya is an amazing journalist

[@CharlieTredwayMUA]

I never would have picked this as one of the most inspiring, life affirming, and interesting NYT videos of the year but it is and that is the power of Priya and the glorious Amy

[@aseguradojaicel]

The owner better give Amy a big bonus every yr for all the stuff she does for this store. She deserves it!

[@tonyamae1677]

Amy is amazing. This grocery store is blessed to have her. She is a treasure in the community.

[@adrilyn1219]

This video was so touching! Amy is always a pleasure to work with, her energy and burst of dedication outshines.

[@jrc1440]

i run a seafood market out on long island. This woman is wonderfully. Its a tough job but her attitude is amazing. if she ever wants to leave stews, I'd love to give her a job

[@joelq2k]

Amy needs to be promoted all the way to the top. #promoteamynow

[@amarbaha]

What a great and wonderful lady who appreciates everyone around her and values relationships. I hope you see this Amy and know your happiness is contagious! Thank you for bringing some much needed Christmas cheer to everyone and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@user-ku1np8bs8n]

One of the complaints about Americans that I’ve heard the most from Europeans and other non-Americans is that Americans don’t say ‘please’ and ‘thank you ‘ enough as customers. That Americans say ‘give me…’ when they want something from a customer service worker. That Americans are impolite and abrasive to customer service workers. While I know that not every American is like that and I know that I’m certainly not, there’s a reason that it’s become a broadly-held belief about Americans. So if you’re an American and you’re short and brusque with customer service workers, this is your sign to stop and reflect. What kind of society do you want? One where people are shamelessly rude to each other? Because that is the kind of society that you’re shaping each time that you show a lack of respect to a customer service worker. Do better. As Amy said, “just being generally nice kind of changes somebody’s whole day.”

[@inMuro]

Yes exactly this - I feel like this video is super American in every way - also the way that people just assume that it's normal to have overfished species and global fish at one's fingertips with such ease, and literally everyone in the video being overweight. I'm worried that no one is picking up on the abrasive overconsumption and the huge impact this lifestyle has on our planet. The service workers are all lovely, but I'm sad that this capitalist overconsumption supermarket carpark blabla is apparently normal across the pond. The planet is literally on fire, and it's really terrible that we aren't able to see that this type of behaviour is at the root of all of this. We need less consumption, less global food chains, and definitely less fish being eaten.

[@imyourdad9642]

There are extraordinary people everywhere. So special to slow down and take the time to look around and find them. ❤

[@erikcharlat9844]

Massive shout out to this amazing lady. She's a hero in my book

[@shelvingshelves]

hard to find ppl like amy.. they are like golden treasure, will make u smile in a second.

[@jessicamaclean5767]

We need more videos like this. So positive and heart warming and human. Thank you to all you amazing grocery workers. Amy, you’re so inspiring!

[@Sonics1DiscordKitten]

Whatever they're paying her, it ain't enough, and I hope they're taking care of her

[@lucaswiredin]

This was great. As someone who has worked at a grocery store for over a decade I loved it. Priya always has the best reporting!!

[@readytogo3186]

Don't know the store, don't know Amy, but I admire her work ethic and attitude! God bless you, Amy!

[@user-hg2uh9uv9k]

What a work ethic Amy has! She is such an inspiration!

[@JJ-rz8jf]

Amy deserves the world.

[@shirleyjhaney1041]

Listening to the fish lady talk was good for my heart. ❤ I like her. I’m glad there’s places like where she works where the grocery people are still attached to the communities they serve.

[@berby2068]

What a gem of a human being! My earliest memory is grocery shopping with my mom at Stew Leonards when I was little! It was like Disneyland for a kid.

[@sanjenipuro]

This absolutely warms my heart. I definitely feel like people look down on me for working in a grocery store. And they perceive it maybe as something an adult shouldn’t be working in or want to work in

[@blueberryblues3365]

Another great video Priya! Love Amy, she is wonderful. She has such energy and is so smart. I hope that Stew Leonards is watching and give that girl a raise and promotion! I have been to the store in Yonkers but now live in FL. Xo

[@cdb88]

Amy is so lovely!!! Thank you for introducing us to her!

[@cpp8227]

Such a great story, Amy is a fabulous person! A wonderful reminder that when you have a bad day, hang in there it'll be ok.

[@FirefliesFlute]

What an inspiring woman!!

[@shyygaming]

Throughout the whole video she made me feel so happy that I could cry. Wonderful person. Amazing outlook on life and attitude.

[@aleks-33]

This is amazing! I love going to NYC from Toronto via bus. Maybe I'll take a trip to Yonkers next time. This place feels like an amusement park. Wow 🎉 I love Amy's energy and know how important it is to have a good boss so im sure everyone in that store feels lucky to have her.

[@Plh-yz6hh]

Amy is amazing! Thank you for all you do. And keep Priya & team’s videos coming. They are great!

[@gkwdla7881]

i actually felt good for 20minutes throughout watching this video ❤❤❤ thank youuu

[@chels3429]

Aww this tugged at my heart strings a little! I love the message of this so much. I believe we should all take a little more time out of our lives to acknowledge the hard work people put into everyday jobs. This was really fun to watch! Keep up the great work!!

[@ABlueDahlia]

Great video! Thanks Amy and team! Thanks Priya and team!

[@audiomxr]

I've only watched the intro, and I've already learned something. I LOVE THESE!!!

[@mmps18]

This is so wonderful Priya!!! Amy is an amazing person. Would love to go shop at Stew Leonard's!

[@leb2279]

These are high key some of the best videos on KZbin

[@austinleclere2187]

I love this series please please continue in 2024!

[@madibrown9609]

This series has so intensely depended my respect for a lot of jobs in the service industry that I may have snubbed my nose at before because I’m more FOH so I don’t get to see all of the incredible knowledge and skill these jobs take behind the scenes. Thank you so much for doing this series. She has training akin to that of a highly experienced chef. Thank you for doing these!!

[@anindo73]

Another absolute home run video by Priya - loved loved loved hearing Amy's story! when her son came out dressed like a baby lobster, that was amazing!

[@sher3808]

Amy is the best. How is she still assistant manager after all these years???

[@Fnyar]

This video is proof that a grocery can be very successful and still focus on quality and community, and hopefully respect their employees like real people. I wish I got to shop here!

[@gee_emm]

Remember in Covid when the trucks stopped driving and the world ground to a halt? Imagine what life would be like if all the grocery stores had no staff. Respect essential workers. We couldn’t function without them.

[@noodledoo1234]

Amy, you made my day.

[@heatherharkness9953]

Incredible work as always, Priya & Team! Thank you for introducing us to Amy!

[@MzLena2You]

I have been to that location a couple of times. I live in CT now and rarely visit the one closest to me in Norwalk. It's a nice store. Amy has great energy. As someone who has worked in customer service, I admire her attitude, because customers will easily get on your nerves. Hopefully they'll continue to promote her.

[@LindsayDaly]

I live in Connecticut, and I've been meaning to go to Stew Leonard's for the longest time since I moved! Their food looks incredible, but man I always think of those poor employees who have gotta endure those animatronics singing all day! I'm sure you just drown it out after ten years on the job ahaha, or, I guess if you're like Amy, you embrace it and start singing along with the bananas and avocados.

[@harrisonbates559]

Thanks for focusing on Amy and awesome, essential workers like her-what an awesome story full of wonderful people☮️❤️ Was so cute seeing her and her little lobster hug at the end❤️❤️❤️

[@mrdaym]

"There's food on the table and the family is healthy, so everything else is just extra." Wish we could all live your truth Amy. God bless.

[@90loneeagle]

Thumbs up, for Amy to get Bumped to Manager.. Love my city Y.O

[@vampireadjacent]

I LOVE Stew Leonard’s. The love and care for food and service is very much felt when shopping there.