Employee Spotlight: Evan Forster
Get to know Evan!
Another PURE Veteran, Evan's been a part of our Pure Team since 2005.
“Pure’s in my blood, at this point. I’ve been at PURE almost as many years as I haven’t and I’ve seen it change a lot for the better and really grow over the years.”
Evan started as a server at Pure in 2005 when he was just 18 years old. Pure was Evan’s first serving job other than a job at a retirement home . He served at Pure Alpharetta for three years, helping open a few stores along the way, before putting in his two-week notice in 2008 to go travel the world. His manager at the time, Veronique (who is now Pure’s area manager), told him to take a few weeks off to travel, promoted him to manager, and convinced him to stay. Evan managed in Alpharetta for two years before moving between Savannah, his hometown, and Maine. In 2012, he moved back to Atlanta and started managing at Pure Roswell. In 2014, when Pure Brookhaven opened, Evan helped open the store and interviewed over 150 people. This October marks his 4 year anniversary as the General Manager of Inman Park, where he’s seen a bar renovation, multiple PAVO cup titles, a large front-of-the-house staff turnover, an Atlanta Eats special, art shows, and more!
What is your favorite part about working at Pure?
The regulars. Similar to in Alpharetta, we have a really big group of regulars in Inman Park. There’s a lot of local people who live in nearby condos and apartments and they’ll just walk over when they are in the mood for a drink!
What’s been the hardest moment during your career at Pure?
Hmm.. I would say probably moving from a serving to a management position. When I was promoted, I was still friends with most of the staff and I lived with a few of them as well, so balancing friendship and work was challenging.
What advice would you give to others about working their way up the ladder?
Always keep in mind why you are here, which is for the Guests. You’ll always have a list of ‘stuff’ to do but if you don’t take care of the Guests, there’s no reason to even do the other stuff. Take care of your customers first, then check off the other things on your list.
Do you have any quotes or mantras?
I always tell our team to have ‘non-taco talk at the table’ meaning be like a person, not an order taker.
If you had to start your own business, what would you do (other than Pure)?
I would run a hostel with a cafe in a coastal country somewhere. It would be walking distance from the beach. I’ve been to 30 countries, many in Central and South America and stayed in many hostels along the way. I love the hospitality aspect.
Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?
I sell vintage clothing on the side. When I was younger, my Dad and I used to go thrifting at estate sales and thrift shops and find the good stuff to sell. It’s stuck with me over the years! As for secret talents, I’m oddly really really good at foosball.
When are you happiest?
I’m happiest at work whenever we have some sort of event going on and the place is packed! I love the art show nights, especially. Once everything is in place and I can just stop stressing and enjoy the event with our Guests, it’s really great.
I’m happiest outside of work when I’m on a boat somewhere. I love the lakes and back rivers in Savannah.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
That I don’t like cheese. I can’t eat anything with cheese…. except pizza. It’s weird.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would you choose?
Sushi because there are so many types! My personal favorite is sashimi. My girlfriend and I go out to a lot of sushi places around Buford Highway and like to order the chef’s tasting so we get to try a bit of everything.
What’s your favorite item on the menu?
The Torta Pollo- grilled, with no cheese.
What about your favorite drink?
The manarita.
How have you found so much Pavo cup success?
Through the hard work and success of our back-of-the-house staff.
Other Recent Blogs
What is your proudest moment at Pure?
Well, PAVO Cup is up there for sure, but I’d have to say my proudest moment was getting the award last year for top performing manager.
What about your proudest moment in life?
Standing at the top of Machu Picchu in Peru. I saved a lot of money and worked really hard to be able to travel down there for two months. Most of my family hasn’t had the opportunity to travel out of the country and so not many have left the USA.
If money wasn’t a factor, describe your perfect day.
I would wake up early and have a big brunch with french toast and mimosas. I love mimosas. Then I would take a private jet to the carribean, probably Turks & Caicos. Of course, I would drink champagne on the jet- let’s say a bottle of Crystal. My girlfriend and our 16 year old chihuahua, Kobe, would be with me. I’d stay at a place with a pool right on the beach so that way you get the best of both worlds- you have the option to swim in the pool or the ocean. I’d eat sushi for lunch. Then, we’d have a private concert on the beach by ‘Run the Jewels’ and we’d finish the night with Waffle House.
What is a goal you are currently working towards?
Buying a house in East Atlanta or on the West Side.
