The Austin Chronicle's Jordan Smith Digs Maudie's Manager Christy Hopper's "Big And Sweet Smile"

Welcome to Front & Center, a series highlighting front of the house professionals in Austin restaurants. We've asked local industry folks, media types and food fans to tell us who makes dining out in Austin a pleasure—if you'd like to throw in your two cents, there's room for that, too.

This morning, award-winning Austin Chronicle, staff writer Jordan Smith types the praises of her favorite front-of-house staffer, Christy Hopper at the west side Maudie's:

My favorite front-of-the-house staffer has to be Christy Hopper at Maudie's original on West Seventh (Lake Austin Blvd.). I think I've known Hopper forever—or at least for a decade—starting when she worked at another area restaurant. She always stood out there, smiling and genuinely friendly. But I only eat there sometimes, because frankly, they don't have margaritas, and I love a good margarita. When Hopper came to Maudie's, first as a server, and now as a manager, it was perfect: Margaritas and Hopper! In one place! This is a very good thing, and you only need to be at Maudie's once during a Hopper shift to know why.

It's not that she does anything particularly out of the ordinary, it's just that she's always so glad to see you—and who doesn't love that— and she genuinely cares about the experience of the restaurant's guests. She always finds time to chat with regulars and newcomers alike and to flash a big and sweet smile. She stands out by being easy-going, genuine and thoughtful. Who could ask for more?