Written by The Grits Girl

During the summer of 2010, the Grits Girl was visited by a young college student seeking an internship in the grits marketing department. The Grits Girl, who never had an intern before, thought to herself, Why not? And then accepted Jennifer Allen into the Grits-fold for a summer semester. We recently caught up with our former intern (now Jennifer Allen-McFarren). We found out what it’s like to be out of college and part of the workingman’s world, what kind of job she landed, why she thinks she needs a “chill-pill,” and most importantly, why she really loves grits.

GG: Looking back to when you were a little girl, Jennifer — What did you want to be when you grew up?

JAM: I would like to claim something glamorous, like an actress on Broadway or a ballerina, but the truth is that I wanted to be a yellow school bus driver. Those things fascinated me!

GG: You recently graduated from college with honors, were hired by the Chamber of Commerce as their manager of programs and events, purchased your first home, ran a half marathon, planned and executed a beautiful wedding for yourself and Mr. McFarren — that’s a lot to have accomplished in such a seemingly short amount of time. What have you learned about yourself in the process?

JAM: Wow. I’m tired just reading that list! What have a learned about myself? That I thrive by moving, doing, and going. On the flip side, I have learned that I need to take a “chill pill” sometimes and take in all that life has offered me. I have a supportive family, wonderful husband, and a job that I love. I really have a lifetime of learning ahead of me and have only just begun. Finally, I need to give credit where it is due — the “grits girl” herself taught me quite a bit. Mostly about professionalism, creativity, and dedication. All of which have impacted my professional and personal life.

GG: The New Year is coming up. Time for resolutions — what’s yours?

JAM: To eat more grits and take my vitamins every morning. I’ve been slacking on both since my time at the Fish House!

GG: The half marathon — were you fueled by grits? Can grits make you run faster? (We have always suspected this to be true.) Seriously — any useful tips on getting started with a running regime?

JAM: Absolutely. The great thing about grits is that they’re a flexible fuel. You can add your own fixin’s! I’m not an expert runner by any stretch, but I would say that you need to find your motivation behind running. Starting a new training plan or running for the first time can be overwhelming, but if you have already determined why you want to run, you will always have that to motivate you. I run for a sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment. Others I know run to clear their mind, get in better shape, or to fuel their competitive nature. Running is a great sport because you can tailor it to your lifestyle and abilities.

GG: What’s your favorite holiday dessert?

JAM: Tapioca pudding. Is that gross? I know that it’s not a holiday dessert per se, but I only make it around the holidays.

GG: You were our intern while you are in college. What did you find most surprising about the restaurant business?

JAM: I was surprised (and impressed) to learn about all of the pieces, parts, and people that go into making a successful restaurant.In order to function properly, there has to be strong communication and collaboration among team members. I was intrigued to learn about the thought and care that goes into each and every guest that dines at the Fish House. Every piece of feedback is taken to heart in order to enhance the experience of guests. The Merrill family is incredibly dedicated to Pensacola, and their efforts with the Great Southern Restaurant Group reflect that.

GG: What’s happening at the Chamber of Commerce? Why should folks join? What would people be surprised to know about the Chamber?

JAM: When I am talking to prospective members about joining the chamber, I first ask about their business. What are their goals, priorities, and objectives? Our main focus is to be a catalyst and support system for the business community. Businesses need support in a multitude of areas. Some are interested in legislative action, others in small-business resources or incentives, and others in networking opportunities. The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce supports our community in any way possible. Right now, we are in the middle of Vision 2015, our economic development initiative to add 3,000 new jobs by the year 2015. Personally, I was surprised by the tremendous support this community has shown to this effort. Pensacola is ready for growth and has committed to supporting it! We have raised 8.6 million dollars to work with existing industries, new businesses that are interested in locating here, and creating new jobs. This community is serious about economic development and that is exciting!

GG: What is your favorite thing about living in Pensacola?

JAM: In essence, our quality of life. Where else can you live with easy access to the world’s most beautiful beaches, rivers, and parks as well as festivals almost every weekend? On top of that, I love the people in Pensacola. They are proud of their community and so am I.

GG: Why do you love grits?

JAM: I love grits because I’m a Southern girl. It would be a sin not to, right? Plus, you can eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! We have grits almost every Saturday and Sunday morning at my house and try to make it to your house for those Gouda grits at brunch on Sunday mornings!

Oh, sure, the Grits Girl would love to take all the credit for this young woman’s accomplishments. After all, Jennifer’s direct quote was that the Grits Girl taught her “quite a bit” and everybody knows that’s nothing to sneeze at. Truth be told, Jennifer taught the Grits Girl more things that summer than the Grits Girl taught her. She taught me that there are still young people who understand that there is a lot to learn in this world. Jennifer’s a good Southern girl —she was “raised right,” as they say here in the South. She is a hardworking young woman who is willing to do what it takes to learn as much as she can and be appreciative along the way.

Until next time, Good Grits to you and yours, The Grits Girl.

Shelley Yates is The Fish House Grits Girl

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Jennifer Allen McFarren, Why I Love Grits