Hospitality with Purpose: Why We Love Working at VMRC

When you step into one of VMRC’s dining venues, you’ll find more than just well-crafted meals. You’ll discover a warm, welcoming atmosphere where relationships thrive—between residents, their families and the staff who serve them with heart. For Stephen Rea, Executive Sous Chef, that feeling of belonging is what makes working here so meaningful. “I’ve worked in a lot of different places all over the U.S.,” Stephen shares. “This is the place that has made me feel the most appreciated. The residents are just so thankful—it makes it a lot easier to give extra effort to make them happy.”

That sense of purpose shows up in every detail of VMRC’s dining services. With four distinct venues—Hartman Dining Room for weekday dinners, the Café for breakfast and lunch, Seed & Harvest for lunch and reservation-only dinners and an Espresso Bar open each morning—there are plenty of ways to serve and connect with residents.

Peyton Folk, Front of House Supervisor, experiences that connection every day—and says that among the venues, one stands out. “Seed & Harvest is probably my favorite,” Peyton shares. “It’s where residents often bring in their family and friends. I love getting to meet the people who are important to them.” That connection—between residents and team members—is something Peyton values deeply. “I really love the community of VMRC,” she says. “It’s a lot nicer than other service jobs because you actually get to interact with the residents and get to know them.”

For Peyton, that’s what sets VMRC apart: being part of something bigger than just a shift or a service line. It’s about building community, one meal and one conversation at a time. The staff culture behind the scenes reflects that same energy. “I come in every morning and say good morning to everyone—and they say it back. We always say goodbye before we leave,” she explains. “There’s always laughter, always lightness. It’s a really great place to be.”

At VMRC, the dining experience is about more than meals—it’s about connection, trust, and shared joy. Whether preparing coffee in the Espresso Bar or greeting a resident’s grandchild at Seed & Harvest, every small moment is part of something bigger. And for Stephen, Peyton, and so many others, VMRC isn’t just a place to work. It’s a place to belong.

Learn more about VMRC’s dining options today.