In the dining room at the Erie County Medical Center, operated by Metz Culinary Management, the pizza and stromboli station has become the first stop for staff, patients, andvisitors, thanks to Chef Jermel “OJ” Morrison. His love of crafting creative pizzas and strombolis combined with his outgoing personality has resulted in a remarkable 22% increase in sales for the station!
Behind Chef OJ’s success as the resident ‘pizza artiste’ is a remarkable story of talent and opportunity. Originally working as a parking attendant at the medical center, OJ caught the attention of a Metz chef who recognized his people skills and encouraged him to join the team. After undergoing training and rotating through various roles, OJ discovered a passion for pizza-making.
Chef OJ learned his people skills—his knack for engaging with guests—while growing up in Jamaica. “My mom and dad had a grocery store, so I was always in the store, talking to people in the store, helping to support my parents’ business,” he said. “That’s where I learned how to serve customers.”
Meanwhile, Metz recently overhauled its pizza and stromboli recipes. Metz has also added several new retail managers to their roster at Erie County Medical Center and Kaleida Health. To ensure that everyone, including the new managers, was set up for success, Metz conducted a five-week Retail Bootcamp designed specifically for all Kaleida Health accounts. Because of his flair for pizza making and salesmanship, OJ was chosen to be included in this training.
Under the guidance of Chef John Selick IV, Metz’s Director of Culinary, Chef OJ took his culinary and retailing skills to the next level. He’s now one of Metz’s newest retail managers.
“OJ exemplifies excellence in both culinary creativity and guest engagement,” said Theresa Butler, Metz District Manager. “It’s not just about the pizza; it’s about the experience. Many of our guests stop by just to chat with OJ, even if they aren’t ordering. He has become a staple of our operation, and his dedication is a testament to Metz’s commitment to fostering talent and creating memorable dining experiences.”
Beyond the success of the pizza station, OJ’s story reflects Metz Culinary Management’s culture of investing in people. “There’s talent everywhere, and our goal is to discover it, develop it, and help it shine,” Ms. Butler said. “OJ is a perfect example of that. His passion is contagious, and his impact on our team and guests is exceptional.”
OJ’s signature pizzas, including the ever-popular Buffalo chicken and Philly cheesesteak varieties, continue to draw crowds, with customers often lining up for their favorites. Looking ahead, OJ remains excited about future opportunities and continuing to bring joy, one slice at a time.