Star City Six: Jaclyn Howard

Venue Restaurant & Lounge (www.yourvenue.net) is a locally-owned, upscale restaurant and lounge. Jaclyn Howard is the Catering & Events Coordinator at Venue Restaurant & Lounge.

Tell us a little about your business.

Venue has been in business for a little over 13 years now. We offer a full-service dining room and lounge, four private dining rooms on site, and off-site catering. Within the last couple years, we’ve opened The Jasmine Room by Venue located in the Grand Manse building downtown and Piedmont Bistro by Venue. Our award-winning cuisine is handmade from scratch ingredients, including the freshest farm-to-table ingredients from Nebraska and exquisite seafood from all around the world. We take pride in being Gluten-Free Certified and providing event and wedding catering services to the Lincoln area.

How did you get started in the business?

I got into the food service industry when I came to Lincoln to attend college. Since I was looking for an evening job with a flexible schedule, it was the perfect fit. I love the challenge and the fast pace of working in a restaurant.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

The transition from employee to manager was challenging for me. I made this transition right out of college while working at the same restaurant. Gaining the respect and support of my old co-workers took time. It made me very aware of how I presented myself, a skill that has been vital in taking me into my current position.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Starting to work for my boss, Cherie Anderson. She’s an outstanding role model and mentor to me. The skills that I’ve already developed and continue to take away from her are responsible for building a solid foundation for my professional life.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have the most amazing little fraternal twin girls, Lillian and Abigail. They are 6 months old and the light of my world. They have the most different personalities, which is beyond fun for me. I also have an incredible husband, Alex, who truly is my better half.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I love to be outside. I enjoy swimming, hiking, water sports in the summer. In the winter my favorite thing in the world to do is snow ski so I try to make it out to the mountains whenever I can.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I grew up on a farm and am surprisingly comfortable with animals and hard work. I do not mind getting my hands dirty! Most days I am more of a girly girl though, so it surprises people when I pull my sleeves back and get to work!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

My amazing dancing skills, I love to have a good time!

Which talent would you most like to have?

I really wish I could bake and decorate like our pastry chef, Linda. She amazes me every day.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

TeamMates. What an outstanding organization from our town! They are moving mountains. Also, Food Bank of Lincoln. We live in a great community, no one should go hungry.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Venue Restaurant & Lounge of course! I also really love Yia Yia’s.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 488-8368 Ext. 203; Email: jaclyn@yourvenue.net; Website: www.yourvenue.net.