Star City Six – Alisha Parpart

Raising Cane’s has ONE LOVE—quality chicken finger meals. The restaurants pride themselves on exceptionally high quality food, served quickly and conveniently. Alisha Parpart is the Community Marketing Specialist at Southern Hospitality Ventures, Inc., the local franchisee of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (www.raisingcanes.com).

How did you get started in the business?

I heard they were hiring, and when I discovered how much Raising Cane’s and our specific franchise gave back to the community, I knew it would be a career that fit my values and professional goals.

Tell us a little about your family.

I come from a family of five and was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. I have two older sisters and a brother-in-law who I look up to, love hanging out with, and see on a weekly basis—sometimes daily. I also have two nieces who are 4 ½ and almost 3 years old. They are extremely loving, hilarious, and keep us all on our toes. Weekly meals or get togethers have always been a staple in my family and are always something I look forward to attending.

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

I love being productive on a day off. Getting things done around the house, working out, running errands, or just completing small projects that I haven’t gotten to, makes me feel like my time was well spent. I also typically try to see my nieces on a day off to do something fun with them.

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

I have an extreme sweet tooth and possibly an ice cream addiction. What started out as a Sunday night family tradition soon became a semi-weekly ice cream run through whichever establishment is open. I also don’t discriminate between soft serve, custard, or regular ice cream. I like it all!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

A former colleague and friend always told me, ‘You can’t tell others how to feel.’ I always try to remember that in my everyday life. Coincidentally enough, a similar quote is wrapped on our wall at the Raising Cane’s Support Office. The moment I saw it during the day of my interview, I knew I had found the right company to join.

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

My creativity. I studied fine art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I have a photography business that I keep up with in my spare time, but I haven’t painted in years. I also have a great eye for design, typography, and layout.

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

I love the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Raising Cane’s has been extremely involved with them throughout the years and we have a great relationship with them. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer for them on a personal level and utilize my photography degree by taking photos of their animals that they use for social media and marketing materials. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo has come a long way since I was little and it’s been really exciting seeing it evolve and helping play a part in that.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

My favorite sit-down restaurant is Lazlo’s. The service and quality is extremely consistent and the atmosphere is inviting.

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

Phone: (402) 875-5754 Ext. 585; Email: community@shv-inc.com.