Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1365748
WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR NOT, YOU HAVE TO GIVE. YOU GIVE BECAUSE YOU'RE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY." - RIKKI WAITE " "e way she supports the community and gives her heart to everything she does is remarkable," Kubinec went on. "You can tell it in her community service and in the taste of her food. Talk about a leader; she's become a great one." Waite uses the term "loyal locals" to describe friends and customers who kept the restaurant meeting sales levels during major COVID-19 restrictions. Even then, Waite found a way to help friends and farmers by creating a drive-through market in her parking lot when the local farmers market had to shut down for a season. ough she doesn't flaunt her good deeds, word gets out and at times results in appreciative customers lining up far outside her front door. "You have to give back," she said. "Whether you think you can or not, you have to give. You give because you're a part of the community." Waite clearly loves her loyal locals but surprisingly said they are not priority-one for her. She said her employees are. "I want to do well by our team," she said. "It's the right thing to do but also turns into better customer service." Despite accolades, Waite's empanada only $500 to outfit her farmers market venture. But the full picture is that Waite believes in not only serving her grandmother's inspired food, she and her team are just as committed to serving the local community. eir tip jar is rarely for tips but for causes ranging from local sports teams and fighting human trafficking to civic charities and helping individuals with cancer. With help from J Auto Ranch, they served 300 meals to first responders during some of the worst coronavirus days. ey help senior citizens, and at Christmas give not only thoughtful gifts reflecting favorite colors but organize giving big-screen TVs, computer tablets and the like. When another restaurant closed for days due to vandalism, Waite collected money to help with repairs. She now serves as a member of the Robins Regional Chamber's executive board. "Our restaurant isn't huge, but it gives us a platform to do good things," Waite said. "I want to help and be a blessing." Of course, My Grandma's neighbors include RAFB, where Waite has invested herself and been named honorary commander of the 5th Combat Communications Group. "Rikki has done an amazing job with My Grandma's Empanadas – it's become a go-to place for the base," said retired Brigadier General John C. Kubinec, former commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, who is now the 21st Century Partnership's president and CEO and a board member of the State Veterans Service Board. 90 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2021