By Markeith Childress
The Scene staff
Customers may notice a change while lined up at the salad bar or waiting for burgers in the Forest Park cafeteria.
Chef Todd Segneri, 44, has replaced Dominic Gramaglia as manager.
“I have a vision to introduce a few new entrees and to promote hot items as well,” he said. “I’m running light on staff, but I will get the job done.”
Gramaglia, 51, accepted a position as food and beverage manager at St. Louis Marriott West.
“Treat America was a very rewarding career,” he said. “But I was looking for something more challenging.”
Gramaglia was known at Forest Park for being exceptionally polite and friendly.
“I will miss Dominic’s sense of humor,” said cook Norvell Tyler, 28.
Segneri graduated from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago in 1992, then moved to St. Louis and worked at several jobs.
Segneri served as an adjunct professor of culinary arts at Forest Park for five years before becoming a unit chef in the cafeteria in 2009.
“Todd is very understanding and compassionate towards workers and real good with students and staff, just like Dominic was,” said cook Marsha Dust.
“Todd has taught me a lot, and so (did) Dominic, about food preparation for an institution.”
Segneri also enjoyed working with Gramaglia.
“I plan to come to work every day with a positive attitude and eliminate the negativity like my former boss did,” he said.
Forest Park students offered ideas on changes Segneri could make to the menu.
“I would like to see more of a barbecue selection: chicken, pulled pork (and) potato salad,” said funeral services major Stephanie Brown, 32.
“My favorite dish in the cafeteria is the Philly cheese steak.”
General education student Amber Chrisman, 29, hopes to see more Thai, Italian, Greek and other international dishes.
She had kind words for the departing manager.
“Dominic will be missed,” she said. “He was so pleasant and really did a good job. He even gave me a free soda every once in a while.”