for six years.

Mr. Bardgett met Fritz's daughter Lynn and they married, settled down and had a daughter. "When you are in the restaurant business it consumes your life,'' he explained. "I wouldn't recommend it as a career for a young person today who is not dedicated to his profession.

"It is particularly hard if you have a small child. There are things like birthday parties, school functions, sports, sickness. Your spouse has to understand why you are getting home at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. When the Pot closes down at 1 a.m. I usually get home at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.'' It takes a lot of dedication to be successful in a restaurant. Things such as being off for your birthday or anniversary take a back seat. The business takes priority over everything.

When Mr. Bardgett was asked how he liked working for Fritz he responded: "Fritz is a great person to work for. He demands quality and believes the `customer is king'.

"He takes an interest in all of the staff and he has staff who have been here 25 years.'' Mr. Bardgett added he was fortunate to have a boss like Fritz.

"I attended restaurant management courses at Cornell University, New York and I have had training here at the hotel college. I have years of hands-on experience and I appreciate the expertise I have gained. Fritz motivates everyone to be the best they can be at what they do.'' EDDIE BARDGETT -- "The restaurant business it consumes your life.''