— Raine Morrison

From wings to gourmet egg rolls, J&K Style Grill has tons of delicious options for its customers. This family owned restaurant is run by Salem High School junior Keona Dooley.

Dooley prides herself in her work, posting about recent recipes that will soon be sold at her family’s restaurant.

“J & K has taught me many new aspects of life that you may not get into at school, such as being a young CEO, aspects of people and understanding how to ‘be the customer,’ attention to details, accepting the brutal truth, and many more unique things,” said Dooley.

J&K has a homey aura that keeps customers coming back for more.

“My first experience was about seventh or eighth grade after school with my mom,” said frequent customer, junior Jacen Fletter. “Being able to know the owner, I was able to talk to someone I talk to at school feeling like a welcoming restaurant. That’s why I want to go back. It makes me feel like I know the people who serve my food.”

Not only has Dooley been able to further her education, but she’s also been able to handle her very own business alongside people she’s comfortable with and can grow and learn with.

¨J&K has furthered my education with the real world,” said Dooley. “Getting a better understanding of the industry of business and learning how to grow.¨

She also handles out of school activities like Gardening Club in addition to the business.

¨As we all know, working alongside your family can be difficult because they may not understand the differences of at home behavior and the mindset of work. Though it’s just been an on and on growing experience to understand people,” said Dooley.

Manager Tia Morre shared that she has “witnessed and learned that a 16 year old can do it all.”

Dooley is not only a role model for young aspiring leaders, but also an inspiration to people who want to create something special with their family.

Raine Morrison is a junior at Salem High School who writes for the SunDevil Times.