Although not as many people can be found out on the green in the middle of winter, inside the Lubbock Country Club they’re sure to find a hot meal, and warm company.
Rafael Delosantos was just 14-years-old when he moved to West Texas with his father from Mexico. At 16, he began working at the country club. Fast forward 55 years later, he says it’s one of the best things that could have happened to him.
“I just started learning from different chefs for the first 30 years, and learned everything I could,” said Delosantos. “To put plates together and seeing the people enjoy eating my food…It makes me feel good.”
At 70, Delosantos is not the same wide-eyed teen he was when he took on the job, but the drive to continue challenging himself with different and creative dishes has not changed.
“”I’ve enjoyed the freedom they [the country club] give to me. Years ago, they gave me some kind of freedom to do whatever I wanted to do and put things together and serve,” said Delosantos. “Different ideas, and I use whatever I need and want to use.”
Before lunch when all is calm in the dining room, there’s something always brewing in the kitchen. Delosantos shared that he can cook anything from appetizers, entrees and even desserts. He considers his special to be beef stroganoff or a special salmon dish.
As it would later turn out, Delosantos began quite a tradition within his own family. His son is a cook for Hillcrest Country Club and his daughter works at a country club in San Angelo as well. He shared he’s proud of his children, and also proud to call the people at the Lubbock Country Club his second family.
“I just want to thank ever member and the directors for giving me the opportunity to work here this long.”
As Delosantos works in the kitchen preparing a hot meal, Cleetta Hatchett-Johnson is upfront sure to greet you with a sweet smile. Hatchett-Johnson, 69, began working at the country club as a bartender. From there, she became the beverage manager, and now works as the receptionist. She shared it’s now been 40 years, but says she still loves it.
“Of course! I mean, one would have to in order to be here this long,” said Hatchett-Johnson. “It’s just an awesome place to work.”
She shared that she has seen a lot of changes in those past 40 years, but always welcomes the new that happens to pass through.
“Meeting the new ones and their families. Of course, I have watched the children grow up and get married. Meeting new members, I just really love our members, some of them really become our family.”
The Lubbock Country Club is located at 3400 Mesa Road. More information can be found on their website: http://www.lubbockcc.org/.
