People You Know: Willetta Cornish

When you visit Taco Casa and hear customers referred to as “honey” or “baby” as you walk up to the counter, you know Willetta Cornish is there, ready to take your order. And if you are a regular, she’ll likely know what you want before you even open your mouth.

Background: Born in Kansas City, Mo. Lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for 29 years before moving to Abilene six years ago.

Previous Career: Worked as a home health care worker and as a secretary for a law office.

Customer Service: Cornish keeps an eye out for handicapped customers’ arrival and will go out to their cars to help them in to the restaurant. “I want them to be comfortable and enjoy eating out just like everyone else.”

Abilene Career: Cornish started working at Taco Casa about 5 years ago. “I wanted to work here so badly that I came several times and talked to John (the general manager) in the parking lot. He knew who I was before I even came in to interview,” she said. Cornish also works at Rosa’s Café and has been there for about 2 years.

Family: She has been married to Edgar Jr. for a little over four years, but she met him before she began working at Taco Casa. “I was looking for a job and saw he had an HSU shirt on. I asked him if they were hiring, and he helped me find the office to apply for jobs. I’m glad I stopped to talk to him, because now we’re married,” Cornish said.

Cornish is quick to mention Taco Casa, too. “Dic, Angie (Pittman, the owners), and John really make this place special. My coworkers are so supportive, and they’ve become my family.”