Best Waiter/Waitress 2008: Emily Ellis (That Italian Place)

Good service can make or break a restaurant, and Emily Ellis, a server at That Italian Place, must be doing something right because her customers voted her "Best Waitress" in Ahwatukee Foothills.

Ellis has worked at That Italian Place for two years, and she has performed every job in the restaurant from dishwasher to salad chef. Being able to wear different hats to do different jobs in the restaurant is not a problem for Ellis because she has held numerous jobs in the past. She once worked at a greenhouse, held an office job and even worked in a vineyard, although she admits working in an office was not her cup of tea.

As a waitress, Ellis goes the extra mile to chat with her customers.

"I like the fact that we have a strong, regular clientele base," she said. "I'm always serving people I know and like."

Ellis believes that people are drawn to That Italian Place for multiple reasons.

"It's a combination of the fact that we have good food and that we try to get to know the people that come in and eat here," she said. "Here you really feel like you're coming into a family - it just has a really good vibe with the staff and customers."

That Italian Place is located at 3941 E. Chandler Blvd. It is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

2nd place: Jamie Hammerlund (Arriverderci Trattoria)

3rd place: Cody Woods (CK's Tavern and Grill)