Gary Johnston brought a wealth of industry experience with him when he joined Yours Truly in 2006.  Prior to joining YT, he was a regional manager for the Garfield’s Restaurant and Pub chain, headquartered in Oklahoma.    

Gary moved from Pittsburgh to Painesville and came to YT in search of a job that required less travel. “The main reason I picked YT is because of its family ownership.  It’s small enough that your voice is really heard,” says Gary, adding, “Plus, I really like the food!”  (For the record, omelets, chicken wraps and Patty Melts are his favorites!) 

Gary, a father of four, ranging in age from 13 to 26, grew up in Pittsburgh, which explains his undying allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  “I’m a 32 year season ticket holder,” says Gary. 

Gary is an avid high school wrestling fan.  He makes a weekly trip to Pittsburgh to cheer on his youngest son, who wrestles on a club team there.   

Gary sees his role at YT as a teacher.  “I’ve had it all.  Now, I’m just happy sharing the knowledge I have and watching other people’s growth process,” he says. 

Willowick resident Michael Dehner has worked in restaurants his since he was old enough to get a job.  He began as a dishwasher at Potpourri Fondue Restaurant in his hometown Mentor, then took a job as a line cook at John Palmer’s in Chardon, where he studied with a Culinary Institute of America graduate.  “I really got creative there,” says Michael. 

As a college student at Ohio University, he interned at Willoughby Brewing Company.  In 2003, he earned a degree in human and consumer sciences with a business minor.  Michael aspires to own a fine dining establishment one day.   

After a brief stint at Olive Garden, Michael says he chose to work at Yours Truly Restaurants upon meeting a YT general manager and befriending YT partner Darlene Shibley Ziegenhagen.  “I thought it would be a great place to work!” 

Michael is a big Michigan Wolverines fan and enjoys rock climbing (you can find him climbing rocks in his spare time at places like Cleveland Rock Gym, Seneca Rocks and Pepsi Rock).  The multi-talented Michael also plays the saxophone.  

Though Doug Lieblich managed food and beverage services for seventeen years at Walden Country Club, he never actually cooked anything in a restaurant until he came to Yours Truly. 

He quickly mastered that skill and is admired by YT employees for his ability to stay calm in the busiest of times.  In fact, Doug’s best references are the people who worked for him over the years.   “I like the pace, the quality products and the people at Yours Truly,” says Doug. 

Doug grew up in Shaker Heights, and has been a Yours Truly patron since it opened.  “I was a regular as a teen,” shares Doug.  He also fondly remembers bringing his daughter, Jenna, to YT before Father Daughter Girl Scout dances.

Until he worked at YT, he always ordered a Bleu Cheese Burger, but now he’s expanded his palate.  “I like everything, especially the lighter dishes, like chicken and tuna salad,” says Doug.

Eagle Scout Doug enjoys camping and photography.  In fact, he often combines both hobbies on treks throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania.  “I like to see things off the beaten path,” admits Doug, who often takes along his dog, Lance.