Your January 2026 Mantras

The Charmer

A bar tub of maraschino cherries

Your January 2026 Mantra

Perfecting those present wrapping skills and hearing-Jingle-Bell-Rock-in-every-department store season may have come to a close, but with that comes an even more exciting season: a new year. No matter what goals you did or didn’t reach in 2025, you’ve made it to another year, and that’s something to celebrate (much like the leftover pie we’ve got hidden in the freezer). With a new year comes new opportunities to learn, new faces to meet and new memories to make. And what better way to bring in the new year than with a new mantra and recipe to go with it?  

Last year might not have been as charming as I am, but I’m grateful for the many lessons and seasons I’ve now got under my (trendy and ultra stylish) belt. The most charming thing about the new year is the chance to try again. No matter what’s behind me, what I have to look forward to is even bigger, more exciting and even more charming *wink* than what was before. The new recipe I should try this year is beignets with berries (perfectly sweet and a bright spot in every season, just like me!).

Your Bio

You are the king or queen of front of house. You're a hit with the regulars and know just how to make everyone feel special. You're also very good at making it seem like you have it all together, but won't let anyone see what the inside of your car looks like. You're the first person your GM sends to an unhappy guest to make things better. Other famous Charmers include Bon Appetit's Brad Leone, Leslie Knope from Parks & Rec, and Joey Tribbiani from Friends.

The Creative

A cocktail smoking gun

Your January 2026 Mantra

Perfecting those present wrapping skills and hearing-Jingle-Bell-Rock-in-every-department store season may have come to a close, but with that comes an even more exciting season: a new year. No matter what goals you did or didn’t reach in 2025, you’ve made it to another year, and that’s something to celebrate (much like the leftover pie we’ve got hidden in the freezer). With a new year comes new opportunities to learn, new faces to meet and new memories to make. And what better way to bring in the new year than with a new mantra and recipe to go with it?  

New Year’s is one of the most exciting times of year (and not just because I’ve got some of that holiday wiener-dog wrapping paper left over). It’s a chance to start brainstorming new ideas, create new things and find a way to give my leftover New Year’s Eve decorations a new life (like turning them into a sweater!). How you view the new year is a lot like viewing a piece of art; perspective plays a huge role. This month I’m saying goodbye to 2025, and hello 2026-themed knee-high socks. The new recipe I should try this year is cheesecake bars with all the berries (a fan-favorite with a twist that makes it even sweeter, just like me!).

Your Bio

You are always coming up with new ideas, and don't like the "old" way of doing things. You're like Fernet, either people love you or they pretend to. You enjoy mixing things up and may or may not have unironically owned a Fedora at one point (it was the 2010s ok!?). Other famous Creatives include Phoebe Buffay from Friends and Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter.

The Pusher

A blowtorch

Your January 2026 Mantra

Perfecting those present wrapping skills and hearing-Jingle-Bell-Rock-in-every-department store season may have come to a close, but with that comes an even more exciting season: a new year. No matter what goals you did or didn’t reach in 2025, you’ve made it to another year, and that’s something to celebrate (much like the leftover pie we’ve got hidden in the freezer). With a new year comes new opportunities to learn, new faces to meet and new memories to make. And what better way to bring in the new year than with a new mantra and recipe to go with it?  

Screaming at full volume during the ball drop isn't the only thing I love about New Year’s. It’s also a time to get excited for another year of intensity, pushing your comfort zone and trying to pull that pogo stick that’s still lodged in the fence out. The winter may be when most like to slow down, but the new year reminds me that the first step to seeing results is taking action (and not just finally replacing that old toaster oven). The new recipe I should try this year is brûléed key lime pies (not the easiest, and maybe a little rough around the edges, but with a sweetness that makes up for it, just like me). 

Your Bio

You can really work in any position front or back of house, but feel most at home on or near expo. You are high energy and can sometimes be aggressive (or just aggressively positive). You've expressed your fair share of "WOO!"s and "LET'S GOOOOO"s. You love the rush and are usually down to go out for a nightcap after closing. Other famous Pushers include Gordon Ramsey and Matty Matheson.

The Workhorse

A trusty (but a lil' crusty) frying pan

Your January 2026 Mantra

Perfecting those present wrapping skills and hearing-Jingle-Bell-Rock-in-every-department store season may have come to a close, but with that comes an even more exciting season: a new year. No matter what goals you did or didn’t reach in 2025, you’ve made it to another year, and that’s something to celebrate (much like the leftover pie we’ve got hidden in the freezer). With a new year comes new opportunities to learn, new faces to meet and new memories to make. And what better way to bring in the new year than with a new mantra and recipe to go with it?  

With another year of hard work in the books, this new year, I’m looking forward to giving myself more credit. Patting yourself on the back for a job well done (and for a job “tried-your-best”) is even more important than the end result. Giving myself a high-five is a form of self-care (like enjoying three cups of hot cocoa in one sitting), and I’m making sure that it’s at the top of my to-do list. The new recipe I should try this year is buffalo chicken meatballs (not the loudest, but gets the job done and packs a punch, just like me!). 

Your Bio

You are calm, stable, and dependable. You always get your work done and don't make waves unless someone else doesn't put in their fair share. You may or may not be approaching burnout, but admitting it would be a sign of weakness. The random kitchen object that best represents your personality is a trusty (but a lil' crusty) frying pan. Other famous Workhorses include Sydney from The Bear and Peggy Olson from Mad Men.

The Mom

A walk-in refrigerator

Your January 2026 Mantra

Perfecting those present wrapping skills and hearing-Jingle-Bell-Rock-in-every-department store season may have come to a close, but with that comes an even more exciting season: a new year. No matter what goals you did or didn’t reach in 2025, you’ve made it to another year, and that’s something to celebrate (much like the leftover pie we’ve got hidden in the freezer). With a new year comes new opportunities to learn, new faces to meet and new memories to make. And what better way to bring in the new year than with a new mantra and recipe to go with it?  

Luckily for me, warm-hug season is year-round, and this new year I’m looking forward to spreading even more love and joy (and a few post-closing motivational speeches) with those around me. A new year doesn’t automatically reset your life, but I can make the intentional choice to make different decisions (like throwing in extra vanilla extract to my sugar cookie recipe). The new recipe I should try this year is gingerbread cake with cranberry vanilla frosting (spicy and sweet, meant to be shared and festive year-round, just like me!).

Your Bio

You don't have to be a woman, but like a mother, you are caring and loving and also know alllll the tea. You're the go-to person when a coworker needs life advice or a shoulder to cry on. Other Moms include Sugar from The Bear and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls.

The Leader

An expo printer

Your January 2026 Mantra

Perfecting those present wrapping skills and hearing-Jingle-Bell-Rock-in-every-department store season may have come to a close, but with that comes an even more exciting season: a new year. No matter what goals you did or didn’t reach in 2025, you’ve made it to another year, and that’s something to celebrate (much like the leftover pie we’ve got hidden in the freezer). With a new year comes new opportunities to learn, new faces to meet and new memories to make. And what better way to bring in the new year than with a new mantra and recipe to go with it?    

Leading isn’t always as sweet as leftover peppermint cookies, but this new year, I’m taking a new approach. Leading is more than taking charge; it’s knowing when to walk away from what’s not working (aka: McDonald’s drive-through when the ice cream machine is down). This year, I’m leaving behind old habits, outdated ideas and parts of the past that hold me back. After all, life is like a buffet; you won’t have room for new things on your plate if it’s still covered in leftovers. The new recipe I should try this year is rosemary rack of lamb with potatoes and carrots (a show stopper, uber memorable and part of what keeps the whole operation together, just like me). 

Your Bio

You run the show and are likely a GM or other manager. You're often stressed out but still able to pull through and get shit done. You sometimes have outbursts but anger it's not your primary emotion. You are friendly, but probably not besties with most of the staff. Other famous Leaders include Carmy from The Bear, Selina Meyer from VEEP, and Tony Soprano.

The Quiet Mystery

A whetstone

Your January 2026 Mantra

Even though I slept through the ball drop, I know this year is going to be even better than the last. I got through last year as usual: cool, calm and collected. This year, I’m ready to add another “C”: courageous. Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t always in the big things; sometimes it’s in the everyday. I’m going to find everyday opportunities to put myself out there, use my voice and take a well-deserved social-battery recharge nap afterward. The new recipe I should try this year is Marry Me Chicken Soup (cozy and unassuming, but more than what meets the eye, just like me).  

Your Bio

You are a mystery to us all (and even yourself). You show up and don't talk much but when you do say something it's typically quite profound. You're not usually managing anything and are ok with going with the flow. Although quiet, you would be missed if you weren't there. You can be slightly aloof but in a likable way. Other famous Quiet Mysteries include Hyde from That 70's Show (not an endorsement of Danny Masterson), Mama Coco from Coco, and Stanley from The Office.

The Perfectionist

A pair of chef tweezers

Your January 2026 Mantra

Your Bio

Some may describe you as anal or having an "it's just business" approach, but really you just enjoy the challenge of working in a restaurant (and you really like to be the best at it). If you worked in a traditional corporate setting, you'd probably be in trouble with HR because of the less-than-delicate way you handle others' mistakes. At your core though you take pride in what you do and think others should too. You might be a sommelier or executive chef. Other famous Perfectionists include Sherlock Holmes (the Benedict Cumberbatch version), Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada, and Ralph Fiennes in The Menu.