By KALIN KROHE
Panhandle Post
Patrick Elgin of Alliance was recently awarded the "Byway Frontline Friend" award from the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway organization.
Elgin has worked for Mi Ranchito in Alliance for the past six years.
"Tourism is Nebraska’s third largest industry," Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway said. "The locals alone cannot keep the lodging places nor the food establishments opened. It takes hard work by the owners and their staff to make visitors return. The food alone makes MI Ranchito worth returning to when in Alliance. Patrick makes it above and beyond...treating those he serves like long lost family."
Panhandle Post asked Elgin how he feels receiving this award.
"I mean it's crazy to be honest," Elgin said. "I never thought of receiving something like this just for doing something I love. But I'm honored that I have. It's an amazing feeling."
Elgin said his favorite part of working at Mi Ranchito is "just being there."
"I work with amazing people and I serve amazing people," Elgin said. "I've said it before, but Mi Ranchito is like my second home considering how long I've been there. The people aren't my customers, they're my guests in my home so I always do the best I can to make sure they have a good time and leave with the best experiences. I love my people and I love making people leave feeling better than they did before. It's a blessing to become what I have become, a blessing to watch and help Mi Ranchito grow so much."