If George’s Personality Doesn’t Make You Smile, His Sandwich Sure Will

For nearly eight years, George Funches has put smiles on many people at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. 

Funches, 38, of Crest Hill, says it helps that he works in the hospital’s cafeteria on the lower level. 

“People just love food,” said Funches. “Also, you get people – staff and visitors – coming down who have a variety of things going on in their lives at that point. They come down here to forget what’s going on upstairs for a while. 

“And I love interacting with people. It’s not just about making the food. It’s about seeing people and talking to people. I love that. I’m a people person.” 

Funches, however, made a lot more people even happier in the last few months by creating a mouth-watering sandwich so good that it left his boss unable – actually, unwilling – to speak. 

“He tried to say something, but he would just keep taking bites,” Funches recalled. “Finally, he said, ‘This is the best sandwich I have ever had in my life.’ And he’s been around for 55 years. So, that’s pretty good.” 

What’s in this magical sandwich, you say? 

“I took a pork tenderloin and deep fried it, then I slide on my secret, spicy mayo, grilled onions, American cheese and warm up a sesame seed bun. 

“It wasn’t even on the menu yet. I prepared 90 tenderloins and sold 78 the first day. It’s been really successful.” 

So successful, the bosses christened the new offering “George’s Pork Sandwich.” 

Funches said he didn’t seek the limelight, but his bosses insisted they will make him famous. They already know what kind of a guy he is, putting him in for Silver Cross’ Rock Star award for employees who go above and beyond. 

“I saw a guy in a wheelchair come in with a few others. They left, but he was still sitting there eating. I asked if he needed anything, and he seemed confused. So, I wheeled him back up to the Emergency Room area he came from. 

“I enjoy helping people, whether at work or at home. Right now, I’m living with my Mom, who has some health issues.” 

Funches, the father of three young boys, said he got his love for cooking from his Mom, Gwen Black, a certified chef. He worked under her for a while at several locations, including a Crest Hill childcare facility. 

“She didn’t really set out to teach me anything; I just watched her.” 

Funches said he has another sandwich selling well, a spicy chicken offering. “And I have a few other items in the works. 

“I really enjoy hearing people say they look for me in the cafeteria. A lot of the staff, I know what they’re going to order after nearly eight years. 

“And I like to put a smile on people’s faces after they come down here, dealing with whatever they have going on. Food is a way to people’s hearts.”