Favorite Servers: Maggie Cordell

A Little Rock Landmark

Maggie Cordell has worked at Doe’s Eat Place in Little Rock for almost 20 years and has a total of 35 years in the service industry. Originally from Corning, Cordell found her calling in restaurant serving after moving to Little Rock in 1990. She said she loves her work but that serving requires a special temperament.

“I don’t think it’s for everybody. It does take a certain personality to do it,” she said. “I love to meet people, and I love to serve people.”

A Little Rock institution since 1988, Doe’s is a popular feeding ground for world-famous politicians and celebrities who savor the down-home menu of steaks, tamales and marinated salad. Cordell has met and served a slate of stars at her workplace, most notably former President Bill Clinton, who signed one of his books for her.

“I’ve probably met [Clinton] there four or five times,” she said.

Cordell’s A-list of diners also includes actor David Arquette, sportscaster Kirk Herbstreit and music legend Willie Nelson.

“Oh, yes, I’ve met Willie,” she said. “They were in the back room, and I walked in there, and I looked at the group. They all looked like Willie, but I found him and talked to him for a minute, told him I was a huge fan. He was very, very nice.”

Cordell’s approach to customer service is rooted in empathy and problem solving.

“When you go out to eat, you want a nice, friendly server,” she said. “You want the food the way you want it. If you need to make modifications, you want that done. If the customer doesn’t like something, we take care of it.”

With nothing but high praise for Doe’s owner Katherine Eldridge and head chef David Brown, Cordell spoke affectionately about the people she has met while on the job.

“I have great co-workers. They’re absolutely wonderful — experienced waiters and, of course, the back of the house, kitchen,” she said. “We’ve also got the best customers.”

Photo by DeWaine Duncan.