05/01/2026
This is a long and overdue post, but hang with us while we tell you about the 2025 Gastronauts Food Group Operator of the Year.
If you don’t know him already, let us introduce you to Dave Etling, our GM at the Mothership - Hi-Pointe McCausland. Dave’s been holding it down for SIX years, and not just showing up… showing our crew how it’s done. Through Covid, chaos, curveballs, all of it, he’s been the steady, positive force that keeps the Mothership running.
And this year, he didn’t just show up, he stood out. Dave took home Operator of the Year across all GMs at both Hi-Pointe and Taco Buddha. That’s no small room, and no easy win.
But what really sets Dave apart is how he builds people. He’s an incredible leader, a hands on trainer, and the kind of GM who makes everyone around him better. He sets the standard, then shows you how to reach it.
And somehow, in between running one of our busiest locations, he’s also the brain behind so much of what you see and sip by designing our merch to helping dream up seasonal shakes. Creativity, passion, and consistency are a rare combo, and Dave’s got it.
Proud doesn’t even cover it. Grateful doesn’t either.
This one’s for you, Davey. The heart of the Mothership! ❤️🍔🚀
