Flames restaurant and bar has built a loyal following since debuting on South 4th Street in 2008 with a fun Las Vegas style atmosphere, daily happy hour specials and bottomless mimosas for Sunday brunch. We sat down with the manager, Rickey Fleming, well known as a greeter at the restaurant, to find out more about the restaurant and what he likes most about working in San Jose.

Name: Rickey Fleming
Occupation: Manager of Flames

How long have you lived/worked in San Jose?
All my life; 59 years.

What do you like most about your job and why?
I like it all; working with the public, making people happy and trying to please all.

What sets Flames apart from other bars/restaurants in the area?
Our hospitality, our prices, our food and location. We’re located right across the street from San Jose State, which is a No. 1 location in downtown San Jose for the students.

What’s your favorite dish/drink combo of the moment?
I like our rib eye steak dinner. Beer is fine with me; hefeweizen and a nice Ketel One martini.

Where do you like to spend your time in San Jose when you are not working?
At my house, in Campbell or on the coast. I love the coast.

Any particular hobby you have?
Hot rods and motorcycles.

What do you like most about San Jose?
I know no difference, I’ve lived here all my life.

If there is one thing you could change here what would it be?
Traffic.

What are you go-to spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner in San Jose?
I’m always here, so mostly here. If I go to dinner I like to go down on the coast. I go to Duarte’s restaurant in Pescadero.

At what point did you decide to stay in In San Jose and pursue your career?
All my family lives in Texas and I stay here with all my other siblings. It’s all been good to me here. I’ve been here (Flames) going on five years now. Before this I was at Original Joe’s in downtown San Jose for 37 years.

Who is the most interesting person you know here?
That’s a hard question. I know a lot of people.