The labor shortage remains a top challenge, even for the most well-trafficked restaurant operations. Here’s how some of these winning independents are addressing hiring and retention.
Girl & The Goat: “We are addressing this through a combination of recruiting initiatives—how employment ads read, how benefits are messaged outside of the organization, presence at job and recruitment fairs, referral bonuses, etc.”
Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn: “Increasing wages, established premium pay on weekends, established tuition reimbursement program.”
Portland City Grill: “We focus on the culture to ensure that we are a very positive and professional workplace.”
Tavern on Rush: “Using different online platforms and social media for recruitment.”
Farmers Fishers Bakers: “Working on bettering recruiting strategy, and offering best benefits possible to recruit and retain top talent.”
Whiskey Joe’s Tampa: “Promoting from within with an emphasis on improved training and retention. … Emphasis on quality of life, yearly reviews, benefits and advancement opportunities.”
Shooters Waterfront: “We have a very structured system of continuous development for our team in every position.”
Swift & Sons: “We have a number of initiatives surrounding better staff retention through training and staff growth strategies. We also utilize weekly and monthly educational workshops to help the staff continue to hone their knowledge and skill set.”
The Southern Steak & Oyster: “Retention raises, premium benefits, internal promotions, ongoing training are all initiatives we have taken to combat the labor challenge. We give ongoing training and staff incentives to reinforce the importance of hospitality.”
Komodo: “With all of the restaurants opening every month, there is a shortage of staff, especially in the back of house. We are addressing these withby continuous recruitment and by using our internal staff for references.”
Founding Farmers: “Recruiting and increases on wages, a stronger effort on promoting within and increasing employee surveys.”
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