Be me! Go into my favorite local ma and pa restaurant that is advertising “$15 per hour new hire needed asap” on the damn door. Be me! Need extra cash to support my family. So….I apply thinking that of course I want to support those that are striving to outlast the poison of food chains, plus the food at said ma and pa restaurant is oh so good. Two days later I get the call to come in and “see if it’s a good fit!” Just so happens that my daughter’s birthday is the same day, though they are understaffed and so that is the only day I can shadow and train with someone that is experienced. With heavy heart I accept with blessing from daughter and mom, who know I am trying to help keep things afloat at home.
Day comes, and I go to “work.” Granted, I have managed several restaurants with much success, and left with the familiar sour taste of one who has been treated like shit, by customers, in the service industry. If you know than you really know.
I am told to shadow an employee that has only been there for 3 weeks. 3. Fucking. Weeks! Said employee didn’t know it’s head from its asshole, and I proceed to learn the point of sale system on my own, while juggling 15+ to-go orders and 5 dine in tables on my own. And that is just within the first hour! Why? Because I had previous smarts on how things work so he thought he could just coast along for the night.
I save his, and the restaurant’s ass on my FIRST DAY! Had no clue the establishment was in such dire circumstances. I thank them all and go home with plans on how I can help this local shop turn things around. I fall asleep excited for the task at hand during the next day’s shift.
Next day….Be ME! Wake up, get ready, and getting pumped for the possibilities! 2 hours before my shift the owner texts me saying that training pay is $11 per hour as it is still a “trial period.” I respond saying that it was a little odd, as the advertised rate was $15 per hour, though I would accept as long as the regular base pay was $15 per hour. (That pay rate is still criminal). Owner responds that they would have my check for hours worked ready for me tomorrow, and that $15 per hour wasn’t acceptable. Then they added that they welcome the support of ordering their food in the future so they can “stay afloat.”
Supporting local doesn’t mean I get to turn a restaurant around for less than advertised, or an acceptable pay wage. Now I get to determine if I ever want to eat there again….
Sad times! Don’t ever sell yourself short…even for a good cause.