The Great Reset- Robert Belcham finds opportunity within the industry’s most challenging year

“It’s actually pretty easy, it’s about money”, Robert Belcham explains when asked what some of the foodservice industry’s biggest issues are today. Robert goes on to discuss his perspective of the pay structure in the industry, illustrating a chain effect of how equal pay leads to better morale, better workplace culture, better employee retention, and ultimately a more successful business. I had the pleasure of discussing this and other common foodservice issues with restaurateur, entrepreneur, Chef, and community voice Robert Belcham. This is just a snapshot of some of the insight Robert communicates on The Mise en Place Podcast, an extension of the Chef’s Table Society.  

Is Tipping Contributing to Gender Inequity in Restaurants?

Gender inequity in restaurant management has been in the news again recently. While there has been a lot of hand wringing and finger pointing, there has been much less discussion about what, if anything, we should do about it. It is relatively clear that restaurant management is dominated by men (we have recent survey data … Continue reading Is Tipping Contributing to Gender Inequity in Restaurants?

Is the new Ontario Tip Law a good thing? Maybe not.

There’s been buzz again about the bill to ban employers from taking a share of tips. While Michael Prue was defeated, the bill has been revived by the Liberal MPP who beat him. There appears to be broad support as it heads off to committee for discussion. The basic premise is the “employers” cannot take … Continue reading Is the new Ontario Tip Law a good thing? Maybe not.

No Tipping? Now What?

The no tipping movement seems to be gaining momentum. We’re hearing multiple stories about restaurant groups (Danny Meyers’ Union Square Hospitality Group) and individual restaurants pledging to move away from tipping.   There are a number of good reasons: The ability to distribute wages more equitably – particularly to pay kitchen staff more and to improve … Continue reading No Tipping? Now What?

$15 Minimum wage could kill tipping

There has been significant discussion about an increase in the minimum wage to $15/hour.  Seattle has implemented a $15/hour minimum and LA, among others, has committed to moving towards it.  Rachel Notley, Alberta's new NDP Premier has committed to this standard in Alberta and there is more and more discussion about it across Canada.  The … Continue reading $15 Minimum wage could kill tipping

Save the date: UGSRP Presents ‘Tipped Out?’ Forum

Save Monday April 29th, 2013 in your calendar, you do not want to miss this free event, discussing the issues surrounding tipping in the hospitality industry. A BIG THANK YOU to our event partner George Brown College Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts and also to all the speakers who are providing their time and thoughts. Please … Continue reading Save the date: UGSRP Presents ‘Tipped Out?’ Forum