A quick post here about how easy it can be to lose employees!
We recently had a dishwasher who has been going through a tough time in his personal life. He's from El Salvador and had recently gotten married to an American lady. Long and short, this lady is screwing him (not in a good way)... she's convinced him to sell his house, convinced him to form a joint account, and withdrew over $32,000! She had the police issue an order for him not to be around her (there's a name for that, can't remember!) . Anyhow, he is really getting raked over the coals. Well last week, we had asked him to clean the prep room, and he refused, saying he was busy! Now ,to a Chef, that doesn't happen.. we are the kings of the kitchen! We ended up sending him home, and he decided not to come back. It was very unlike his normal character to act this way, so we followed up with him and got him to come in today and talk. BASICALLY we had a miscommunication, but due to his pride? or whatever, he was willing to walk away from his job. Yes, he could get another (restaurant jobs are not that hard to come by if you have experience) but we have always liked him, and it's good to have him back. It is a major thing to be able to speak Spanish in a kitchen, if you're in high school or college and considering the restaurant business, LEARN SPANISH!!! My spanish is good enough to get by, and it definitely earns me respect, and makes it easier to get through the day. Bottom line, in this area at least (Washington).. the Latin American population is major in number.
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