#Employmentbrand#Kitchenconfidentials#Restaurantculture#Restaurantworkers#Transparency Oct 03, 2023

As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I often find like-minded people posting comments on the feeds of the folks I follow—many of them committed to the same kind of work I do, specifically, restaurant culture work.

Discovering KitchenConfidentials

One organization that caught my eye was KitchenConfidentials, prompting me to click through and start reading. Initially, it seemed to be a site where restaurant workers could post anonymously about the places they work, raising concerns about potentially contributing to the “calling out” culture. However, I sensed there was something more to this—a deeper vision: “A future where individuals have complete transparency about job opportunities in the food and drink industry, empowering them to make informed decisions.” I thought this was a vision worth supporting, so I reached out to find out more.

A Vision Unveiled

This led to a Zoom meeting with Jace Eliscu, one of the founders. In our conversation, he shared the journey and origin of the site’s idea. Jace, a former culinary student in New York, needed information about a restaurant he wanted to work at during his externship. This need for background information inspired the creation of a platform, akin to Glassdoor but tailored for restaurants. With some tech experience, Jace and his friends launched a site where restaurant workers could anonymously and openly review the places they worked.

The Theme of Transparency

Throughout our conversation, transparency emerged as a recurring theme. Jace emphasized that the site wasn’t about calling out bad behavior or virtue-signaling. Instead, the main intention was to offer valuable information to a group often overlooked and not seen as professionals—the restaurant workers. This raised the question: If sites like Glassdoor exist to help potential candidates make informed decisions, why can’t one exist for restaurant professionals?

The Role of Employment Branding

In my work with Red Truck Consulting, a significant focus is on employment brand building. I emphasize the importance of understanding what people working for an organization say about it. This is especially crucial in an industry with high turnover rates. I’ve previously addressed the cost of high turnover to restaurant operators. Kitchen Confidential, in this context, offers a platform to monitor and assess that information. However, the key lies in what restaurant operators do with this valuable insight.

Positive Reception

The reviews on Kitchen Confidential have been diverse, coming from all corners of the country. Notably, there’s even a review of a restaurant in my small town in New Hampshire. This platform gives restaurant workers a voice in the conversation, allowing them to share their experiences and contribute to informed decision-making.

A Resource for Restaurant Owners

Beyond being a resource for workers, I conveyed to Jace that I see this site as valuable for restaurant owners. The feedback and comments that staff might not express face-to-face can be found on Kitchen Confidential. These posts provide insights into what it’s like to work for a particular establishment.

Utilizing Information for Improvement

For restaurant operators, having this information raises the question: What would you do with it? Positive reviews could be promoted, showcasing a great working environment. Conversely, negative reviews present an opportunity for improvement. Sitting down with the staff and asking, “What would make a difference?” reflects a commitment to ensuring everyone working for the establishment has a positive experience.

Insightful Metrics

For operators genuinely committed to creating a positive work environment, Kitchen Confidential can provide valuable metrics on how well they are achieving this goal. On the other hand, for those who may not prioritize this, the platform serves as transparent proof for potential candidates to evaluate.