Philly’s El Fuego an example of good employment practices in national restaurant report

A report released by Cornell University and the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United challenges the notion that restaurants can only be successful by keeping labor costs low.

Featuring 33 restaurants from eight cities, the “Taking The High Road – A How-To Guide for Successful Restaurant Employers” report looks at successful restaurants that treat workers fairly.

And for once in a national report, Philly is looking good.
The report uses burrito restaurant El Fuego as a positive example for other restaurants:

“All workers currently earn $9.50/hr or above as a quick serve restaurant. All workers start at $8.75/hr and receive a $.50 raise after completing the 3-month trial period.”

Workers also get paid sick time and average five-year tenures.

“Illustrating the direct link between job quality and the long-term success and stability of a restaurant, this report provides concrete examples of restaurateurs who have created ‘win-win-win’ solutions for workers, diners, and employers alike,” the introduction to the 72-page report reads.

Other restaurants featured in the report include Craft in New York; Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C.; the Gorbals in L.A.; and Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Mich.