Employees who are attending school must maintain at least a B average or explain to Hendee why grades have fallen. Everyone is encouraged to go to college. They can choose to be a lifetime waiter if they want, but first, get a degree,'' she says. This job should be a stepping stone for the next career, not the career. Great grades earn bonuses at Taste of Texas, while exemplary productivity can merit gifts, such as a night on the town with limo service.
Managers can earn trips to Mexico, Paris or London.
Newcomers undergo a formal, six-day training period with a partner. Thirteen managers do evaluations. Besides knowing the service manual, new hires are expected to be conversant with the history of the restaurant. Training is ongoing. Finding employees with experience, a prerequisite to working there, is never a problem, according to Hendee.