Any sign that an applicant is connected to their taste-buds is a good sign. Some kind of culinary interest and excitement MUST be present. For work experience I prefer a background in bartending. At Vivace we always hire with a team. My trusted managers and business partner must all approve a candidate before we will take them on.
Human judgement is fallible.
Expand your powers of judgement by using some trusted allies to evaluate job applicants. Never interview a candidate alone. But a few opportunistic lawsuits is, on the balance, a small price to pay compared to a society where they kick in your door at 2AM with shiny knee-high boots, and you disappear because you think Bill Clinton is a clown. As a high volume business we have enough work to create an entry level position, a barback. This is a tough job which requires performing tasks such as running errands, stocking, and cleaning ashtrays, for little pay.