The good news is that when you enjoy a good reputation it helps you draw patrons as well as being the first stop for the best workers. Lindstrom and his partners quickly realized that the workforce of the 80s and 90s required a different work environment to really be effective. We work very hard to provide an environment where our staff really is involved in the daily decisions. It doesn't work if you only try to make them think their opinions are important. It may not be surprising to learn that Restaurants Unlimited is a superb operating group with a reputation as the employer of choice in Seattle.
Most managers think that wages are the most important consideration to their workers.
In reality, surveys show that workers place wages fifth on their list. Money is a factor, but high wages are not a satisfier as much as low wages are a dissatisfier. Legendary operations pay wages that are at or above the prevailing standards in their market to make a statement about the value they place on their staff. Labor is a profit center not a cost point - it's not what you pay but what you get for it. I have to believe that if you had the friendliest, most efficient service staff and the best-trained, most conscientious cooks in your market, you will do more business than if you threw together a collection of warm bodies.