Vent!

[rrplasencia]

Vent
Here’s the scenario. The restaurant I’m the chef at is in danger of closing, just wait it’s not that simple. The owners of the building have raised our rent by 66%, so from $15k to $25k a month. Our GM doesn’t know what he’s doing and running the place into the ground. Or is he? Turns out the owners of the building who have $$$$$$$$ want to open a restaurant and they want him to run it. He told me he would want me to stay on and revamp the menu with high end food which is my thing.

So here are my options.
1- Start looking for a job now which is not the best time to look for a job as a chef. May-August is usually the best time.
2- Go to the owners of the restaurant and tell them what’s going on. They fire the GM and we still get our rent raised and or close.
3- Eat my pride play nice with the GM, hope I can stay on as chef and hope he doesn’t run that place into the ground which is a possibility.
4- Explore other career options: Male escort, maybe adult web-site, personal chef (clothing optional), or move to ATL where my wife would make more and cost of living would be less and I could be a gentleman of leisure.

[md4958]

Male Escort

but if that doesnt work out i have always been of the mindset its better to look for a job while you have a job

That being said, I think option 3 while chitty, might be your best bet... cant imagine why you would wanna leave Miami for Atlanta??

[Mugen910]

Originally Posted by md4958

Male Escort

but if that doesnt work out i have always been of the mindset its better to look for a job while you have a job

That being said, I think option 3 while chitty, might be your best bet... cant imagine why you would wanna leave Miami for Atlanta??

Sometimes you have to look out for yourself.

It wouldn't hurt to play nice while looking for another job would it? I wouldn't trust your present GM though.

[hotreds]

You are indeed in a quandry, my friend! Certainly praying about this is a good option! If nothing is keeping you in Miami, perhaps a move to Atlanta is indicated. Also, looking for a new job while staying there is an option. So, option number three. No point in losing your job by going to the current owners and blabbing. They likely would get rid of you with no qualms if they had to, so why be loyal to them?!(This after my wife was just given her walking papers after busting her butt for 22 years at her current job!)

The above is stated without a thorough knowledge of the situation there. Certainly, a pow-wow with family should be at the top of the list of things to do.

¡Muy buena suerte, amigo!

[cbsmokin]

Keep your mouth shut. You have no proof of either event happening yet. Wait to see how things play out and in the mean time float your resume around in Miami and Atlanta. If the place doesn't close you will have a job. If it does close you will either lose a job or have an offer from both the current owners for another location or from the GM for the existing location.

Quite a quandary you are in. Pray about it and get advice from loved ones. Good luck!

[dunng]

You will have to decide for yourself... I personally would wait and see how it plays out.

[68TriShield]

If they are going to pay you during the revamp,I'd stay.

If the GM is that bad,they'll pick up on it.

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

If they are going to pay you during the revamp,I'd stay.

If the GM is that bad,they'll pick up on it.

[Volt]

A few things I see from your post:

1. If you question the GM and how he runs the business, why would you follow him anywhere?

2. If the building owners want the space back, they will get it. We have done that where I work. It's business and that's how things get done.

3. If you tell the current owners, can they move you to a different resturaunt? In other words, what does that gain you? Would you want to move?

4. Do y'all want to live in Atl? Might be the time if she has better possibilities there. As one of the largest cities in the South, more resturant possibilities for you?

[mosesbotbol]

I'd ask the owners their situation in keeping the place open. I would not offer information that the GM is doing a poor job or about other owners' prospective venture unless directly asked zbout your opinion/take on this. You do not want to put the GM under-the-bus, nor should you be evasive or lie to the owners.

If the owners have stated they are boarding up due to high rent, etc... Play the song and dance to the building owners and GM while looking for a new opportunity. Although there are optimal times for looking for work; jobs come and go all the time.

Unless you get something in writing from the building owners, your job is not secure at all. The GM could be just giving you lip service and his buddy is going to be head chef or the owners are planning on dumping the GM and are just keeping him through the transition.

You have to show loyalty to the ones paying your check, but also be mindful of who could be paying your check in due time.

Most of all, don't make waves and protect your future. An opportunity in hand is better than the one imagined later on.

[goalie204]

get gordon ramsey in there

[shilala]

It's a bit late, but I was going to suggest "do nothing". I'm a big fan of that one.
I used to employ the "do whatever the wife says" strategy quite a bit, too. It never worked very well despite the fact that it sounds brilliant.
Whatcha gonna do now, brother?
Are the owners gonna reopen somewhere?
You have to be pretty pissed. Appears that they've ruined a real nice thing you had going.

[MadAl]

In this economy and as you've it's not a good time to be out looking, play along quietly.

[sikk50]

Richard I have your solution!



In all seriousness, what type of restraunt is it? Are there anymore localy that may need your experience? And always remember that WHEN you get a job at another restraunt no matter how much or how little they are paying you, don't be proud, if the toilet needs cleaning or the small seemingly useless tasks need to be done that actualy help the operation jump in and them, that goes a long way when working with a new employer.

Richard I wish you the best of luck and will keep you and your family in my prayers through your rough patch

[Sailkat]

Originally Posted by rrplasencia

yep, restaurant closing. we tell the staff on tuesday.

Guess you kind of know what path you are starting to head down.

Remember, even though the job market isn't good....there are jobs out there. Good chefs are hard to find! Promote yourself.

Sounds like you have two good areas to look in Miami and Atlanta. Let everyone know you are looking......sometime doors open when you least expect it!

If you are planning on pursuing the personal chef -clothing optional option I would suggest sticking with S. FLA......climates warmer!!

Good luck! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

[chippewastud79]

Can't say I have any real direction for you, but best of luck with whatever you may choose

[rrplasencia]

To answer all.

The do what your wife says is still a good idea.
It was a nice local place, big portions, good prices.
It was my first of this kind, i've almost always done 4-5 diamond type places. Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Orientals those types of places.
And i've actually been to two of Gordon Ramseys places in London and they're a chefs dream.
Thought about exec chef at a really nice gentlemens club