The Great Hall
Need for Temp Help Agencies?


WebFoodPros.com: The Great Hall: Need for Temp Help Agencies?

By George (George) on Wednesday, September 13, 2000 - 11:55 am: Edit

Moved from Work Ethic Thread

By Rubble (Rubble) on Wednesday, September 13, 2000 - 11:31 am: Edit

I'm curious...

Although I try to limit the usage, I sometimes have to call in temp help to perform office chores in order to stay on track. Are there agencies where you can hire temporary food service help? If not, wouldanyone see a value in this?

By Yankee on Wednesday, September 13, 2000 - 02:06 pm: Edit

We have a group out here in the Bay Area that supplies minimum wage temp help for food service. My friend, who works at a large bakeshop that supplies a grocery chain, uses them all the time for simple tasks -- such as sheeting cookies -- when massive orders are needed.

These folks are disabled in one way or another. They arrive ready to go with a "coach" to keep them focused. My friend says they basically kick ass. They are so happy to be there and be working.

If you want, I'll try and find the name of the group for you.

By Rubble (Rubble) on Wednesday, September 13, 2000 - 03:58 pm: Edit

Thanks Yankee! I'm not actually looking for a temp agency -- I was curious to know if foodservice employers would be interested in utilizing temp help. In the past, we have discussed how some culinary schools don't provide field experience as part of the curriculum. I was justtoying with the idea of a temp agency staffed with mostly culinary students. If done right, it would be cost-effective for the client as well as provide experience to the student.

Just an idea...

By Yankee on Thursday, September 14, 2000 - 02:15 am: Edit

Well, a couple of thoughts on the idea:

Most catering companies run with a large pool of experienced FOH and BOH folks who come and go with the work load. Most of the caterers I have worked with avoid students, as they are usually too needy or flakey to deal with.

I got sent "out into reality" for six months while I was at the CIA. But, you are right, most schools only require a month long externship at the end of the program.

We also had a great job board at school for temp gigs in the area. It was a great way to pick up cash while in school. Problem is, you are bringing in students, who often have not a clue when it comes to working by their tails in a less than perfect or unsupervised environment.

I'm sure it would work, but in my sardonic opinion, the liability insurance would be a killer. :)


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