Chefs and Restaurants

Restaurant Workers Explain Why They Are Reluctant to Return to Work

As general manager of Bar Tonique in New Orleans, Mark Schettler never struggled to find staff. Full-time bartenders at Tonique make $40,000 to $50,000 a year working three days a week; they also get healthcare coverage, a 401K, and paid time off. The bar doesn’t allow clopeners or doubles, and since October, it has guaranteed tipped workers a minimum $20 an hour. Schettler also worked last year with Tulane University to develop COVID...