I applied on Indeed and was asked to interview in person within hours. I was luckily able to go that night, as it seemed I’d have to miss my chance as the restaurant manager was going out of town the next day. I went and had two separate meetings that night with the owner first, and then the manager. They were so friendly and welcoming, however, the lack of communication between them was apparent. I was left waiting for a while between the two conversations and there were inconsistencies in what help they needed.
I left with an understanding that they thought I’d be fit for a lead position in the bar (red flag when you can’t promote a lead from within), and that I’d be able to supplement my hours in other departments.
The owner called the moment I got home that night, and stated I’d be a good all-around employee to be cross-trained for front desk, housekeeping, bartending, and serving (despite the fact that the restaurant manager said they had plenty of waitstaff). She offered that I start work the next day (this is within 12 hours of me applying).
I asked for time, and the next day I asked over email for a written job offer, to clarify that I’d be primarily bartending, and details about the uniform/appearance standards. The owner wouldn’t supply these things, and we went back and forth a few times before I just gave up. She even suggested at one point that I come back in for another interview to “discuss the options” (even though I’m commuting) and insisted I wouldn’t be given my primary job title until she could put me on the schedule. It’s also apparent that they make their weekly schedules the night before they start.
I eventually gave up because I don’t want to commit to commuting from La Grande when I’m not sure I’ll even be in a tipped position. To the owner’s credit, she did try to follow up, but it was clear that she thought the miscommunication between her and the manager was just my misunderstanding. Totally possible, but another red flag nonetheless.
Also I have to note that they both insisted that the commute from La Grande to Baker City would be too much, but also that finding housing in Baker City would be near impossible. I appreciated the honesty but it was just another reason to not work there, especially when they don’t offer compensation or assistance for commuting/relocating.
I also have to say that even though it was a Monday night, it was 6:30 and the fact that both the restaurant and bar were empty shows that the locals don’t go here. From word-of-mouth, the owner seems to have a pretty poor reputation in the community.