John Hess, franchisee, is interviewed by the Baltimore Business Journal

Baltimore restaurant chains are looking for managers, and John Hess has opened an office to help get you that job.

Hess and his partner, Michael Feinberg, help match up restaurant managers and assistant managers with job openings in the area, and also help chains find the talent to fill managerial spots. Locally, Hess says there are about 20 foodservice jobs he’s scouting for in the $30,000 to $50,000 pay range. Below, you’ll find a Q&A I recently had with Hess about the restaurant hiring trends.

Which restaurants have the most openings?
 
 Zoe’s Kitchen, in Annapolis and [Washington] D.C. We feel really good about them. It’s a small chain, but they have big ambitions to grow. I think they will in Maryland, and other large cities, like north to Chicago.
 
Right now Panera Bread and Cracker Barrel are our largest clients. Panera has a lot of openings in Maryland. Applebees and Ruby Tuesday have openings.

 What do you find the right person for the right job?

We run ads on the internet, on our website and cold call to find great managers. The Patrice & Associates reputation of over 20 years brings a lot of people to our website.

 What do you see going on in the hiring part of the restaurant industry?

I’m optimistic there will always be restaurants. And they’re seeing sales come back. In the last year or so, some places that hired four managers maybe cut back to three or two. But now many of those restaurants are going back to their full complement of managers. Managing never stopped, restaurants just pulled back the reins and made do with less people. But sales seem to be increasing. That’s a good sign for the industry and the economy.

 About how many resumes and job applications do you get a day?

On an average day, it can be anywhere from 50 to 100. Somewhere in the 20 percent range are job seekers I can actually work with.

What advantages are there to working in foodservice versus other industries?
 
The biggest thing I see is that for someone without a college degree, you can advance and make a very nice salary. If you have a high school degree and want to be in the restaurant business, you can advance to manager, assistant manager, and make up to $100,000 without a college degree.

 What advice would you give for job seekers looking to get their foot in the managerial door?

I face that every day with good quality people who don’t have the experience. I think the best thing to do is start working somewhere. Get a job as a server, waiter, kitchen, and try to move up. Tell them you’re interested in doing more, by helping with marketing or promotions or ordering. Most places will let you do that. And stability. Stay somewhere for a while, learn where you are. Don’t just leave in six months. That’s the biggest thing I can offer somebody.

 Where do you focus on recruiting jobs?

 We recruit nationally. We did set up the office here in Baltimore because we live here. So we try to focus here in Maryland, but we spend as much time for Philadelphia, Florida, Virginia. Wherever the people and the jobs are taking us.

 What kinds of jobs do you recruit? 

All managerial, salaried jobs. Assistant manager, district managers. That’s the niche we have. We have 600 job openings across the country and about 100 clients that we work for.
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What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

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    Miguel Pulla

    Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!
  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

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    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!