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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Chris Bousquet helped me every step of the way! 

He’s been very supportive and understanding.
I was contacted via LinkedIn by Chris, He took the time to understand my skills and experience. He was also very honest about the job. He is a true professional, and is dedicated to helping his clients find the perfect job!

Now I’m about to start a new journey and thanks to Chris for all his hard work.

Many Thanks,

Christine

It was a delight to work with Corina!

From the first phone call through the final acceptance offer Corina was a delight to work with.
She offered helpful tips along the way and made the process professional and very easy.
It was a delight to work with Corina!
Thank you!
Mary

Helen Nourai's expertise and professionalism was impeccable!

I would love to share my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work with, the one and only, Ms. Helen Nourai. During our discussion, I found our conversation to be insightful and impactful. I literally was taking notes as she and I were talking. She was thorough in her assessment of me and my endeavors, Helen Nourai's expertise and professionalism was impeccable; it was clear to me that she was a veteran at the services she provided.
Although Helen was a recruiter; I felt that she ALSO was an advocate for me, as well. It was truly a pleasure and a vibe to have an encounter with her. Words cannot express my gratitude for meeting her. I truly believe that she was God sent to me. Everything I expressed to her that I was looking for, she delivered, and more. I firmly believe that I have this opportunity because of her diligence.
Thank You,
Destiny W.

I am really happy with all of Alex Pomponio's assistance during my process

I admire her hard work on every step and each detail. She is an incredible recruiter and with her guidance and follow up after the interview, it made me feel so secure! Working with Alex has been an awesome opportunity!!!

I am really happy with the end results, getting hired!

Andrés M.

Hez Butler was truly amazing and wonderful in assisting me with my job search

I cannot speak highly enough about the outstanding service provided by Hez Butler and the team at Patrice & Associates. His dedication, professionalism, and genuine care made all the difference in finding a career that will help me provide a better life for my son and me.

Hez's ability to understand my needs and match me with the right opportunity was remarkable. His guidance and support throughout the process were invaluable, and his commitment to excellence is evident in every interaction. There isn't a better person for the role he plays in helping change people's lives. I wholeheartedly recommend Hez Butler and Patrice & Associates to anyone seeking a career change.    

Thank you once again for your incredible support.

 

Best regards,

John

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