- Report: #300962
Complaint Review: Los Gatos Cafe - Los Gatos California
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Author Confirmed
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Los Gatos Cafe
340 N. Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos, 95131 California, U.S.A.
Phone:
408-354-4647
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Los Gatos Cafe Illeagal labor practices and hostile environment Los Gatos California
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I don't know if that's true BUT
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I don't know if that's true BUT
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I don't know if that's true BUT
*UPDATE Employee: Employee response
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: I don't know...
*UPDATE Employee: Rebuttal to half truths
*Author of original report: Please Understand
*Consumer Comment: We understand now
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Update
I am a customer who has been frequenting this establishment for years now. I am writing because I have become aware of some incidences in this restaurant that make me concerned both as a member of this community and as a consumer.
The events and circumstances I have witnessed have occurred at the Los Gatos Caf on Santa Cruz Ave, in Los Gatos, CA.
I have recently begun sitting at the counter now that I have gone back to work, and eat by myself more during the week. I assume the reason I never noticed much of what was going on before was because, until recently, I usually ate at a table talking with others.
The first incidence that I noticed happened a few months ago when I came in for breakfast on a busy Friday. I was sitting at the second counter seat from the window when I witnessed a female server ask one of the cooks for an order of sauce or some side.
The cook she was talking to was a heavy-set male. This man yelled "I don't have time for you!" and slammed a large kitchen knife on the pass out window dangerously close to this server's hand. She left the window area without whatever she was asking for, and as she left I heard that same cook say "stupid lady", referring to the server.
Needless to say, there was an awkward silence at the counter as most of the customers sitting there had witnessed the entire scene. I didn't know what to make of the incidence, but decided not to say anything, assuming it was an isolated, albeit startling, event.
Then a few weeks ago I came in for breakfast, and once again ate at the counter. I ordered my breakfast with toast, and when it arrived the toast was a bit burnt on the edges. It was not that big of an issue for me really, but when my server asked if there was anything else she could get for me I asked if I could get an order of toast that was not so well done, if it wasn't too much trouble.
Had I known there would have been any problems with returning the toast (or that the server would get in trouble) I would have never done it. However, my server was so polite, courteous, said it was "no problem at all,
' and she even said she thought the toast looked a little burnt too.
As my server went to the window to return the toast, I remembered the incidence with the knife a few weeks earlier, and I noticed that the same man was cooking. I watched the server politely ask for another order of wheat toast, and this cook responded by calling her a
"XXXXX" and completely ignored her request. I could hardly believe my ears. The server was not being rude to this cook in any way. I waited tables for years back in college, and although the job had its stresses, I have never seen women treated so badly just for trying to do their jobs.
A few more minutes pass and I witness my server make two more attempts to get the toast (while she was busy with many other tables) and her requests repeatedly went ignored. I felt so bad for putting the server through this, however the cook should not be allowed to act this way, making myself and the server feel uncomfortable.
At this point my server came back over to apologize and say that she had asked for the toast again and she that was still waiting for it. I told her not to worry about it at all, as I was done with my meal and full at this point. I thanked her and tipped her well because I felt sorry for her having to put up with the "XXXXX" remark from the cook because I sent back my toast.
I did ask my server if I had heard the cook correctly as I was leaving. I said, "Excuse me miss, but did he call you a "XXXXX" for asking to get that toast re-cooked?" She responded by saying something along the lines of "yeah, that's just how he is." I assume this server has never had another job to think that this behavior is something that she has to put up with. The way she shrugged it off seemed to imply that it was common practice.
I could not get the incidence out of my mind that day. It is very disturbing to see people who are working so hard be spoken to like that. I did ask to speak to the owner, Robert Morcate, (who is a well known member of this upscale community)when I was in the restaurant, but he had left to run some errands. I have been in other restaurants where the servers are downright rude to customers and cooks, yet they still do not get called names. However, the girls at LG Caf are so polite and professional. I have watched them interact with the cooks and these girls are incredibly respectful, professional, and hardworking. I would be just as upset if the servers were calling the cooks names. It is unacceptable coming from any direction.
I ate at the caf again and I kept my eyes open after the last two incidences. The problem seems to be coming mostly from this heavy-set Hispanic cook and the owner. On the days that neither one are there the servers do not seem to put up with so much verbal abuse. It is also much more comfortable from the customers perspective.
Sitting at the counter watching someone get yelled at can ruin your appetite, not to mention it is unprofessional.
The last and final time I went in to eat at the caf I once again witnessed abuse. I was sitting at the counter eating when I witnessed an older female server come up to the window and ask for something. This server has to be in her fifties and she was speaking to the cook very respectfully. In response to what she had asked him he called her a "stupid XXXXX" loud enough for her and many customers to hear. This was the third individual incidence of abuse I have witnessed by this man in just a few months. I was compelled to post this online because I only eat at this restaurant a couple times a week and I cannot imagine what goes on all of the time. In addition, complaints to the owner fall on deaf ears.
I have always received excellent service from from the (for some reason) all female waitstaff here. As a consumer, I appreciate the respectful and polite way I am always treated by these servers. It made me feel awful to think that while these women are working so hard and being so polite to me they are getting yelled at and called names right around the corner. I now realize that this perfect service is a result of a hostile and military style environment.
Out of concern for the staff I made some "small talk" with them. By doing this I have found out that many of the servers at the Los Gatos Cafe are not aware of the labor laws in California. I feel that the business owners are aware of this fact and take advantage of it.
California labor law requires that employees receive 30-minute breaks free of all duty. I found out that you offer your employees two free meals a day, but these are {on the job meals{ and if they choose not to eat, or eat quickly, they are expected to work right away. Whether or not your employee chooses to eat, they are legally entitled to thirty minutes for themselves to sit and relax, run to the drug store, read the newspaper in their car, etc. Just because they need a break to sit and rest for 30 minutes during an eight-hour shift does not mean that they "can't handle it" as the staff reports Robert Morcate saying to them.
Specifically the law states:
No employer shall employ any person for a work period of more than five (5) hours without a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that when a work period of not more than six (6) hours will complete the days work the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and the employee. Unless the employee is relieved of all duty during a 30-minute meal period, the meal period shall be considered an "on duty" meal period and counted as time worked. An "on duty" meal period shall be permitted only when the nature of the work prevents an employee from being relieved of all duty and when by written agreement between the parties an on-the-job paid meal period is agreed to. The written agreement shall state that the employee may, in writing, revoke the agreement at any time. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, 11040.
Robert Morcate is in clear violation
As a consumer and a citizen, I feel that it is my personal responsibility to speak up when I witness social and cultural injustice in my community.
My shock began when I witnessed the employees being called names in front of customers. One does not have to look very far below the surface to see that policy generally trickles down.
People who work in the service industry are generally non unionized employees who little to no benefits. It is legally fine to not give your employees health insurance, sick days, or benefits. Many businesses do not. However, you do have to obey the laws set by the California state labor board regarding break periods. These laws are the only "benefits" that many private sector service employees have left and you are ignoring them.
As a small business owner in our community Robert Morcate has a professional and ethical responsibility to make sure customers and employees do not have to put up with someone being called inappropriate names. He have a legal responsibility to obey laws regarding breaks in the state of California. When I find out that these practices have been remedied I will return as a customer. Until that time I will be eating in establishments that obey the California state labor laws.
Sunny123
san jose, California
U.S.A.
The events and circumstances I have witnessed have occurred at the Los Gatos Caf on Santa Cruz Ave, in Los Gatos, CA.
I have recently begun sitting at the counter now that I have gone back to work, and eat by myself more during the week. I assume the reason I never noticed much of what was going on before was because, until recently, I usually ate at a table talking with others.
The first incidence that I noticed happened a few months ago when I came in for breakfast on a busy Friday. I was sitting at the second counter seat from the window when I witnessed a female server ask one of the cooks for an order of sauce or some side.
The cook she was talking to was a heavy-set male. This man yelled "I don't have time for you!" and slammed a large kitchen knife on the pass out window dangerously close to this server's hand. She left the window area without whatever she was asking for, and as she left I heard that same cook say "stupid lady", referring to the server.
Needless to say, there was an awkward silence at the counter as most of the customers sitting there had witnessed the entire scene. I didn't know what to make of the incidence, but decided not to say anything, assuming it was an isolated, albeit startling, event.
Then a few weeks ago I came in for breakfast, and once again ate at the counter. I ordered my breakfast with toast, and when it arrived the toast was a bit burnt on the edges. It was not that big of an issue for me really, but when my server asked if there was anything else she could get for me I asked if I could get an order of toast that was not so well done, if it wasn't too much trouble.
Had I known there would have been any problems with returning the toast (or that the server would get in trouble) I would have never done it. However, my server was so polite, courteous, said it was "no problem at all,
' and she even said she thought the toast looked a little burnt too.
As my server went to the window to return the toast, I remembered the incidence with the knife a few weeks earlier, and I noticed that the same man was cooking. I watched the server politely ask for another order of wheat toast, and this cook responded by calling her a
"XXXXX" and completely ignored her request. I could hardly believe my ears. The server was not being rude to this cook in any way. I waited tables for years back in college, and although the job had its stresses, I have never seen women treated so badly just for trying to do their jobs.
A few more minutes pass and I witness my server make two more attempts to get the toast (while she was busy with many other tables) and her requests repeatedly went ignored. I felt so bad for putting the server through this, however the cook should not be allowed to act this way, making myself and the server feel uncomfortable.
At this point my server came back over to apologize and say that she had asked for the toast again and she that was still waiting for it. I told her not to worry about it at all, as I was done with my meal and full at this point. I thanked her and tipped her well because I felt sorry for her having to put up with the "XXXXX" remark from the cook because I sent back my toast.
I did ask my server if I had heard the cook correctly as I was leaving. I said, "Excuse me miss, but did he call you a "XXXXX" for asking to get that toast re-cooked?" She responded by saying something along the lines of "yeah, that's just how he is." I assume this server has never had another job to think that this behavior is something that she has to put up with. The way she shrugged it off seemed to imply that it was common practice.
I could not get the incidence out of my mind that day. It is very disturbing to see people who are working so hard be spoken to like that. I did ask to speak to the owner, Robert Morcate, (who is a well known member of this upscale community)when I was in the restaurant, but he had left to run some errands. I have been in other restaurants where the servers are downright rude to customers and cooks, yet they still do not get called names. However, the girls at LG Caf are so polite and professional. I have watched them interact with the cooks and these girls are incredibly respectful, professional, and hardworking. I would be just as upset if the servers were calling the cooks names. It is unacceptable coming from any direction.
I ate at the caf again and I kept my eyes open after the last two incidences. The problem seems to be coming mostly from this heavy-set Hispanic cook and the owner. On the days that neither one are there the servers do not seem to put up with so much verbal abuse. It is also much more comfortable from the customers perspective.
Sitting at the counter watching someone get yelled at can ruin your appetite, not to mention it is unprofessional.
The last and final time I went in to eat at the caf I once again witnessed abuse. I was sitting at the counter eating when I witnessed an older female server come up to the window and ask for something. This server has to be in her fifties and she was speaking to the cook very respectfully. In response to what she had asked him he called her a "stupid XXXXX" loud enough for her and many customers to hear. This was the third individual incidence of abuse I have witnessed by this man in just a few months. I was compelled to post this online because I only eat at this restaurant a couple times a week and I cannot imagine what goes on all of the time. In addition, complaints to the owner fall on deaf ears.
I have always received excellent service from from the (for some reason) all female waitstaff here. As a consumer, I appreciate the respectful and polite way I am always treated by these servers. It made me feel awful to think that while these women are working so hard and being so polite to me they are getting yelled at and called names right around the corner. I now realize that this perfect service is a result of a hostile and military style environment.
Out of concern for the staff I made some "small talk" with them. By doing this I have found out that many of the servers at the Los Gatos Cafe are not aware of the labor laws in California. I feel that the business owners are aware of this fact and take advantage of it.
California labor law requires that employees receive 30-minute breaks free of all duty. I found out that you offer your employees two free meals a day, but these are {on the job meals{ and if they choose not to eat, or eat quickly, they are expected to work right away. Whether or not your employee chooses to eat, they are legally entitled to thirty minutes for themselves to sit and relax, run to the drug store, read the newspaper in their car, etc. Just because they need a break to sit and rest for 30 minutes during an eight-hour shift does not mean that they "can't handle it" as the staff reports Robert Morcate saying to them.
Specifically the law states:
No employer shall employ any person for a work period of more than five (5) hours without a meal period of not less than 30 minutes, except that when a work period of not more than six (6) hours will complete the days work the meal period may be waived by mutual consent of the employer and the employee. Unless the employee is relieved of all duty during a 30-minute meal period, the meal period shall be considered an "on duty" meal period and counted as time worked. An "on duty" meal period shall be permitted only when the nature of the work prevents an employee from being relieved of all duty and when by written agreement between the parties an on-the-job paid meal period is agreed to. The written agreement shall state that the employee may, in writing, revoke the agreement at any time. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, 11040.
Robert Morcate is in clear violation
As a consumer and a citizen, I feel that it is my personal responsibility to speak up when I witness social and cultural injustice in my community.
My shock began when I witnessed the employees being called names in front of customers. One does not have to look very far below the surface to see that policy generally trickles down.
People who work in the service industry are generally non unionized employees who little to no benefits. It is legally fine to not give your employees health insurance, sick days, or benefits. Many businesses do not. However, you do have to obey the laws set by the California state labor board regarding break periods. These laws are the only "benefits" that many private sector service employees have left and you are ignoring them.
As a small business owner in our community Robert Morcate has a professional and ethical responsibility to make sure customers and employees do not have to put up with someone being called inappropriate names. He have a legal responsibility to obey laws regarding breaks in the state of California. When I find out that these practices have been remedied I will return as a customer. Until that time I will be eating in establishments that obey the California state labor laws.
Sunny123
san jose, California
U.S.A.
13 Updates & Rebuttals
sunny123
United States of AmericaUpdate
#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, April 16, 2010
I wrote the original report under sunny123 as both a former employee and as a customer witness. At the time I wrote this I was very angry, but I had not spoken to the owners about this However, the owners were willing to communicate with me and discuss the situation. The issues that the original report were written about either have been resolved or were not legitimate issues in the first place, and the situation turned out to be very different and not the same as I had stated. The owners of this company have acknowledged my concerns and have worked hard to rectify this situation. They were very concerned when they learned that I was upset.
John
Califon,New Jersey,
U.S.A.
We understand now
#3Consumer Comment
Sun, May 04, 2008
You are a liar. You write a report as if you are some alleged innocent customer but you are really a disgruntled employee. You can go find work elsewhere if you are unhappy as can anyone else who is allegedly unhappy. Your credibility is nil here.
Sam27
San Jose,California,
U.S.A.
Please Understand
#4Author of original report
Sat, May 03, 2008
The problem is this. My co-workers and I were ignoring the break laws because it was implied from my first day that this was standard policy in this restaurant. I have been in the industry for years and this is the only restaurant that blantantly disreagared the break laws and at the same time were so controlling over how the employees worked. They overlooked the legal uninterupted thirty minute breaks in lieu of two free meals a day. This served as a problem for the workers who showed up early in the morning and were not hungry for a sit down meal. They will work 8-10 hours strait, before the flow of customers would allow for a moment to stop working. I would sometimes order a meal when I was not hungry and just pick at it just to be able to be off of my feet for a few minutes. What really blew my mind was that if I threw some of my food out (after ordering just to get a break) the cooks and busboy would go through the garbage and take out the plate and reprimand me for wasting food. I felt like I was being treated like a child in a day-care center. This really burned me up inside when I was only ordering the food I didn't really want to get a chance to sit down, yet I was leagally entitled to an uninterupted thirty minute break, whether or not I ordered food. When the owner noticed that someone was near finished with their meal they were asked to get back to work even if they had only been sitting for 10 minutes. From my first day working at this restaurant I was warned by other employees that if you ever call in sick, show up late, or slack off in any way you will get your schedual cut down to an amount of hours that you cannot survive on. While my schedual was never cut, I saw it happen to others. I never saw employees so intimidated by their current situations. I had female co-workers complain of harrassment from other employees to me and often ask for advice. The final straw came when a female co-worker of mine who had been employed at this establishment for over three years (and she said she never called in sick once) told me that she was physically cornered in the closet and detained against her will for being 2 minutes late. I did not witness this particular event, but there is no doubt in my mind it happened. I do know that I would have been sinlged out by the owners and the other employees (ignorant to the law or not) would have given me a hard time. After I terminated my employement I found out that certain employees were being influenced to come in a half hour before their schedualed shift and were missing out on needed sleep, when they were entitled to an uninteruped break, free to leave the restaurant, duriing their shift. We would have to ask for special permission to run to the drugstore for ten minutes, for example. We should not have had to ask to run to the store as a special priviledge, it should have been something that we could have taken care of on our break no questions asked. The two free meals given to us by the owners usually took 10-15 minutes each to eat wich = about 30 minutes. They should have given us the 30 minutes whether or not we chose to eat. No more time would be lost and food would not be wasted by people ordering just to sit down. No one should be singled out because they need their leagally entitled time to themselves during the workday and do not want to eat during their break. If some employees really want to do a "wink-wink" look-away and skip the break style system should be between them and the supervisor. It should not be a blanket policy assuming that all people are ok with it when it is against the law. YOU SHOULD HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION TO SKIP A BREAK NOT TAKE A BREAK. I know alot of employees like to look the other way because the money was so good. Don't sell yourselves short. A lot of jobs pay really well and don't check to see that you ate all of the food on your plate and make you ask permission to leave the premisis during the workday. I will post an up-date if I hear of any policy changes.
Michelle
San Jose,California,
U.S.A.
Rebuttal to half truths
#5UPDATE Employee
Mon, March 10, 2008
The initial complaint filed by the alleged customer seems to be more suggestive of an ex employee, who never directly made comment to the owner's of Los Gatos Cafe. Had she been directly assertive, both Dean and Robert would have swiftly taken action as to the alleged inappropriate conduct by the "heavy set" cook. Further, it seems that this individual has intertwined grievances from other employers into the responsiblity of Los Gatos Cafe. I have worked for Los Gatos cafe for ten years. I have found the owners to be respectful to each employee. Whenever there has been a situation, I have observed that both owners take swift and appropriate action.The alleged customer/former employee sunny 123 never made any direct comment about this cook. If she had, immediate same day action would have occurred. Notwithstanding, she has added grievences from previous employers to this report. Altogether, this complaint is intertwined with a serious of half truths and lies. Regarding the breaks - two meals are provided to each employee at no cost (very uncommon in this industry) and each employee is given a morning break to eat their meal followed by a meal eaten at the end of their shift. Additonally, fellow servers cover each other additional time is needed.
Norcallover
San Jose,California,
U.S.A.
I don't know...
#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, February 07, 2008
I think the person above may be making assumptions. I have talked to employees first hand and know how they really feel. They're not all as happy as you think...
Cafe Employee
Los Gatos,California,
U.S.A.
Employee response
#7UPDATE Employee
Wed, February 06, 2008
I have been working at the Los Gatos Cafe for almost two years now, and I am shocked by the comments that have been made about the restaurant and its management. I have been very happy working for the Cafe owners since day 1. I have had no problems with any of the cooks, and have never felt taken advantage of or disrespected by any employees or owners. All of the employees from the Cafe enjoy their jobs, the professionalism displayed daily by the owners, and the successful business that they run. As the owners have always had an open and respectful line of communication with their employees, I would never hesitate to voice any concerns to them that I may have about my job. It is bothersome that someone would write something based on assumptions, that could affect not only a business, but the people that thrive from it. Signed, HAPPY EMPLOYEE
Mmm
Reno,Nevada,
U.S.A.
I don't know if that's true BUT
#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
I worked for Robert and Dean on and off for 12 years. I don't know who this cook is but I don't believe Robert would let that happen if he knew. The thing about Robert and Dean is they have alot of faith, loyalty and trust in thier hispanic employees. Example, I was a waitress with lots of physical problems, seizures etc.. yes I had seizures at work.They stood by me all the way and kept me employeed no mater what, I know it was hard on them. LOYALTY.We would get frustrated with each other, thats part of the business. I'm not saying cursing at someone is right, it never happened to me, I'm saying I think he has to haer it to believe it. As for the breaks , yes you can eat twice a day BUT as a waitress that half hopur break can be a 20$ loss in tips,add 2 10 minutes and your day isn't as happy. We didn't want that break! We ate as much as we wanted before and after. It's been a long time since I've worked there but maybe you should ask the workers what they want before you get someone on them. Maybe they like it that way.
Mmm
Reno,Nevada,
U.S.A.
I don't know if that's true BUT
#9UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
I worked for Robert and Dean on and off for 12 years. I don't know who this cook is but I don't believe Robert would let that happen if he knew. The thing about Robert and Dean is they have alot of faith, loyalty and trust in thier hispanic employees. Example, I was a waitress with lots of physical problems, seizures etc.. yes I had seizures at work.They stood by me all the way and kept me employeed no mater what, I know it was hard on them. LOYALTY.We would get frustrated with each other, thats part of the business. I'm not saying cursing at someone is right, it never happened to me, I'm saying I think he has to haer it to believe it. As for the breaks , yes you can eat twice a day BUT as a waitress that half hopur break can be a 20$ loss in tips,add 2 10 minutes and your day isn't as happy. We didn't want that break! We ate as much as we wanted before and after. It's been a long time since I've worked there but maybe you should ask the workers what they want before you get someone on them. Maybe they like it that way.
Mmm
Reno,Nevada,
U.S.A.
I don't know if that's true BUT
#10UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
I worked for Robert and Dean on and off for 12 years. I don't know who this cook is but I don't believe Robert would let that happen if he knew. The thing about Robert and Dean is they have alot of faith, loyalty and trust in thier hispanic employees. Example, I was a waitress with lots of physical problems, seizures etc.. yes I had seizures at work.They stood by me all the way and kept me employeed no mater what, I know it was hard on them. LOYALTY.We would get frustrated with each other, thats part of the business. I'm not saying cursing at someone is right, it never happened to me, I'm saying I think he has to haer it to believe it. As for the breaks , yes you can eat twice a day BUT as a waitress that half hopur break can be a 20$ loss in tips,add 2 10 minutes and your day isn't as happy. We didn't want that break! We ate as much as we wanted before and after. It's been a long time since I've worked there but maybe you should ask the workers what they want before you get someone on them. Maybe they like it that way.
Littlesuemc
Ukiah,California,
U.S.A.
I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
Hello, I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe for over four years. I started working there in 1993, and stayed until my first child was due in 1997. I have read your report and was quite shocked by it all. The cafe is a very busy small restaurant, and it can be very stressful. I was never called any name. Not by a cook or an owner. I found the owners to be very hard working people. In fact, Robert knows how hard the work is and used to give us a schedule of only four days per week. [We could always pick up an additional shift, if we wanted.] I have always found the Los Gatos Cafe owners to be very fair to me, as well as my customers. Honestly, I was surprised by this person's comments. I know the owners well, and have total respect for both persons. Granted, I have no explanation for the cook's response that this customer witnessed. The cafe is a busy restaurant. It gets extremely stressful trying to work in such a small space. I was also considering what this person wrote about taking breaks. I was always given my due breaks and lunch. I never witnessed any labor laws being broken. But if anyone has been a server before, we all just want to get "our side work " done and go home. I was never one to sit, eat and wait for time to pass....so I can finish my work. I no longer work, and have since moved away. But, if I was ever going back to work, as a server ..that would be my first choice of employment. No doubt. I have always had total respect for owners that work as hard as I do. In addition to the unlimited support they receive from their wives. Everyone was very supportive of me as a server, a very pregnant small person..and a friend. In fact, I still have friends that I've made from working the counter. Friends that I still talk to, friends that still are regular customers at the Cafe.. even after my 11 year departure. In fact, last summer I ran into an old customer of mine. We live three hours north of San Jose, and it's been 11 years since I've worked there. But this person recognized me, and stated how "he's still looking for a great breakfast..like the Cafe's." I found that entire response, a compliment towards me, as well as the cafe. In general, it's nice that this person wrote down how they felt and took the time and effort to do so. Plus, it's sweet for someone to be concerned about us servers. I can tell this person has been involved in Food Service, and his intentions are good. I'm sorry he had to witness this behavior. In closing, as a server I always found the restaurant to be busy, but ran well. I still miss my old customers, and miss doing the special board in the early hours! I hope this person goes back and gives the restaurant another try. I worked the opening 5:30 shift for four years, and remember all my old friends. I miss you all. Sincerely, Little Sue
Littlesuemc
Ukiah,California,
U.S.A.
I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
Hello, I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe for over four years. I started working there in 1993, and stayed until my first child was due in 1997. I have read your report and was quite shocked by it all. The cafe is a very busy small restaurant, and it can be very stressful. I was never called any name. Not by a cook or an owner. I found the owners to be very hard working people. In fact, Robert knows how hard the work is and used to give us a schedule of only four days per week. [We could always pick up an additional shift, if we wanted.] I have always found the Los Gatos Cafe owners to be very fair to me, as well as my customers. Honestly, I was surprised by this person's comments. I know the owners well, and have total respect for both persons. Granted, I have no explanation for the cook's response that this customer witnessed. The cafe is a busy restaurant. It gets extremely stressful trying to work in such a small space. I was also considering what this person wrote about taking breaks. I was always given my due breaks and lunch. I never witnessed any labor laws being broken. But if anyone has been a server before, we all just want to get "our side work " done and go home. I was never one to sit, eat and wait for time to pass....so I can finish my work. I no longer work, and have since moved away. But, if I was ever going back to work, as a server ..that would be my first choice of employment. No doubt. I have always had total respect for owners that work as hard as I do. In addition to the unlimited support they receive from their wives. Everyone was very supportive of me as a server, a very pregnant small person..and a friend. In fact, I still have friends that I've made from working the counter. Friends that I still talk to, friends that still are regular customers at the Cafe.. even after my 11 year departure. In fact, last summer I ran into an old customer of mine. We live three hours north of San Jose, and it's been 11 years since I've worked there. But this person recognized me, and stated how "he's still looking for a great breakfast..like the Cafe's." I found that entire response, a compliment towards me, as well as the cafe. In general, it's nice that this person wrote down how they felt and took the time and effort to do so. Plus, it's sweet for someone to be concerned about us servers. I can tell this person has been involved in Food Service, and his intentions are good. I'm sorry he had to witness this behavior. In closing, as a server I always found the restaurant to be busy, but ran well. I still miss my old customers, and miss doing the special board in the early hours! I hope this person goes back and gives the restaurant another try. I worked the opening 5:30 shift for four years, and remember all my old friends. I miss you all. Sincerely, Little Sue
Littlesuemc
Ukiah,California,
U.S.A.
I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
#13UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
Hello, I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe for over four years. I started working there in 1993, and stayed until my first child was due in 1997. I have read your report and was quite shocked by it all. The cafe is a very busy small restaurant, and it can be very stressful. I was never called any name. Not by a cook or an owner. I found the owners to be very hard working people. In fact, Robert knows how hard the work is and used to give us a schedule of only four days per week. [We could always pick up an additional shift, if we wanted.] I have always found the Los Gatos Cafe owners to be very fair to me, as well as my customers. Honestly, I was surprised by this person's comments. I know the owners well, and have total respect for both persons. Granted, I have no explanation for the cook's response that this customer witnessed. The cafe is a busy restaurant. It gets extremely stressful trying to work in such a small space. I was also considering what this person wrote about taking breaks. I was always given my due breaks and lunch. I never witnessed any labor laws being broken. But if anyone has been a server before, we all just want to get "our side work " done and go home. I was never one to sit, eat and wait for time to pass....so I can finish my work. I no longer work, and have since moved away. But, if I was ever going back to work, as a server ..that would be my first choice of employment. No doubt. I have always had total respect for owners that work as hard as I do. In addition to the unlimited support they receive from their wives. Everyone was very supportive of me as a server, a very pregnant small person..and a friend. In fact, I still have friends that I've made from working the counter. Friends that I still talk to, friends that still are regular customers at the Cafe.. even after my 11 year departure. In fact, last summer I ran into an old customer of mine. We live three hours north of San Jose, and it's been 11 years since I've worked there. But this person recognized me, and stated how "he's still looking for a great breakfast..like the Cafe's." I found that entire response, a compliment towards me, as well as the cafe. In general, it's nice that this person wrote down how they felt and took the time and effort to do so. Plus, it's sweet for someone to be concerned about us servers. I can tell this person has been involved in Food Service, and his intentions are good. I'm sorry he had to witness this behavior. In closing, as a server I always found the restaurant to be busy, but ran well. I still miss my old customers, and miss doing the special board in the early hours! I hope this person goes back and gives the restaurant another try. I worked the opening 5:30 shift for four years, and remember all my old friends. I miss you all. Sincerely, Little Sue
Littlesuemc
Ukiah,California,
U.S.A.
I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe..a happy server!!
#14UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, January 22, 2008
Hello, I was a server at the Los Gatos Cafe for over four years. I started working there in 1993, and stayed until my first child was due in 1997. I have read your report and was quite shocked by it all. The cafe is a very busy small restaurant, and it can be very stressful. I was never called any name. Not by a cook or an owner. I found the owners to be very hard working people. In fact, Robert knows how hard the work is and used to give us a schedule of only four days per week. [We could always pick up an additional shift, if we wanted.] I have always found the Los Gatos Cafe owners to be very fair to me, as well as my customers. Honestly, I was surprised by this person's comments. I know the owners well, and have total respect for both persons. Granted, I have no explanation for the cook's response that this customer witnessed. The cafe is a busy restaurant. It gets extremely stressful trying to work in such a small space. I was also considering what this person wrote about taking breaks. I was always given my due breaks and lunch. I never witnessed any labor laws being broken. But if anyone has been a server before, we all just want to get "our side work " done and go home. I was never one to sit, eat and wait for time to pass....so I can finish my work. I no longer work, and have since moved away. But, if I was ever going back to work, as a server ..that would be my first choice of employment. No doubt. I have always had total respect for owners that work as hard as I do. In addition to the unlimited support they receive from their wives. Everyone was very supportive of me as a server, a very pregnant small person..and a friend. In fact, I still have friends that I've made from working the counter. Friends that I still talk to, friends that still are regular customers at the Cafe.. even after my 11 year departure. In fact, last summer I ran into an old customer of mine. We live three hours north of San Jose, and it's been 11 years since I've worked there. But this person recognized me, and stated how "he's still looking for a great breakfast..like the Cafe's." I found that entire response, a compliment towards me, as well as the cafe. In general, it's nice that this person wrote down how they felt and took the time and effort to do so. Plus, it's sweet for someone to be concerned about us servers. I can tell this person has been involved in Food Service, and his intentions are good. I'm sorry he had to witness this behavior. In closing, as a server I always found the restaurant to be busy, but ran well. I still miss my old customers, and miss doing the special board in the early hours! I hope this person goes back and gives the restaurant another try. I worked the opening 5:30 shift for four years, and remember all my old friends. I miss you all. Sincerely, Little Sue
