Greetings To All, I am filing this report, to warn anyone in America who is searching for a Culinary position as a Chef to practice caution if they run into an advertisement by a company called "Upper Crust Foodservice" out of Columbia, Missouri. They normally advertise on Craigslist but other venues as well. They have absolutely no sense of professionalism or compassion. They are cut throat to the core and do not respect a persons disabilities. I was interviewed via an extensive two part interview were I was grilled by a national corporate Chef/ Redneck Hick, Roy Debose, that included a demonstration of my culinary creativity via a Mystery basket. They took an eternity to process my application until they finally called me to offer me the position at a fixed salary as a Chef of a University of Arizona Greek Fraternity. During the interview process, I asked the Corporate Chef about the health and other benefits they offered and he responded with a list of benefits. All this way a total fabrication! to entice the prospect employee and I consider it false advertisement and or intentions. I as a middle aged adult suffer from a gastrointestinal ailment that comes and goes, but it would of not prevented me to comply with my duty. On a particular day I had to take the day off due to this condition and I notified my immediate supervisor that I need to take the day off due to illness. When I returned the following day, I was told by my supervisor in a disguised ultimatum that they could not put me on the pay roll and that I had to stay on the job if I wanted my position, per the Corporate Chef's orders. So I was working for free and they were of course in violation of federal labor and IRS laws, from what I understand. My supervisor out of pity, finally told me to take the week off until they could start paying me. When I called them to touch base and inquire on the status of my employment, my supervisor notified me that per the Corporate Chefs orders, Roy Debose, I was being demoted and offered an hourly cooks position. They continue giving me the run around every-time I call them per their instruction to see when I am going to start working.
I am currently BANKRUPT! I was counting on his position to survive and where I would of excelled with flying colors due to my 25 years of successful experience and professionalism. I am still waiting for theur reply, since I do need a job and I am in a desperate situation! But I continue searching for a new position constantly. So far I have sent my resume to at least 200 venues with only a couple of responses. I may be over qualified for this Tucson, Arizona market. A market where 90+% of the Restaurants hire undocumented aliens for half the cost of a seasoned professional like me, not to forget the current economic crisis we are living in, in the U.S.A. My advice to you! If you are searching for a position to use your culinary expertise, avoid Upper Crust Food Service! It is not worth the struggle or effort! Unless of course you want to be a slave in a Southern Style Cotton Plantation!? These companies flock to Arizona because of our "Right to work law" where working poor Americans are exploited and have no voice to defend themselves! All the Labor Lawyer/Shysters in this town only represent the employer! Your only option is EEOC, but by the time they investigate you could be living at the Salvation Army! or in your car! It is no wonder why our Beloved America's workforce is going to the dogs!