RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — “We have to have good people, we cook from scratch,” said Buz Grossberg, owner of Buz and Ned’s Real Barbecue.
Grossberg says it’s a decision they’ve been wrestling with for a while, whether to raise the company’s minimum wage. He says their restaurants require a lot of work and to keep up with the quality, they’re raising salaries from $8 to $12.50 an hour with mostly full time employees. They will also offer them health benefits and after a year of employment, paid vacation.
Grossberg says he’s hoping higher salaries and more benefits will attract passionate and productive workers.
“Many of our people work two jobs, sometimes three, just to pay their bills and that’s not a life that I think is good for anybody.
Grossberg says they’re not planning on raising prices on the menu, betting that customers will not only come in for the quality food, but the quality service too.
“Part of that value is the people who are doing what they’re doing to make that product for them,” said Grossberg.
“It’s awesome, I’m very happy with it. It gives me a chance to do something better with my life,” said employee Aaron Newman.
Newman, who makes sauces for the restaurant, says he’s already trying to recruit friends to work there.
“It shows us that he cares, he cares about hard work and he pays good money for good work,” said Newman.
“That’s what we’re gambling on, that’s what we’re hoping for, everybody come on out and prove us right,” said Grossberg.
The restaurant is hiring. A job fair will be held at its 8205 West Broad Street location on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
