TV shows portraying kitchens as a 'negative and aggressive' place to work has contributed to a labour shortage in the restaurant industry and is currently affecting Metro Vancouver.

One of the findings is that TV shows like to make the kitchen look like a hostile workplace, which is misleading and discouraging to operators. Often when you watch TV, you see people being yelled at, saying something negative and very aggressive, where this is usually not the case in reality.

Running a restaurant actually requires a lot of teamwork. Everyone has to work together to make sure you take care of all the people coming in.

Restaurant owners in Metro Vancouver would like to tell the stories that actually happen in the kitchen.

About 94% of restaurant operators are looking for chefs and cooks, and 76% of the operators want managers and dishwashers.  Those are the 3 positions most in need in the restaurant industry.

Wages are not the only challenge, as many restaurant employees are being paid $15 to $20 per hour.  People from 16 to 24 represent about 30% of the workforce, but there are more people retiring than people entering the workforce.

Restaurant owners would also like to see longer transit hours, and access to ride sharing, if possible. People need more opporunities  to travel early in the morning and late at night to get to their jobs.

The owners also need to work on benefits and scheduling. Let staff make an 'averaging agreement' so they work 10 hours for 4 days instead of 8 hours for 5 days. 3 days off is a nice opportunity to do something fun.  

Would you like to work your charm and creativity in a restaurant kitchen?

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