BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Restaurateurs Beth Hussey and Emmele Herrold have not yet opened the doors to the anticipated, new Birmingham restaurant and market Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, but Eater Detroit reports that they are pushing for an end-of-October opening date. In the meantime, hiring has begun and the owners are in the hiring process and they hope to do things differently than many restaurants: put employees first.
"We're breaking the mold that is so typical in this industry," said Hussey, owner and operator at Hazel, Ravines and Downtown. "Working in restaurants typically means working long hours, late nights and on every holiday."
Located at 34977 Woodward Ave. Ste 100, Hazel, Ravines and Downtown earned its name from three neighborhoods that converge at this exact downtown Birmingham location. The women-owned establishment is focused on a come-as-you-are casual fine dining aesthetic. Though it's common for restaurant employees to spend 60 to 70 hours at work every week without having more than one day off at a time, the owners say that won't be the case at their brand-new restaurant.
"We're placing our employees' quality of life above all else," said Herrold, co-owner and executive chef.
Herrold and Hussey are taking an important step as they develop their HRD team.
"All salaried employees will be expected to work a 40-hour work week," said Hussey. "In the event that we need them for any hours beyond 40, they will be compensated."
Herrold added: "I truly believe any job can be completed in 40 hours a week."
By hiring additional staff and supporting their employees, Herrold and Hussey aim to make this model a new reality in the industry. They will cover the cost of insurance for all management personnel and likely offer it to employees.
"We're doing something unconventional in our industry; we are providing a work-life balance for our team," said Hussey.
To stay updated or inquire about job openings at HRD.Kitchen.