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A local pizza joint in Fairport, Ohio, has gone viral after its owner revealed a generous perk for his employees on Labor Day.
At Rego’s Brickhouse Pizza, all staff have been given an even split of the entirety of Monday’s sales as a thank-you for their hard work.
Posting on Facebook using the shop’s company page Sunday, the owner of the store shared his plan and stated his eagerness to make sure his staff know how much they are valued.
“Tomorrow is Labor Day. What can I do to assure my employees feel respected and appreciated?” the post said.
As well as a national holiday, Labor Day is a celebration and tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers, both past and present, unionized and non-unionized.
“So tomorrow, this is what we're gonna do. We will be Open for Labor Day. All sales that come in tomorrow, Regos staff will split it evenly. No matter if it's credit or cash.”
Workers at Rego’s Brickhouse Pizza will already have access to the generous bonus, which was paid out at the end of yesterday evening. “At the end of the shift we will cash them out, thank them, and appreciate them. They work hard.”
Pizza store praised for generous staff rewards
It’s not just a one-off gesture from Rego’s, with the store also offering other tasty benefits to its staff. Unlike many other food and beverage establishments, workers can dine for free.
“While they are working they eat whatever they want for free,” the post said. “I know many corporate restaurants are 20-40 percent off while they are on the clock. Regos has 100 percent discount.
“Can you imagine trying to make money off of the very people that are working their tales off to keep your business running? I'm not that guy,” it continued.
The post, which subsequently went viral on Facebook, has cooked up a huge amount of praise for Rego’s owner and his employment practices.
“That's amazing!! You're a great boss!” one individual commented.
“What an incredible gesture!” wrote another. “Now that’s a lesson some of the other places could definitely learn from.”
One user even said they wish they worked at Rego’s. “You seem like a great boss!” he added.
Others emphasized how refreshing it was to see a workplace set on rewarding its employees.
“Such a wonderful way to show appreciation for your hardworking team!” one person said.
“We are driving from westlake to get your pizza. Thank you for taking care of your employees,” another commented.
Hospitality industry hit by Labor Day strike action
Elsewhere across the US on Labor Day weekend, over 10,000 hotel employees and members of the Unite Here union launched a strike after negotiations over new contracts with major hotel chains including Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, and Hyatt Hotels stalled.
The action involved workers at 24 different hotels across cities including San Francisco, San Diego, Honolulu, Boston, Seattle, and Greenwich, Connecticut.
Union staff are striking as they fight for more support from their employers, arguing they are increasingly asked to do more with fewer resources, causing issues with stress and fatigue.
Moreover, perhaps unlike those at Rego’s, workers in some locations are unhappy with their compensation. In Baltimore, hotel workers are pushing for an increase in their hourly wage from $16.20 to $20. Meanwhile, in Boston, workers who currently earn $28 an hour are seeking a $10 raise over the next four years.
Compensation is an ongoing flash point within the food and hospitality industry over 2024.
In April, a minimum wage hike came into effect in the state of California, pushing restaurant chains with over 60 nationwide locations including the likes of KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks to increase the minimum wage given to employees by 25%, up from the previous rate of $16 per hour. But the move has sparked debate after many employers laid off workers to balance higher labor costs.
According to a Wall Street Journal, pizza chains in California have been particularly affected. Pizza Hut, Round Table Pizza, and Southern California Pizza Co., for example, all made significant layoffs to delivery drivers in 2023 and 2024.
