3% For The Crew
At Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza, we're more than just a restaurant; we're a family. Our commitment to treating our staff like family is at the heart of our success, and it's a philosophy that extends not only to our customers but also to the hardworking individuals behind the scenes—the kitchen staff.
In almost 30 years of serving the community, we at Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza have never faced a challenge quite like the one we're experiencing today. Those of us who weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic understand that the impact extends far beyond health concerns; it has also left an indelible mark on the labor market, especially within the restaurant industry.
Supporting the “Heart of the House”
We've always believed that our kitchen staff is the backbone of our operation. Their dedication, skill, and passion for crafting mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and delectable dishes have made Woody's a beloved dining destination.
The 3% Surcharge
Please be advised that we add a 3% surcharge to all checks. But let us be perfectly clear about this: every penny of that surcharge goes directly to our "Heart of the House" employees—the wonderful individuals who work tirelessly to bring you the delicious meals you love.
How This Affects Our Kitchen Staff
We are proud to say that this initiative has allowed us to make significant strides in supporting our kitchen staff, particularly during these challenging times. The surcharge has enabled us to increase kitchen staff wages by roughly 33% since before the pandemic, ensuring that they receive the compensation they truly deserve.
On average, this surcharge amounts to approximately $0.50 per person, a small contribution that makes a significant impact on the lives of our dedicated kitchen team members. We will happily remove this from your bill if you are unhappy with the food you receive.
The Unprecedented Challenge
Rising minimum wages and legislative changes, as well as increased menu prices, have been implemented with the best intentions, but they've had unintended consequences. While these changes have benefited tipped employees, such as servers, bussers, and bartenders, they've created complications when it comes to compensating our hardworking kitchen staff.
Tipping Regulations skips the Kitchen Staff
Complicated labor laws prohibit us from requiring waitstaff to "tip-out" the kitchen, despite the essential role our kitchen team plays in delivering exceptional dining experiences. This has created a disparity that we've long sought to address. Couple this with the broader economic issues like the lack of affordable housing in our area, the specter of inflation, and an unfortunate exodus of qualified cooks from the industry, and it becomes clear that staffing the kitchen has become a near-impossible challenge.
Join Us in Supporting Our Kitchen Heroes
At Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza, we've always believed that a strong, supportive, and appreciative family makes for a better dining experience for all. By adding this surcharge and increasing our kitchen staff's wages, we aim to ensure that every member of our team feels valued and empowered.
We invite you to join us in supporting our kitchen heroes, whose dedication and culinary expertise are at the heart of every dish we serve. When you dine at Woody's, you're not just enjoying a delicious meal; you're contributing to the well-being of the people who make it all possible.
Thank you for being a part of the Woody's family, where good food and great people come together to create unforgettable dining experiences. We look forward to continuing to serve you and our community with passion, commitment, and a whole lot of love.
