Caring Arkansas restaurant owner implements "heat wave hours" to help kitchen staff: 'I'd love to work for that person'

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This person shared a sign that they spotted, and were inspired to share it with others. 

Sign for a restaurant's “heat wave kitchen hours.”
Sign for a restaurant's “heat wave kitchen hours.” Photo via kingftheeyesores

It looks to be posted on the front door of the restaurant. It clearly states that they'll be turning off all the equipment to make hot foods: presumably any deep friers, microwaves, stovetops, and ovens will be included. 

A kitchen worker holds a tray of hot food on a summer day, as depicted by a model.
A kitchen worker holds a tray of hot food on a summer day, as depicted by a model. Photo via Getty Images

People had a lot of thoughts about the sign. It seems like a really nice idea! No doubt they’ll have a handful of Karen customers who aren’t keen about the lack of 4 PM waffles or whatever. But if I was a customer there, I’d find it heartwarming that they’re keeping their employees from overheating for no reason. 

And it’s not like that heat wave will last forever. The workers will be back to their usual food prep routines in no time. 

Chefs work in steaming hot kitchen environment, as models display. Photo via Joe Pregadio.


Here's what people thought about this sign and the policy at this establishment. 

lexi-cross

I_am_the_BEEF

watchyourmouthplease

Trashbagok

R-Dragon_Thunderzord

In a world that’s getting hotter with each passing year, maybe this should be a more widespread solution. 

The restaurant could advertise this as being an employee health benefit or something. If they can find a positive way to spin it, they’ll not only attract potential employees, but they’ll look more compassionate than their competitors. 

A chef cooks a hot meal, raising the temperatures in the kitchen, as a model demonstrates. Photo per Kateryna Hliznitsova.

Online at least, the reception to this policy has been well received! Though I'd be curious to know how customers and employees feel about it. One person discovered that the restaurant was located in Arkansas, where the heat and humidity combined can certain reach 3 digits in the summer. 

For example, maybe it's a good policy in theory, but it leaves front-of-house workers dealing with cranky Karens all day long. Or perhaps it drives away customers who want hot food, and are irritated they can't get it. 

But at the end of the day, a policy that protects workers seems like a positive one, and if the restaurant continues to do this year after year, it'll just become commonplace. 

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