server

hotel housekeeper

security guard

chef

porter

The Gathering Spot

At first, I enjoyed working at The Gathering Spot. It opened in the middle of June, and I was a part of the opening FOH crew. We were given plenty of hours, overtime and opportunities to work events. Events are important because the pay increases and gratuity is included along with the opportunity to still earn tips. However, there wasn't transparency in the workplace. We were told we were going to work multiple events a week during on-boarding and orientation. However, when they hired banquet staff members, we barely got to work events once a month. We were all new, including management, so I was patient in the beginning But, it wasn't changing. It also seemed at times there was favoritism because the same restaurant workers would get signed up for events. if your paycheck didn't have events, it would be the same pay as working at McDonald's because the members barely tip in the restaurant. In addition to the decrease in pay, the family style work structure can get messy. Everything is great when its good. I made a couple friends here. However, since it was a small work staff, gossip would spread like wildfire. It affected the energy and work culture. You can't even handle disagreements privately with HR without everyone finding out. SO UNPROFESSIONAL! The toxic work environment and lack of consistent pay is why I quit with no backup job. 

When I first started at TGS, it was definitely a fun environment to be in, but that was only because the lack of professionalism and organization within the company. I was excited to bring my skills and professionalism to a place that truly had no desire for it, which is when I learned I could scale back. It might sound convenient to have to work less hard, but I found the lack of structure within the company frustrating. As the months went on and huge internal changes started to occur, I knew this was a place I didn't want to grow in. Communication between management and the team was lackluster. I would find out about important news via my fellow employees. Management does what they want. Microaggressions and favoritism from leads, made it a less than favorable place to be apart of. The upside are the members and great relationships formed with them. They truly keep you coming back but beyond that, I would choose not to be there. Truly a company with so much potential, hopefully they find their groove.

From hearing about this concept, I thought it was going to be a great place to work. I worked at this establishment when they first opened and stayed a while hoping that the management would grow with the business and create more structure; however after more than 6 months from opening, there was no change. Management is all over the place (usually intoxicated by mid-dinner shifts). They don't really know what is going on or want to take the good shifts knowing when there is money to be made and take it away from other staff. The owners of the spot are nice and seem to care about the staff but are overgrown children and act like it when they don't get there way. The compensation was terrible and not reliant since there are a lot of banquet and event pay solely based on tips and not hourly. Not worth your time and energy to even deal with it.

I worked in the kitchen at The Gathering Spot for about 5 months. Overall, it’s just not a well run business. There is an enormous turnover rate. I went through 3 chefs in a 5 month period. When you put in a two week notice they won’t let you honor it. They either drastically reduce your hours or take you off the schedule completely before your two weeks is up. Their HR is literally one person and it’s so hard to get in contact with her because she’s remote. I had a lot of issues with insurance and it took days to get a response or update from her. It’s just really an unpleasant place to work. I never felt valued as an employee. If anything upper management made me feel like I was beneath them. I definitely wouldn’t recommend working here unless they change how they treat their hourly staff.

Great concept but horrible leadership. Work/life balance is not appreciated here. They don’t give into their staff as much as the staff gives into the company. Upper management (CEO &CFO) is extremely condescending towards staff members. There isn't also much very much room for growth beyond the roles. There’s a strong culture of micromanagement. Before you decide to leave this company, make sure you use all your PTO. They do not pay out unused PTO. HR is a joke. They don’t help resolve issues within the company.  if you have an issue with CFO/CEO , you will lose your job. Brown-nosing seems to get you very far in this company.

The Gathering Spot is an amazing place to work if you are a driven, ambitious, and creative person. It's a new company, so there is still a lot of room to make a big impact. Leadership doesn't confine you to "stay in your lane" and you are often encouraged to think outside of the box. It might not be for everyone to work here, because it is a small team and expectations are high. But if you are looking to work with other highly motivated people, help build a company and you are willing to do doing the work that it takes to stand out, this place is for you. 

It was a start up for 2 young men with the help of daddy’s money. Two very bright smart men one a lawyer from Georgetown and the other a business major from Georgetown. Not a whole lot of real world experience. They were learning on the fly. There were a lot of frustrating moments. Young men acting like children so there were a lot of growing pains. They made it work so kudos to them. They even have additional locations opening. They don’t give F&B the respect the deserve. 

It’s really unfortunate that this has been the worst experience of my professional career. The leadership starting with the CEO’s have no idea what they’re doing. They’re two tech guys who jumped into hospitality without even knowing the basics. Communication is almost non existent and any attempts to bring anything up to industry standards is met with resistance. Honestly, have never had such a horrible experience from a corporation. The people, however, are the shining jewel. Great members, great connections, and good food. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
The environment surrounded with good people 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
When it get busy and you may have to set up a room in 5 minutes 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Peaceful and chill plus I loved the atmosphere gotta chance to meet a few good people

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day for me was always positive

I really liked working here. There is always a lot going on and you get to see anyone from the President of the United States to your favorite artists. It is a cool place to grow and I enjoyed my time. Management and ownership care about you and I felt like I had the chance to grow. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Server 3 salaries reported	$12.50 per hour
Hotel housekeeper 3 salaries reported	$13.67 per hour
Security guard 1 salary reported	$13.00 per hour
Chef 2 salaries reported	$68,259 per year
Porter 1 salary reported	$11.00 per hour

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