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Best Places to Work Honoree 2022

Organization Name: Good Friends Cafe
Address: 83 School Street, West Dennis, MA
Website: www.goodfriendscafe.com
Phone: (508) 760-2727
Contact Email: goodfriendscafe@gmail.com
Describe in detail the culture of the company and a recent experience supporting that.

Employees are good friends who enjoy each other’s company and love working together. Truly a wonderful work environment! The majority of the staff have been together for many years so we have a true family environment. We look out for each other, help each other, and support each other at work and outside of work as well.

Many of the staff members have become friends in and outside of work. It’s not unusual for a group to get together for ice cream or mini golf after a shift. We try to have entire staff get togethers at least a couple times a year with many fun outings (to Boston, on the Lobster Roll boat, clam bakes, other restaurants, etc) and parties (holiday party every year, Luau, Karaoke cookouts) hosted by Chrissy, the owner, at her house.

Has the company/organization offered rewards or incentives for great customer service or a positive employee attitude?
Each year, the staff receives year end bonuses as a show of gratitude for their hard work and care throughout the year.
Does the organization offer training for levels of advancement? Is there room for growth?
Yes. All staff has the opportunity for growth at Good Friends. Some have started as dishwashers in the kitchen and are now central cooks on the line and bakers. Others have started as bussers or cleaners and have become waitstaff and hosts. We really try to find the skills and talents of each person and lot them shine and grow in those areas. We provide servsafe training, allergen training, and cpr training for any staff members.
Does this organization promote from within, or hire outside when looking for employees?
Both, depending on the talent that’s needed. We are very particular when bringing in new employees. It’s very important that they got into the friendly, hard-working, and dedicated culture of Good Friends.
Provide an example of how this organization has recently gone above and beyond for an employee, team or client/customer.
Employees and owners often check in with patrons when they haven’t been seen in the restaurant to make sure that they are OK. It is not unusual for staff members to become close with our patrons, assisting them in their personal lives and becoming an extension of family. Recently, one of our longtime customers who had to move off cape to have living assistance from her family, let me know she was coming in for her 88th birthday all the way from Fall River. We prepared gifts, cards, got many of her favorite people all together, and sang to her. At the same time, same day, a large group gathered for breakfast after a memorial service for another one of our customers. These friends of hers wanted to come to Good Friends because we were her favorite place to be and they wanted to feel closer to her. Good Friends os so much more than a restaurant.
Communication is key, how effective is the organization at communication with their employees and/or client/customer? *

As Good Friends, there is good communication between owner and employees and organization and customers. We all communicate through group staff texts to share schedules, cover shifts, sharing event information, as well as info for the shift (ie a customer or staff members birthday or anniversary).

As the owner, I try to make myself open available for any and all conversations a staff member would like to have about menu suggestions, scheduling conflicts, work environment, or just sharing about their lives. Communicating in person face to face is our ideal.

In what ways does the organization give back to their community? Please provide an example.

Chrissy Carr, it’s always willing to help any community organization that is in need. I have witnessed countless times where her generosity is a marvel.

Whether donating gift certificates, raffle prizes, time, or providing space for groups to raise money, Good Friends is always generous with our community. Good Friends supports many youth sports organizations, as well as band groups, and other school fundraisers. Chrissy serves as President of the Chamber of Commerce and has held many community gatherings from local police functions (like Coffee with the Chief) and Crime Watch meetings, meetings with a state representative to discuss local happenings, to get togethers that promote other local businesses and community connections. Good Friends is also a sponsor for several road races that occur in Dennis. Good Friends is a sponsor and time volunteer for the Dennis Days fireworks every year in August. Good Friends is very committed to our community.

Are you actively hiring/recruiting outside your organization?
We are always open to meeting new people and talent.

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