Catty culture. Worse than high school (people are older so you'd expect better). Management constantly talks about staff behind their backs. If you're saying XXX about my co-worker, I wonder what you say about me?! Really unprofessional.
Terrible work life balance. They will work you to the bone here. And show no respect or gratitude if you work hard work. They harass you & guilt you, if you have other commitments like work or school.
Thinking for yourself or having ideas is strongly discouraged. They pretend to want ideas and feedback but they dismiss original thoughts and ideas.
If you're hard working, you need not apply. Only bros and hoes. If you're a bubbly airhead, you will do awesome here. They only need people to smile and do what they're told.
I agree with other reviewers, management have their "favorites" so if you're ON the list.. these people are allowed to make mistakes and do whatever they want. If you're a long time favorite, partners and senior management will put blinders on when they do your performance reviews. If you're NOT a favorite, god help you.. they will try to pin and blame all mistakes on you.
Very dysfunctional, hypocritical and hostile work environment. Bad temper everywhere, a lot of cursing, yelling and screaming. They expect you to take abuse. If you don't take the abuse, they'll say you're insubordinate. What's worse is that San Street acts like it's above it's competitors. "we're Zingermans, so we're better than any other restaurant". Lies! The kitchen culture is just like any other restaurant in town. Don't let them guilt you or fool you. They spout corporate values of respect and positivity--- literally right after tearing you a new one. I've worked at several retail establishments for a long time now (some local, some national) waitressing bussing and hosting and Zingermans has been the worst. All retail jobs have the same issues but I have never experienced the arrogance of the Zingermans culture.
The biggest offense is that supervisors ask you to do things that they do NOT do themselves. Hypocrites!! Supervisors show up late all the time and then yell at you if you are even a minute late. Managers are exhausted and irritable all the time but they'll yell at you if you don't smile even for a second.
