Consistency

I feel that it's very important for a customer to know what they are getting each and every time they visit the restaurant. So we pride ourselves on the consistency we deliver here at 518.

Many times when we think of consistency, it’s in terms of the food and the quality of ingredients that go into making each dish. But we also strive to maintain consistency in our staff and quality of service. The best way I know to do that is by retaining great employees. We’ve been lucky that so many good people have chosen to come to work with us over the years and we do a lot to make sure they want to stay around.

First and foremost we try and listen to our employees and what their needs are. We provide flexible scheduling so that college students can attend classes, those who have other jobs have the time to fit both jobs into their schedules, some folks travel with bands (some of them well known), and some servers just want a weekend off to go to the beach. Once given a set schedule servers are allowed to juggle and trade shifts as needed.

Listening to employees is another way for an employee to feel like they are contributing. The server is our direct link to our customers and through them we get immediate feedback. Many drink specials and weekly food specials have been created by just listening.

I joined 518 before it even opened in 1995. One of our bartenders and servers, Stephany, was here when we first opened the doors. She is still employed here and has since had 2 children and obtained her Masters degree in education from Meredith College. Rosa, our morning dishwasher has been at the restaurant since near the beginning. Our sous chef, Joey, has been here since 1997 and 2 other kitchen managers have been with us for 10 and 6 years respectively moving up through the ranks. Luis and Ian, our floor managers, are long time guys, starting as wait people, moving to bartending and then to management.

So as cliché as it seems to sound, yes we are a family, which means our customers see a familiar smiling face each time they walk through the door.

Blaine