High school students help QLD restaurant owner sort out staff shortages

In a bid to tackle current staffing shortage problems, the owner of a high-end Hastings St restaurant in Queensland has taken a unique recruitment approach: employing school students with little to no hospitality experience.

Rio Capurso, owner of Locale Italian restaurant said he had been searching for wait staff and chefs for six months. 

With no luck and seemingly no prospects, Capurso recently visited high schools in the area to recruit students interested in hospitality and now has staff aged from 15 to 65. 

“The kids at school were quite good, especially those who are doing hospitality,” he said.

“They want to make some money and really progress into this industry so it’s a win-win.

“They’re not experienced but with a little bit of training we can teach them to become professional. 

“We’re not going to find employees from interstate and there’s a lack of people on working holiday visas, so we need to get into these schools and give students opportunities. 

“I think people will be surprised what great talents they are.”

As of 17 December, people who are not fully vaccinated will not be permitted to enter restaurants, cafes and other venues in Queensland. 

“About 90 per cent of our staff were already fully vaccinated,” Mr Capurso said. 

“For me it was easier, but I have heard other places have had to stand down a few staff, which is not a nice thing to do especially right now.”

Capurso said the new rules will make it more difficult for restaurant owners, however he is prepared. 

“It will slow down the speed of the restaurant having to double check everyone’s green tick on their Covid app,” he said. 

Hospitality owners are urged to call police if issues with unvaccinated patrons present themselves.

Irit Jackson, 6^th December 2021