Bondi Icebergs turns to customers to combat staff shortages
Bondi Icebergs is attempting to fill positions through its customer email database.
The beachside restaurant is just one of many restaurants across the country that has been hit hard by staff shortages, with some owners taking overseas recruiting trips or changing staff incentive schemes to attract workers.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar customers were sent email asking if they wanted to work at the iconic Bondi establishment.
One attraction could be the lure of the many celebrities that have dined at the Italian restaurant including Mike Jagger, Oprah and Kristen Stewart.
The email included Iceberg’s world famous view and a subject line reading, “Work for us this summer on Bondi Beach.”
The restaurant is currently being renovated and is closed until September. However, it is still undertaking a recruitment drive for a restaurant manager, bar staff, experienced waiters, runners and reception and reservations staff.
Maurice Terzini who has spent the last 20 years running the restaurant has compared finding staff to scenes from The Hunger Games.
Terzini is not alone in his views.
Eddie Levy, Director of the Matteo Group which owns popular venues like Kittyhawk, Lobo and Matteo has said finding and retaining staff in Sydney is “nothing short of a nightmare.”
“Many of our long-standing employees left the country due to lack of help and support, this in turn created a huge shortage of skilled staff in our industry.
“While many Australian citizens that worked in hospitality were driven to alternative industries during Covid and have not returned.”
Levy has called on government to fast track more skilled workers into Australia and incentivise students to join the hospitality workforce.
Irit Jackson, 12th July 2022
