Here’s the unfortunate reality: Due to the pandemic, a lot of talented individuals around town lost their jobs. On top of that, some businesses had to shut their doors. Despite all this bleakness, there comes some persons who rise to the occasion and power through the current circumstances. Some even lift others up.
The last two sentences aptly describe the business landscape that 34-year-old Lourds Adalia-Evertse and 35-year-old Cristine Caringal-Melad are walking into. The two Filipina entrepreneurs are set to open the doors of Spice Grill – their new restaurant in Sharjah.
But this isn’t just any other up and coming culinary spot; their entire team is comprised of individuals who lost their jobs amidst Covid-19.
Speaking to ARN, the duo said the restaurant heavily leans on the philosophy of making a difference in the community. ‘We want to create a business for the people by providing jobs to those affected by the pandemic,’ Cristine said. ‘One of the earliest talking points we had was the question of how we can make a difference in the community,’ Lourds added.
Their restaurant was due to open earlier this year but due to Covid-19, they pushed it back to later this month. The time in between gave the two businesswomen a chance to ruminate. ‘We took the time to pause and reflect on how we want to do business and hire the right people,’ Cristine said. It also solidified their resolve to create a business that serves the community. ‘We felt it was our responsibility to the people to help them out during this trying time,’ she added.
To ensure the truthfulness of each candidate’s story, the duo screen each applicant’s documents and social media handles. They also prefer that applicants come to their store to apply. ‘When applicants come to the shop and we like their demeanour and profile, they get interviewed right away,’ Lourds said.
With this hiring style, Spice Grill is more than ready for their opening later this month. ’The restaurant is more than just a passion project for us, It is also a symbol of persistence and hope,’ the two best friends say in unison.
Asked about candidates that they were able to help the most, the entrepreneurs recounted the story of their current barista who lost her job of 12 years. ‘She received a competitive offer in Abu Dhabi but she instead signed with us,’ Lourds narrates. ‘When we asked her why she joined us, the woman said: “Because at my lowest, you were there. When I had lost all hope, you took me in.”
Source: Dubai 92
https://www.dubai92.com/blogs/feelgood/post/this-restaurant-is-hiring-uae-residents-who-lost-their-job/
