Employment remains strong at Kamloops pub despite cook shortages in Lower Mainland

Oct 14, 2017 | 3:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — Restauraunt owners may be struggling to find cooking staff in Vancouver but that’s hardly the story iin Kamloops.

At least that’s according to one local pub.

“We definitely have a little turnover but I wouldn’t say it’s anything excessive,” said Fox’n Hounds Pub server Jasper Shepherd.

A recent Canadian Press article states the high cost of living in Vancouver along with long hours, low wages, and less millennials wanting to work in restaurants has contributed to a significant cook shortage in many Vancouver establishments.

Along with Kamloops rental and home ownership costs significantly lower than Vancouver, Shepard says Fox’n’Hound servers rarely work than more eight hours.

They pub also offers extended benefits to staff after six months of employment.

As for Vancouver’s lack of millennial staff, Shepherd says 50 per cent of cooks at their pub remain TRU students.

“Obviously the wages aren’t amazing but I think students realize they need to make money and don’t mind as much.”

Shepherd says the average starting wages for cooks is between $12 and $14.

Still, she agrees they could make more.

“Personally I would like to see higher wages for cooks because they work so hard.”