Videos for Effective Hiring and Retention in Restaurants

Winning the War for Talent

To secure and retain top talent in your organization, review these specific tips for successful candidate attraction. Gecko Hospitality is pleased to offer this video to our clients and candidates and is a part of the Gecko Hospitality search process. Our franchise partners and recruiters are always available as a resource to you.

Client Interview Prep

This video provides quick tips for hiring managers to ensure an effective candidate interview. Gecko Hospitality is pleased to offer this video to our clients and candidates and is a part of the Gecko Hospitality search process. Our franchise partners and recruiters are always available as a resource to you.

Onboarding Successful Candidates

To secure and retain top talent in your organization, review these specific tips for successful candidate onboarding. Gecko Hospitality is pleased to offer this video to our clients and candidates and is a part of the Gecko Hospitality search process. Our franchise partners and recruiters are always available as a resource to you.

Employers

Discover a better way to recruit for restaurant execs and management.

Request a Manager

View Talent

Testimonials

Joan Koelbel has been a pleasure to work with and will be an asset to any company looking to find that perfect candidate for their company. Joan’s recent services in placing Don Baruch as our Vice President of Franchise Relations has been invaluable.

Joan took the effort to understand our needs, refining our job description, narrowing down the potential candidates, providing competitive analysis for similar positions and ultimately helping us choose and secure the best person for the job. Joan’s communications are prompt, thorough and always professional.
I would recommend Joan to help you find the right candidate for any position. Her perspective and people skills provide understanding of your needs as the best reason to utilize her skills.

Joan, I look forward to working with you again on all our search needs!

Joe Essa – Fransmart

Thanks for your dedication and response…I had a great experience with your company and I will recommend you to anyone in the search!

Aaron Engholm

Aaron Engholm

Dear Gecko Hospitality,
I am writing to confirm our experience of working with Gecko Hospitality and team in the recent search and placement of an Executive Chef for Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement
Conununity, Inc. I obtained your contact information from a former Arbor Acres Board of Director member who is also a successful restaurant owner/operator in Winston Salem. We frankly were not making progress in our search until I spoke with you.
After discussing our position and compensation range, you provided me with several very strong candidates. As you recall, we decided to take our time and find the right candidate. I am happy to report that on Monday of this week, our new Executive Chef started his employment. He has been interacting with both residents and staff this week and he is exactly who we had hoped to recruit. I very much appreciate the way you approached our search and the frequent conversations we had. You took great effort to understand who we were looking for and what we were attempting to accomplish. We truly could not be more pleased with the way you managed the entire process.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Boyles

Vice President/Chief Operating Officer

Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community

Kenneth Boyles

We would like to recommend Gecko Hospitality! We were opening our G58 fine dining restaurant and needed a resource to attract top management talent. We contacted Gecko Hospitality and they shared a tremendous amount of information. They gave us references on resources to help with formalizing the interview process and making valuable recommendations. We received quality candidates very quickly! We worked through the process of interviews and in a few weeks we identified our Senior Service Manager. We are very pleased with the professionalism of the Gecko Hospitality team.

Julia Li

We approached Gecko Hospitality more than a year ago with some very specific hiring needs. Joan and her staff listened to our requirements and has been able to send us some highly qualified candidates. I appreciate the thorough job of vetting the candidates to make sure we only see individuals that meet our hiring needs. Everyone that I have dealt with at Gecko Hospitality has been professional and extremely helpful. We are very satisfied with the relationship and job performance of Gecko Hospitality.

Thank You,

Drew T.

McAnderson’s Inc. dba McDonald’s

We enjoy using Gecko Hospitality’s recruiting services. As we grow and add more brands to our portfolio it is always good to reach out to Gecko Hospitality and gather viable management candidates. They do a great job providing us with talented management on an on-going basis but also helped when we opened our new casual fine restaurant “The Cellar.”

Rob Duckworth

We would like to recommend Gecko Hospitality as a excellent recruiting partner. We approached the Gecko office with the task of finding an Operating Partner to develop our new Poke Bar concept. We discussed the details with the Gecko recruiter. Their depth of knowledge in operations and the market helped in making valuable suggestions. We were very pleased that in a period of 4 weeks that we identified a candidate, extended an offer and secured the opening! We plan on calling Gecko Hospitality as we open more locations! Thank you!

Matt Calamari

We were searching for a kitchen manager candidate and the normal job sites weren’t doing the trick. We were spending hundreds of dollars a week and couldn’t find any candidates worthy of interviewing. That’s when we decided to reach out to Gecko Hospitality. Joan from Gecko immediately made us feel comfortable. She was knowledgeable about the industry and knew the right candidates to call. Gecko’s prescreening interview saved us a ton of time, too. Joan was able to find us the right candidate, very quickly and we made the hire. The process was stress-free. I am very confident we made the right decision. We will use Gecko Hospitality again and recommend them to anyone looking for staffing solutions.

Rodrigo Velazco

Pairing up with Gecko to fulfill our staffing has been extremely advantageous, not only for our management team but also for the high caliber candidates that we have been presented with. The professionalism in which they work combined with amazing responsiveness created a strong foundation and business partnership.

Aaron Campos

It’s been great working with Gecko Hospitality. They made sure to thoroughly educate themselves on our company culture before seeking out candidates for us, and since, their communication and follow-up has been impeccable from candidate introduction to selection process scheduling. They’ve matched us with some great candidates that wouldn’t have discovered us through our own ads, and many are succeeding in their current roles. We look forward to our continuing partnership with Gecko Hospitality.

Thomas Self – Tutta Bella

Gecko Hospitality has been a huge asset to us in our hiring needs. Our company has been experiencing a huge influx of growth, and Gecko Hospitality is always quick to provide new candidates, and are always there for us for anything we need. The candidates they send are professional, qualified, and are exactly who we are looking for. We look forward to our continued partnership with Gecko and to receiving more of their referred talents.

Tanya Scannelli – Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Gecko Hospitality on several job searches as well as a candidate. Gecko demonstrated the highest degree of integrity, kindness, skill, insight, and perseverance. The Gecko Team is friendly and professional keeps the interest of its clients at heart. I highly recommend Gecko if you are looking for top quality talent or seeking career development.

Evelyn Scalora – Tin Pot Creamery

I wanted to write a quick thank you for all of your hard work in presenting us with magnificent candidates. As you know, Gecko Hospitality is a new partner with Hard Rock but we are already seeing great results in the candidates you are providing us.
Your communication and screening of candidates to match our needs are working.
Keep up all of the great work.

Kim Creighton – Hard Rock Cafe International

Since 2014 I have had the pleasure of working with Gecko Hospitality. At the time our collaboration began, Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop maintained 4 existing establishments in the Los Angeles and Orange County Markets. With expansive growth on the horizon, Greenleaf partnered with Gecko to recruit key candidates to build our restaurant leadership team. Over the years, Gecko has placed General Managers, Managers, and Chefs within the Greenleaf Organization, helping to support our growth to 9 locations. Each time we were presented with talented candidates who matched our specific criteria and needs. Gecko’s personalized services seek to know and understand your business to ensure that all candidates presented will be a true fit within the organization. Please accept this letter and my personal and professional endorsement of Gecko Hospitality and the services they provide.

Stephanie Siegal – Director of Human Resources, Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop

I just wanted to say thanks to you and your staff for your strong level of commitment and your willingness to work with Bakers Square in resolving our management openings.
For the past three years you have provided our Company with management candidates who are experienced in the restaurant industry and who display a high level of professionalism.
My regional managers have commented on the quality of your management referrals and they have collectivity chosen Gecko as their agency of choice for identifying and hiring the best management candidates.
Again, thanks for your help and I look forward to many more years of working together.

Calvin Overton – Bakers Square

Gecko Hospitality has worked with us at Yard House for 5 years. In that time we have used them in all of our markets. Gecko has shown great ability in understanding the type of candidate we look for and their candidates are always prepared for our process. They have also shown great flexibility and determination in finding “diamonds in the rough”. Its their performance on that level that gives us confidence in using Gecko wherever we may need Managers.

Adam Starbird – Yard House Restaurants

I want to thank you for all of your assistance this year with attracting high quality talent for our unique concept. I especially appreciate your recruiting efforts in tough markets. You are first on my list to call regarding new openings.
Gecko Hospitality is one of the very few agencies I work with to place managers at GameWorks. Your firm is a true asset.
You and your team have very high standards and integrity.
I look forward to working with you and your team in the future.

Mindy Robbins – Sega GameWorks LLC

Victoria is an excellent recruiter to hire when in need of restaurant managers. I recently asked Victoria for help in a very tough to hire region and she provided me with great candidates, one of whom we recently hired. What I appreciated most about working with Victoria was she took time to select candidates that met our requirements for the position we were looking to fill. She is also an excellent communicator and always kept me aware of the candidate’s she was submitting for consideration.
I highly recommend Victoria for any restaurant concept that is looking for additional recruiting support. She is trustworthy and very reliable and a pleasure to work with.

Kimberly Moore – California Pizza Kitchen

Kevin Kalstad was prompt and professional. Our new General Manager is a perfect fit. We look forward to enlisting the help of Gecko Hospitality as we continue to grow. Cheers, Kevin!

Christian Ettinger – Hopworks Urban Brewery

I would like to thank you and your staff for the hard work put forward in presenting qualified candidates to me in staffing Cracker Barrel Restaurants. Your recruiters’ diligence as well as follow-up to details are second to none. All of your recruiters are very cordial and I enjoy working with them. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with yourself and Gecko Hospitality. Keep up the good work.

Tony Walker – Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

I have worked with Gecko Hospitality for approximately 5 years and in that time they have displayed nothing less than professionalism, integrity and hard work. They have come through for us on multiple occasions in bringing solid candidates to fit our needs. Gecko Hospitality has done an excellent, consistent job over the years and their dedication, determination and follow-up are exemplary. We have had a great working relationship that I hope will continue for many, many years.

Christina Driggers – Real Mex Restaurants, Inc.

It has been a pleasure working with Larry Friedkin from Gecko Hospitality – it is obvious how deeply he cares about his profession and helping to link candidates to find their best possible next career. Larry has certainly done his research in understanding our company’s needs and interests, and presents timely candidates who often work out and end up being great additions to our bakery-cafes. He is quick to respond, be it setting up interviews, reviewing interview feedback and/or making sure each candidate is treated with respect, dignity, care and timeliness. Larry is conscientious, dedicated and interested to work with us to find the best possible candidates and managers. Our partnership continues to be enjoyable and a success.

Julie Epstein – Lemek LLC, dba Panera Bread

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff at Gecko Hospitality for the wonderful service you provide to Bravo! Development, Inc. In today’s market, seeking the best hospitality candidates can be a complicated task. With the timely and precise help of Gecko, Bravo! Development has been able to fill several key positions with extraordinary candidates.
Thank you again for providing the exemplary service I have come to expect from your company. Bravo! Development looks forward to a continued partnership with Gecko Hospitality.

Lynn Ginsburg – Bravo! Development, Inc

It is with pleasure that I recommend the Gecko Hospitality organization. I wanted to say a special ‘thank you’ to Joan Koelbel who helped us with the recruiting efforts during a critical time of expansion process of our restaurants. We spent time discussion the particular qualities and the critical attributes that this person must possess in order to help propel our brand. Immediately, she was able to set up meetings and interviews with qualified candidates. We worked together on the recruiting process and she was timely and very professional. I would highly recommend working with Joan or the Gecko Hospitality organization again!

Joanne Kohn – The Local Taco

I just wanted to say thank Tom Bull and his team for helping us fulfill the Market Chef position for Washington, DC. I’m truly appreciative of his support along with the quick response from his team and most importantly identifying the ‘right fit’ candidate for us. We are very excited to get our new Market Chef started in DC.

Beth Czaykowski – Native Foods Café

In today’s competitive labor market, developing relationships with quality vendors is one of the keys to success. Working with ethical, talented individuals outside as well as inside a company is necessary in order for an organization to maximize its potential. At Ryan’s, we are selective in the companies that represent our brand.
I’m happy to say that Gecko Hospitality assists us in meeting our management staffing needs.
The staff at Gecko continues to earn our trust by accurately portraying Ryan’s to applicants. They are diligent, honest and perceptive in executing our job orders. Most importantly, they present fine quality candidates to us that meet and exceed our hiring criteria. Like Ryan’s, they have built a successful business by treating people right. That is a business strategy that will never go out of style!
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding our satisfaction with Gecko Hospitality.

Tom Schapp – Ryan's Family Steak House, Inc.

When I joined the Krystal Company in September 2009, Sterling Smith was the first Recruiter that contacted me to establish a partnership. Sterling and I spent time on the phone week after week discussing candidates and their backgrounds so that he could get a best understanding of the Krystal culture and present the candidates that were the ideal fit for our various markets.
Due to his dedication, persistence and ability to make the connection between candidate and company, I am very proud of the fact that my first placement with my new company came from Sterling!
Any company that decides to partner up with Sterling and Gecko Hospitality is considered lucky in my book; he’s proven to me to be the ideal extension of our recruiting efforts!

Michelle L. Denius – The Krystal Company

In the past two years, Apple Gold has developed a strong recruiting relationship with Gecko Hospitality. They have done an exceptional job helping us successfully hire both Restaurant Managers and Area Directors.
Before sending potential candidates to us Gecko does an outstanding job of screening candidates ensuring we can make a good fit and create a beneficial match for both parties. During the time we have worked together the Gecko recruiters have demonstrated strong knowledge of the casual dining industry as well as a comprehensive understanding of our needs.
Overall, we immensely value our relationship with Gecko Hospitality and recommend them to other organizations.

Tina Musselwhite – Apple Gold Inc.

Robert,
This is a letter of recommendation for Gecko Hospitality. Gecko Hospitality has played a vital role in Houlihan’s success over the years with its support of our management staffing and recruiting. Whether it is through open houses, career fairs, or direct staffing Gecko hospitality has always been there to provide the support that we need.
One of the areas that I feel is so important not only in the Hospitality field but in all fields is customer service. The people at Gecko Hospitality are what I like to consider ‘Leaders in our Industry.’ They truly understand what it takes to get the job done, but do it in a professional yet personable manner.
Thank-you very much for many years of partnership and success and I look forward to many more years of continual success and friendship.

Thuan Nguyen – Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc.

I have used Robert Krzak’s services for years. He listens well to a client’s needs and delivers on them. Robert has great follow up and follow through. He has excellent resources and an extensive network. Robert is a pleasure to work with.

Stuart Paster – Ruby's Diner

Over the past 8 months, Kevin and I have worked together on my staffing needs for my team with P.F. Chang’s. Kevin took the time to find out what my needs and expectations are and only sends me the highest quality of management applicants.
While I don’t know Kevin Kalstad on a personal level, I know he has done his research and is clearly aware of my ‘likes and dislikes. As a recruiter, this is a great way to do business and create long lasting professional relationships.
Thanks Kevin!

Michael Wang – PF Chang's China Bistro

Kevin Kalstad with Gecko Hospitality took all of the leg work out of identifying and pre-screening any potential candidates, allowing me to continue to focus on operations while looking for a new General Manager. We are located in a remote area and find it extremely difficult to find senior managers with the experience needed to run a facility of our volume. Within one month, Kevin had identified and put us in touch with a perfect fit for our organization. Should I have any future recruiting needs, I will not hesitate in contacting Kevin and the Gecko Hospitality organization.

Steve Houmes – Silver City Restaurant and Brewery

I have been in the hospitality industry for most of my professional career and have had the pleasure and misfortune of working with recruiters. I have recently found myself inheriting a market in NW Arkansas for a restaurant company called Slim Chickens and have had the extreme pleasure of working with Jacob Tarabar. He is extremely organized, thorough, professional while delivering me credible candidates that fit my needs. I started my search for talent with three recruiters and now solely work with Jacob for he has outperformed your competition with Herculean results. I am very loyal to those that support me in this fashion and have recently even sent Jacob friends that are out looking for their next employment. So simply put Jacob Rocks because he is making the recruitment and hiring portion of my job effortless.

Eric M.Lysaker – Slim Chickens

We began working with Victoria Epstein in 2010 in the Minnesota market. It is a market where additional recruiting support is absolutely needed. Victoria has had great success in the very short time we’ve worked together. Victoria is incredibly dedicated to listening, understanding not only the specifics of the opening but also our processes and has superb follow through & communication. As Victoria has gotten to know our company culture, she has also asked to proactively bring candidates into our recruiting process to see if a possible fit might exist and we have made a great hire or two in this way.
Victoria also takes the time to build a solid relationship with me as a client. She is sensitive to what is happening in my work world and also wants to get to know me as a person. It has been a pleasure to work with her and hope we can continue to do so for a long time to come.

Christine Hill – Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.

Dear Tom,
I just want thank you for the good candidates you have been sending our way. I know I don’t communicate too often with Christina having your region but she is very impressed with the candidates that you are sending to us.
Again, thank you and look forward to continuing the relationship.

Greg Doss – Luby's / Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC.

I have twice used the services of Kevin Kalstad to recruit new staff members. The talent pool we were provided was far superior to what we had found on our own.
In both cases, we made a big upgrade in the position by using Gecko Hospitality.

Steve Hall – Seattle Yacht Club

Gecko Hospitality cares about the quality of candidates and ensures a good fit. They are timely and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Gecko and am happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Marilyn Wineman – The Elephant Bar

I started working with Gecko Hospitality about 2 years ago while with another company. When I switched companies, I decided to use Gecko because of their professionalism, integrity and sense of urgency. Jamba Juice believes in FIBER. Fun, Integrity, Balance, Empowerment, and Respect. These are the values that Jamba is built on and executes everyday. I believe that Gecko Hospitality does the same. There are many firms out there who provide candidates but Gecko does more than that, they provide team members.
Thank you and your team for all of the fine work you have provided to Jamba Juice.

Kimberly Wilson – Jamba Juice

WOW! That’s the only way I know how to describe the Management Open House you and Gecko Hospitality produced for Buca di Beppo and Planet Hollywood in San Diego and Las Vegas. I will have to admit that I was skeptical when I was told how Gecko Hospitality differed from companies I have used in the past. The professionalism of your recruiters and the attention to detail that was made to ensure quality candidates were sourced out to attend was remarkable. Your database of candidates is extraordinary and I appreciate all of the work that went into contacting these people we would not have seen if it wasn’t for Gecko. Our Divisional Vice Presidents were very impressed with the quality of the candidates and time you took to source out the candidates that did not fit our company profile. You saved us all valuable time which gave us an opportunity to spend quality time with the candidates who best suited our needs in that market. We value Gecko Hospitality as a recruiting partner in our efforts to find the best management personnel and look forward to a great business relationship between our two companies.

Rick Cherra – Buca di Beppo

I am writing this letter in regards to the great job that Gecko Hospitality has provided to Sweet Traditions, LLC. With the competitive market and wide resources they have stood above and beyond the competition. Gecko Hospitality not only has a great sense of urgency, they have sent the highest qualified individuals for placement. John and Robert have shown such professionalism and respect to all employees within the Krispy Kreme organization. I would recommend them to any company who is seeking assistance to find the “best of the best” management candidates.

Melissa Johnson – Sweet Traditions, LLC

I first collaborated with Gecko Hospitality in 2014 as Urban Plates was preparing for aggressive growth in California. With a base count of two locations, we needed an experienced recruiting partner to help us build restaurant leadership teams consisting of General Manager, Chef, Sous Chef, and Manager at each new location. Gecko helped us define the ideal candidates for each of our management positions, including experience level, success traits, and compensation ranges. Since that time in 2014, we have opened 10 locations throughout California and thanks to our partnership with Gecko, we were able to meet our talent needs at each of these openings. In addition, Gecko Hospitality has been our source for multi-unit operations positions as well as senior-level culinary positions. For these reasons, I would strongly recommend Gecko Hospitality for any organization looking to increase the number of qualified candidates for their positions and to help them position themselves appropriately in the marketplace to attract the best talent available.

Brian Szymchack – Director of Human Resources, Urban Plates LLC

I just wanted to take a moment to say Thank You for all Gecko Hospitality has done for us. Since joining up with you we have seen so many great candidates. Your company’s meticulous background searches and references make us feel very comfortable bringing on your candidates. I continue to pass along your company’s name and number to those seeking a solid, reputable and reliable recruiting company. Thanks again and thank your staff, they do a great job!

Connie Ohm – Chili's Grill & Bar

I wanted to take the time to thank you for the level of service you have provided me. Some time ago I set out to find a recruiting firm that “specialized” in Chicagoland. After speaking with several firms, you and your team stood out from the rest of the pack. I am a firm believer that what makes a great recruiting firm is not only competent recruiters, but the ability to listen and actually hear what is being said; you have met those expectations and have gone beyond!
As you know, the profile at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill is a unique one in itself. I ask a lot from the companies I partner with, and have been thrilled with the quick learning curve and results Gecko Hospitality has provided, in particular, John Bisceglie. John has been an added value in my relationship with Gecko. He takes and receives feedback with an open mind and an eagerness to truly learn as much as he can about Baja Fresh Mexican Grill.
With 2021 right around the corner, I am looking to Gecko Hospitality to continue our partnership.
I look forward to having you as an essential part of my recruiting strategy.

Scott Barshay – Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

Kevin,I really appreciate your help! You are on fire with your hires!! The references you have provided to me was the key to an open door. I want you to know that!!!!
Thanks for all you do!

Klara Coleman – The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated

I am writing to let you know how pleased I am to be working with Joan Koelbel from your Charlotte office. For more than a year, Joan has diligently recruited for Texas Steakhouse & Saloon. She has made a special effort to understand our company culture and refer to me only applicants that are truly compatible.
Joan has a delightful, straightforward way of dealing with people that serve your company well. I hope that you appreciate what an asset she is to you.

Ann Lupton – Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc.

Larry Friedkin has been a great partner with me in my Maryland market. Even in my most challenging market, Larry continues to find great candidates. He really listens to me and understands what we are looking for. And he delivers!

Penny Storcz – Corner Bakery Café

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kevin over the past year. Kevin does a great job at matching the needs of our company with the needs of his clients. I highly recommend Kevin for any hiring needs in the Northwest and I also have and will continue to recommend him to anyone looking for employment in the Northwest.

Nina Baldwin – Pallino Pastaria

I can count on Gecko Hospitality to send qualified candidates. Their follow up is excellent, and they are consistently professional and efficient.

Deana Trowbridge – Hometown Buffet

I began working with Gecko Hospitality in May of 2007, initially for our restaurants in Arkansas and Colorado with Franchise Partner Marty Tarabar. Over the last 13 years our relationship has expanded to the point that CRO now works with all the Gecko offices in states where we have company owned restaurants.
I’ve found the folks at Gecko to be very courteous, professional, dedicated, and knowledgeable. In the last five years CRO has hired more managers from Gecko Hospitality than from any other employment agency we use.
I would highly recommend Gecko Hospitality to any company looking for an outstanding nationwide agency to provide talented restaurant managers.

Rob Weaver – Consolidated Restaurants

Gecko has proven to be a high-performing dependable partner that has helped us with our staffing needs throughout our concept.
They have a thorough screening process which helps select the top candidates for my recruiting needs. I have enjoyed our business partnership and would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ralph Ruocco – Travinia Italian Kitchen