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.

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Testimonials

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Kim Creighton – Hard Rock Cafe International

Since 2014 I have had the pleasure of working with Rob Dallaire C.P.C., Southern California Market Partner 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 Rob to recruit key candidates… Read more »

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… Read more »

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. Scott Butts and Darrell Reidinger have participated at a very high level in what have proven to be 2 very high turnover areas in Kansas and Arizona. Both have shown great… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Tony Walker – Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Barry Mills. I have worked with Barry for approximately 5 years and in that time he has displayed nothing less than professionalism, integrity and hard work. He has come through for us on multiple occasions in bringing solid candidates to fit our needs. He has done an… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Joan Ko – 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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Thuan Nguyen – Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc.

I have used Rob’s services for years. He listens well to a client’s needs and delivers on them. Rob has great follow up and follow through. He has excellent resources and an extensive network. Rob 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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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

Rob Dallaire is a recruiting professional. I feel very comfortable with him as an extended representative of our company. He cares about the quality of candidates and ensures a good fit. He is timely and a pleasure to work with. He is flexible and works with us the way we like to work. I highly… Read more »

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…. Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Melissa Johnson – Sweet Traditions, LLC

Please accept this letter as my personal and professional endorsement of Rob Dallaire C.P.C., Southern California Market Partner with Gecko Hospitality. I first collaborated with Rob 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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Connie Ohm – Chili's Grill & Bar

We haven’t chatted but I wanted to let you know, several of the candidates I have spoken to have mentioned you by names, as being helpful making the intro to Miller’s Ale House! All the candidates that Bob has sent have been far above any other agency’s work (I’ve seen over the years). I can… Read more »

Susan Pastine – Miller's Ale House

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

Nina Baldwin – Pallino Pastaria

Rob Dallaire is someone I can count on to send qualified candidates. His follow up is excellent, and he is 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 7 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… Read more »

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

When I need an experienced recruiting professional, I count on Rob Dallaire at Gecko Hospitality. He has the ability to listen to our needs and respond with qualified candidates for our organization. Rob is honest, sincere and responsive. He genuinely cares about his clients and candidates and it is a pleasure to work with him.

Laurie Beecher – Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Please find this letter of referral for Gecko Hospitality. I have worked with several of their recruiters and have found a common thread of sincerity throughout their organization. They take a unique interest in educating themselves on our restaurants so when they are marketing Maggiano’s it is with a partnership attitude. When we have a… Read more »

Carol Felsenthal – Maggiano's

Gecko has proven to be a great resource for us. Thanks to Dean Seeses’ team, I have just hired a manager for a unit we operate in Long Island and Scott Butts has been helpful to our Long John Silver’s operator in his search for an Area Coach. I will continue to recommend Gecko to… Read more »

Chad Cohen – Capital Spring

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… Read more »

Connie Ohm – On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

Bonnaroo Restaurant Group has used Dennis Borders with Gecko Hospitality for over two years helping us to source “Qualified Management Team” candidates. We have been very pleased with the level of understanding that Dennis has for our needs and the level of diligence that he has provided to ensure that we are receiving the best… Read more »

Brett Summers – Bonnaroo Restaurant Group

Thank you for your hard work in getting positions filled. You have been by far the most helpful of all recruiters in all the markets that I cover. Well done.

Michelle Turner – Sun Holdings

I have worked with Robert Krzak from Gecko Hospitality for the past two years and would highly recommend the recruiting services offered by Robert and his team. Robert has assisted Panera Bread with the placement of General Managers, Assistant Managers and Recruiting Managers. He has used creative methods to source candidates in difficult markets and… Read more »

Pam Kandel – Panera Bread

Rob Dallaire has provided excellent candidates for exactly what my specific needs are. Rob has the finest work ethic and I can trust that he is working to represent my company with the most accurate and detailed feedback on each candidate. Rob is my #1 choice in recruiters, he always delivers!

Ruth Steele – Dave & Buster's, Inc.