Fast food owner in St. Thomas, Ont. ups the ante on benefits to keep staff happy - CBC.ca

At a time when many Canadians are being outpaced by the rising cost of living, a fast-food restaurateur in St. Thomas, Ont., is offering an out-of-the-ordinary incentive program to keep employees working and happy. 

The Wendy's franchise on Talbot Street in the southwestern Ontario city offers full-time staff a starting wage of $16 per hour, one dollar more than the newly introduced minimum wage. There is also a retirement savings plan matched by the employer, and even paid birthdays off. 

Joe Preston, owner and mayor of St. Thomas, said he always tried to offer a competitive wage but when the pandemic took hold, he wanted to do more to help his employees. That's when he gave everyone a one dollar raise.

"We said, 'If our employees are essential service [workers], let's give them a bonus that matches that."

"We're proud that we have a number of people working for us that have been there years, and we think that makes the difference. Working hard is something everybody has to do at work, so let's reward people for doing that," he said, noting that a couple of employees has been with the restaurant for almost 20 years.  

Other perks of working at this Wendy's include paid 15 minute breaks, employment anniversary gifts, and not having to pay for the uniform. Employees also eat for free when on the job. 

Preston says about 75 per cent of employees at the Talbot Street restaurant are full-time and eligible to take advantage of the incentives program. 

With inflation on the rise and margins of profits already razor-thin, Preston said the franchise is able to afford this program because they hustle. 

"We find we can because we do. We're quite a busy restaurant and we're proud of that. Our founder, Dave Thomas, always said profit is not a dirty word. That's okay, but treat your people right and they will help this happen."

Preston said the restaurant is looking to hire more staff after adding a breakfast menu to their daily offerings. 

London Morning6:14St. Thomas fast-food franchise willing to pay more than minimum wage

St. Thomas Wendy's franchisee Joe Preston tells London Morning why his location pays full-time staff $16 per hour plus benefits. 6:14

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Fast food owner in St. Thomas, Ont. ups the ante on benefits to keep staff happy - CBC.ca
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