Making pay transparency work in restaurants | Stella Dennig, Co-Owner/GM of Daytrip | 044

In this episode of the Pre-Shift podcast, host DJ dives deep into the intricacies of managing successful restaurant teams with Stella Denig, co-owner and GM of Daytrip Restaurant in Oakland, California. Stella shares insights on building a restaurant prioritizing pay equity, equitable compensation, and a strong internal culture. She discusses their unique business model, the challenges of introducing equitable systems, and the importance of legislative change in the industry. Stella also touches on the role of collective thinking in their operations and the exciting personal and professional changes coming up for her and Daytrip. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to learn about innovative practices in the hospitality industry.00:00 Introduction to the Pre-Shift Podcast00:12 Meet Stella Denig from Daytrip Restaurant01:02 The Journey to Opening Daytrip02:20 Innovative Business Model and Pay Equity04:14 Service Charge and Employee Compensation09:51 Open Pay and Hiring Practices14:08 Collective Thinking and Team Culture25:19 Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs29:19 Exciting Future Plans for Daytrip30:52 Conclusion and Contact InformationGuest BioStella Dennig (she/her) is the Co-Owner/GM of Daytrip, a fermentation-driven party of a restaurant in Oakland, CA. Core to Daytrip’s mission is to push toward a more equitable future for this industry and at the center of that, its workforce. Daytrip has been written up for its employment practices by publications like Bon Appetit, The New York Times, and the SF Chronicle. Daytrip was a Bon Appetit top 10 Best New Restaurant in America in 2023 and Co-Owner/Chef Finn Stern was a James Beard Semifinalist in 2024.ResourcesDaytripRAISE10 Best New Restaurants in America 2022 | Bon AppetitSend us Fan Mail📲 Connect with usEmail usFollow on LinkedInMore 7shiftsSpotify | Apple Podcasts | Google PodcastsSubscribe to Food Runner, our Monthly Restaurant Newsletter7shifts on YouTubeFollow us on TikTokRead the 7shifts BlogAbout Us7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to help restaurants thrive. With an easy-to-use app and industry-specific solutions, 7shifts saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep costs in check for over 50,000 restaurants.