A Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco is offering $50 an hour for a dishwasher position, a job that has garnered significant attention, including from laid-off tech workers in the Bay Area. However, the owner, Phong Nguyen, proprietor of Pho de Nguyen, claims that many of these applicants are not suitable for the role.
Nguyen stated that the high pay is due to the demanding nature of the job, particularly during busy Friday and Saturday night shifts. The position requires more than just washing dishes; it also involves bussing tables and assisting with cooking. Nguyen himself reportedly spends two hours per shift on dishwashing duties.
The restaurant, located near Uber's headquarters, where recent layoffs were announced, went viral after posting the job opening on Instagram. The post has been viewed approximately 90,000 times, leading to hundreds of applications and messages.
While some commenters expressed disbelief at the high hourly wage, Nguyen explained that the pay reflects the need for reliability and a strong work ethic. He is looking for individuals who view the job as a stable opportunity rather than a temporary stepping stone. "People with more stable, simple lives are the ones who enjoy the work and will stay longer," Nguyen told SFGATE.
Nguyen has been actively searching for the right candidate, even hosting an open call. He emphasized his commitment to finding a suitable employee who can become a long-term member of the restaurant staff.