Why People Stay
At Red Hen, we believe the quality of our products depend on the people who make them, and we work hard to create a workplace that people want to be part of for the long haul.
Many of our employees have been here for years. That doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from a culture of respect, thoughtful benefits, and a clear path for advancement. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
A Path for Growth and Recognition
We don’t expect people to stay unless we invest in them, so we do.
- Regular performance reviews:
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- After 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in your first year
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- Then annually each year after that
- Pay increases tied to training and proficiency milestones
- Transparent pay scale shared with all employees
- Cost of Living Adjustments for those who’ve reached the top of their pay band
- Opportunities to learn new skills or move between departments
Benefits That Grow With You
Red Hen offers benefits that deepen the longer you’re here:
Paid Time Off (PTO):
- Starts accruing on day one for employees working 18+ hours/week, accessible after 3 months
- Increases with tenure
Health Insurance (30+ hours/week):
- We offset costs through significant contributions to premiums
- Support for out-of-pocket costs through an HRA
Disability Insurance:
- Short- and long-term coverage, 100% paid by Red Hen
- Kicks in quickly if you’re sick or injured and can’t work
Retirement Plans:
- Available to all staff right away
- Red Hen matches up to 3% after 6 months and $5,000 in earnings
- Match is applied retroactively once eligible
Wellness perks:
- Access to a massage therapist monthly, at no cost
- Discounts at our neighboring yoga studio, Yogalab
- Fresh, seasonal fruit available daily in the breakroom
Respect for Your Time and Energy
We don’t ask staff to rely on tips or unpredictable schedules to make a living — we’ve designed our workplace differently.
- No tipping — on purpose
We don’t think a customer’s mood, spending habits, or tipping culture should determine someone’s paycheck. Instead, we pay consistent, fair wages across all roles — and we expect consistently excellent work from everyone, every shift.
- Equal pay expectations
We believe the work of a dishwasher, a line cook, a barista, and a bread baker all deserve equal respect. Our wages reflect that. There’s no tip-based pay gap between customer-facing and behind-the-scenes jobs.
- Flexibility when you need it
Life happens. We support shift swaps and reasonable time-off requests, and we encourage staff to plan ahead so they can take time away when needed.
Small Perks That Add Up
These everyday details make a real difference — especially if you’re in it for the bread (figuratively and literally).
- One free loaf of bread + one café treat per shift
- 28% staff discount on all retail items
- Access to raw ingredients at near-wholesale prices
- Staff discounts from our neighbor, The Local: Wine & Beer
- $75 annual credit toward Shoes for Crews work shoes
Bike commuter benefits, including:
- Free bike tune-ups
- Support for lights, helmets, and basic gear
- Donations to World Bicycle Relief for every mile you ride to work
You Belong Here If…
- You value quality in food, in people, and in how you spend your time
- You want to work hard and be treated fairly
- You care about the people you work alongside
- You’re looking for more than just a job, you’re looking for a team
We don’t promise perfection. But we do promise a workplace that’s always working to do better — for our people, our products, and our community.
