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KIRK HARGREAVES / Stuff
C1 owner Sam Crofskey is taking a “long break” to assess its suitability for the business.
C1 Espresso owner Sam Crofskey’s place in the New Zealand Restaurant Association’s hall of fame is in jeopardy as the organization reviews coffee’s labor practices.
Crofskey announced Sunday that he would be taking a “long break” from his Christchurch café to receive professional advice on workplace culture and assess his “business fit.”
The move followed a spate of complaints from former employees who accused him of bullying, not allowing necessary breaks, asking inappropriate questions in interviews and discouraging sick days.
Crofskey argued that the claims were mostly unsubstantiated and said he was happy to address concerns through “appropriate channels.”
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He was inducted into the Restaurant Association hall of fame last year for his service to the industry, including leading the charge to bring hospitality back to the Christchurch CBD after the 2011 earthquake. It’s one of 27 people who received the honor, which has been awarded since 1992.
The association’s executive director, Marisa Bidois, said the industry body was supporting the cafe’s owners and staff by reviewing their employment processes.
ALDEN WILLIAMS / Stuff
C1 Espresso’s work practices are being reviewed by the New Zealand Restaurant Association.
C1 Espresso is one of the association’s 2,500 member companies. Helps members with legal processes and creating healthy work cultures, among other things.
Bidois said the review would involve working with C1 Espresso staff and verifying the coffee’s policies and labor agreements.
The association does not tolerate the type of behavior described by former employees “in any way,” he said.
“We hope that these incidents that come to light serve as a reminder to employers of their responsibility to their workers.”
The review could result in the revocation of Crofskey’s hall of fame status, he said.
“As a celebrity in the industry, Sam understands the responsibility that comes with it.”
THINGS
Former C1 Espresso employee Raya Sharples talks to Stuff about her time working for Sam Crofskey.
Crofskey served as president of the Canterbury branch of the association from 2012 to 2018.
The association wanted to support Crofskey in making the “necessary changes within his business,” Bidois said.
The review is expected to finish early next week.
Crofskey said his main focus was finding the best outcome for the cafe and the 25 employees who “depend on the business for their income.”
He would not speak to the media until this process was complete, he said.
