sous chef

service à la clientèle

gouvernant

pastry cook

fine dining server

The Bruce Hotel

I worked here for two years too long. Way underpaid for the work that was expected of us. Ripped off of tips multiple times as well. On the topic of tips, if a guest handed you a tip you couldn't keep it, it was divided between all front desk staff and housekeepers. Screamed at almost daily, never praised for anything we did well. Understaffed so there was rarely opportunity to get days off, and even if you did book days off they would call you in anyways. Sometimes work 8-10 hours without a single break. Not allowed to talk or make noise with carts because it 'disturbs the guests' I worked here as a student and sometimes had to stay until 11 by myself, I would sometimes cry it was so stressful. They timed you for the rooms, and you would have 20 minutes to completely clean and set up a room, which is totally unreasonable. Exposed to blood, feces, and other bodily fluids and they didn't like us wearing gloves in front of the guests because it looked unprofessional. As my time there went on, more and more was expected of us and it was not at all a welcome, positive work environment. For how they treat staff and their high expectations they should pay at LEAST $20/hour.

If I could give a half star I would. I worked here for only a few months this year and this place is probably one of the worst places you can work in Stratford. The owner was lovely but she clearly has her head in the clouds and turns a blind eye of how management treats it’s employees. Honestly get rid of the General Manager, she is possibly one of the least welcoming people I’ve met. She treated people like they were trash, especially housekeeping. The amount of times I heard she made someone cry is shocking. As for pay it’s horrible! As reception you’ll be asked to valet, get the bags and take them too the room. Also some possible house keeping jobs as well depending on how late you’re working. They also don’t hire you if you have facial piercings, coloured hair or visible tattoos or they will ask you to remove it (something that they aren’t supposed to do) .Don’t even bother applying here, you might as well try one of the factories in town. You’d get more money and would deal with a lot less.  They think about themselves first and that’s the only thing you need to know.

For a hotel and restaurant that wants to be one of the best, they are nowhere close to being that. Ownership and the main Manager from California are not nice and treat staff like complete subordinates. Constant micro-management and ridiculous demands by Management was the main reason I left to take on a Host position in Toronto. The clientele is 65+ and lovely, but its not really a happening place. Which makes sense as the overall feel of the hotel and restaurant is like you are at your grandparents home, if they shopped for deals at the thrift or dollar store. They've lost so many good people over the years because of the owner and this Manager. The Chef is incredible and I do miss him, but that's about it!

I have learned so much from working here. The management team is great and is willing to work with you so you can be your best. They are also a living wage employer so you make great hourly as well as tips. If you are willing to step back and learn there are many opportunities. Also the clientele that you get to meet everyday have pretty amazing lives and I find that you learn a lot just from being able to interact with the customers everyday. It is more detail oriented then the other serving jobs I have had but because of that you have a better idea of what each night will look like and I feel prepared going into every shift. If you are a server with experience (even if it’s not in a fine dining atmosphere) I would apply. Just bring a willingness to learn and they will give you everything you need to succeed.

Typical work day was okay, you work long hours can go from 8 hours to up towards 10-13+ hours a day in busy season. You do get a free staff meal which is always nice but everyone always seems unappreciative of the work that is produced to give them a free meal. Management is horrible, worst management I've ever worked under. Nothing you do will ever be right or enough for these people. The communication is terrible and you'll never be taught proper just thrown to the wolves and then get bitched at when it is incorrect. You are max serving like 20 guests at a time but they make it seem like it is 100-300+. Always understaffed on days you need people and then will have WAY to many staff on dead days. I understand that its a balancing act and its not always 100% accurate but they could do 10x better 

I can't complain about the job, it was simple enough. But management would change you schedule way to frequently. I got written up for the most ridiculous reasons, all because of this "Five Diamond" mentality. Management will take an anxious individual, and force them in front of a crowd. You will be ridiculed for failure, and it will likely be in front of your peers. I started working there just before October, and by the time I was let go, I was the most "Senior" front desk worker. If that doesn't speak for turnover rates, the crying desk workers will. If it weren't for management, I would have worked there the rest of my life, but anxiety attacks are not worth it.

Something that surprised me about working at The Bruce was that the employees are treated just as well, and valued just as highly as the guests. You are encouraged to look after yourself while here, as well as to enjoy the advantages the hotel has to offer. There is a 50% discount for rooms and food, and staff often come for a stay or a meal. Staff are also provided with a full lunch each day. Management genuinely cares about how you're doing. The GM will often stop to chat, hear about your life, and make sure you are doing well in all aspects of it. Highly recommend applying here!

everyone starts with minimum wages.  You don't get a rise until you finish probation, and good luck making it past 90 days.  Management has Extremely high expectations for all employees.  This was the most stressful job I worked when dealing with management.   

The guest at the Hotel were fantastic and one of the best parts about working there. 

No Benefits plan, but a small spending allowance that you could spend on a plan, or put towards any glasses, dental, chiro, or other things.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Very professional place to work, it's a treat going there. The management really keep you on your game and it a treat to work with such a knowledgeable team 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The drive in, I'm an hour away 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very open, team oriented and management is there to help not hinder

By the time I was finally able to leave the Bruce I had lost all trust and respect for my managers. They talked about me to my coworkers behind my back, gaslit me, and did not respect my hours or schedule. 
I learned that I could not question the way things were whatsoever. The management at the restaurant is full of false promises about better communication and support. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Sous chef 1 salary reported	$50,000 per year
Service à la clientèle 1 salary reported	$28.75 per hour
Gouvernant 3 salaries reported	$22.05 per hour
Pastry cook 1 salary reported	$19.98 per hour
Fine dining server 1 salary reported	$20.70 per hour

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