Unfair Practices and Nepotism Create a Toxic Work Environment - Anonymous employee D Squared Employee Review

1.0
24 July 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great food Great locations Multi faceted business At least talked about diversity and inclusion

Cons

Working at D-Squared Hospitality Catering Company (also known as Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes) was an abusive and unfair experience. Despite my 15+ years in hospitality and training from a top culinary school(with ample work experience and recommendations), I received minimal job guidance and unclear expectations. This was supposed to be a fun part time thing while I was back in school. It was not. Upper management allowed me to advertise myself and my business but later criticized me for being too personable and connecting too much with guests. I was disciplined without proper understanding and only got a chance to advocate for myself after HR’s intervention, which still led to my unfair termination. I was scrutinized for mentioning my part-time work and educational aspirations, yet I witnessed a “seasoned” serving lead discussing working for a client outside the D-Squared umbrella and was told not to say anything. Meanwhile, I was fired for the same reason. Nepotism runs rampant here, with leads often selected based on connections rather than merit. During my time there, I heard from other great employees about the unfairness and the firing of competent management. The work environment is biased and unwelcoming. If you need a job, be prepared to keep your head down and avoid expressing any needs, which is unrealistic. I do not recommend working for this company.

Explore other reviews about D Squared

5.0
7 May 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great management, very flexible and understanding.

Cons

None that I can think of

1.0
10 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It’s just okay if you are looking for part-time catering shifts and want flexibility with when are where you work.

Cons

Overall they are just a catering company, nothing overtly special in food or service compared to other catering companies in Seattle. They are disorganized at events at times and leads/managers seem a little full of themselves when it comes to the services that the company offers. They foster an environment of "boys locker room" in the kitchen and have let past chefs talk down to women in real y inexcusable ways but excused it since the chef was talented. All the talk of vision and company values are just a smoke screen and an excuse for the COO to hear themselves talk.

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