Local Restaurant goes big: Rolex watches for 15-year employees

While many employers hand out certificates, plaques, or a pen to mark employee anniversaries, the team at Marlow’s Tavern restaurants takes a different approach—they gift Rolex watches.

“We started giving the Rolex as a gift for those 15-year team members because I wanted it to be something meaningful to thank them for their commitment of time, and something that our employees would cherish forever,” says John Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality.

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Sterling Hospitality is the parent company behind Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall and Sterling Culinary Management.

The company recently held its annual Tenure Party to honor employees who have been with the company for 15 years.

Rolex watches given to 15-year employees Sterling Hospitality, the parent company behind Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall and Sterling Culinary Management, has gifted 20 Rolex watches in the past few years, and this year’s 10 recipients include four executive-level employees, a general manager, a sous chef, two-line cooks, a banquet server and one of their cashiers.

Twelve employees, including Tawny Abraham (left), Glenn Chaiken (2nd from left) and Alma De La Luz (2nd from right) received the watches at the event. The trio has worked at Marlow’s Tavern in Duluth since it opened on Jan. 20, 2009. Also pictured receiving his watch is Osbeli Juarez (far right).

Five line cooks, one dishwasher, one bartender, one prep worker and four management employees received a Rolex.

Metz opted to award the Rolex watches at the 15-year mark rather than waiting for a later milestone due to the restaurant industry’s high turnover rate.

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