Why Sustainability Isn’t Just About Food – It’s About People, Too
- Tony Lewis
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
And why working with a smaller agency could be your best recruitment decision yet.
In a world where "sustainability" is often tied solely to menus and produce, it's time we broaden the definition - because sustainability in hospitality goes far beyond the plate. It’s about people. From your commis to your head chef, sustainable hiring practices are the backbone of long-term success in the kitchen. At The Chef Hub, we believe that hiring sustainably means finding the right fit on BOTH sides - not just a warm body in whites.
But What Happens When Candidates Ghost?
We’ve all been there. You line up what seems to be the perfect hire: great attitude, strong CV, solid references… and then they vanish without a trace. Candidate ghosting has unfortunately become a frustrating norm in the industry. In a sector already short-staffed and stretched thin, these no-shows can derail service, disrupt teams, and cost real money.
Truth is - larger groups just don't give feedback through fear of a tribunal and smear campaign of saying the wrong thing, so just dont bother, but what about from a candidate perspective? How can they improve, learn or get it right next time? So helpful...
At The Chef Hub, we’ve built a reputation for tackling this issue head-on. Our team focuses on building real relationships with our chefs and treated like professionals. We don’t just match CVs to role - we get to know the person behind the profile. That’s why 92% of candidates we place complete at least their first three months - a number significantly higher than many large-scale recruitment firms. We think so anyway!
Sustainable Chefs for a Sustainable Future
We’re seeing more and more chefs who care deeply about their work environment, work-life balance, and the kind of businesses they align with. These are the chefs who last. They're not just chasing a payslip - they want to make an impact. And these are the chefs we attract.
We vet every candidate through a sustainability lens - not just environmentally, but professionally and ethically. Are they reliable? Passionate? Ready for a long-term placement rather than a stepping stone? These are the conversations we're having every day. So at interview stage, instead of asking "How many holiday days do I get?" Think about this, "How as a business do you manage or coach poor performance, or recognise the good performers, and how is this demonstrated?" This will show team culture, 1 minute manager influence, and clear communication skills, not just pouring hot gravy over someone at the pass - it just ain't the 80's anymore, someone tell them!
Why Work with a Smaller Agency?
Let’s be honest. Bigger isn’t always better.
When you work with a large recruitment group, you’re often just a number. At The Chef Hub, we keep things personal. Our size allows us to stay agile, responsive, and focused on quality over quantity.
Here’s what our clients are saying:
"We filled a senior chef role in under a week after months of delays with a big agency."
"The Chef Hub team actually listens to what we need—not just what’s easiest to fill."
"In a market with a low bar for recruiters The Chef Hub has stood out for us at our Cotswold Restaurant & Hotel in terms of finding vetted, interesting and suitable candidates in a short space of time. I include the nationally recognised recruiters in this pool."
In fact, 75% of our current clients came to us for competitive rates only against the groups, as a secondary agency, but stay for multiple roles, and prioritise us OVER them because we care, stay in contact god or bad, and work at relationships truth is, businesses who’ve partnered with us report:
✅ 35% faster time-to-hire ✅ 50% less turnover in the first 6 months ✅ 100% satisfaction in our post-placement follow-ups
Download Your Free Guide: 9 Lessons in 9 Months -10 Page Support Guide for Q3 & Q4 of 2025
Whether you’re scaling your kitchen brigade or hiring FOH for a busy season, our free 10-page recruitment guide is packed with tips and insights to help you hire smarter, not harder. From crafting better job ads to avoiding common hiring traps, understanding trends and navigating challenges, it’s a quick read that can save you serious time and money.
Shop Local, Think Long-Term
We’re proud to be a small, independent agency championing local hospitality businesses across the UK. Working with us means you're not just filling a role - you’re building a community. If you believe in keeping things sustainable, ethical, and personal, let’s talk.
The Chef Hub: People first, always.
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