We are the parents of Sienna Wells, one of the two girls named in the audit of the Cyprus Cafe. Sienna worked for Alison Dance at that restaurant during the summer of 2012. We never felt Alison was taking advantage of our daughter, nor did Sienna.
Rather, Alison generously hired Sienna as a favor, so that she could get a practical education about the restaurant business. Sienna gained invaluable experience that summer, which both informed her journey toward maturity and increased her cooking skills. To suggest that she was in some way ill-used is ridiculous.
Alison should be commended for her sense of responsibility toward the next generation, particularly her encouragement and support of young women. This – on top of her generous donation of time and food to many local nonprofits – has earned her the rightful respect and understanding of the Durango community.
Everyone makes mistakes, and Alison has fully admitted hers, which are exceedingly minor and understandably honest ones. If Alison was actually as bad an employer as might be inferred from the coverage, she would not have such strong and public support from loyal employees who have worked at Cyprus for many years. We intend to continue patronizing both of Alison’s wonderful establishments and recommend that everyone else do the same.
Shan & Regina Wells
Durango
