As an employee of the Cyprus Cafe since 1997, I feel obliged to share my thoughts on the June 15 Herald story about Alison Dance and her restaurant. I have been in the hospitality industry for more than four decades, working in the kitchen and in all aspects of the front of the house, as well as owning a catering business. I have known, and worked for, many restaurant owners and find Alison to be neither a thief nor a villain. Any paycheck discrepancy I have discovered was resolved in a timely manner after providing documentation of missing hours. There has never been a mandate for tipping the kitchen. As in every restaurant I have worked in, it has been suggested that servers share their tips with the bartender, hostess and kitchen. Personally, it is a pleasure to compliment the kitchen for a job well done. My job is much easier when the food is well-cooked and artfully presented night after night. Alison works very hard and employs many people – not just the restaurant staff, but also gardeners, plumbers, electricians and musicians. It takes a village to run a restaurant. I believe in her mission to serve healthy, tasty, locally produced food in a casual fine-dining atmosphere. I commend her for supporting local farmers and ranchers. I am certain that Alison will resolve this issue and continue to be a committed member of this community. I will be honored to continue working for her.
Debra Greenblatt
Durango
