subtle-tea t1_jdqvxmb wrote on March 26, 2023 at 2:11 PM

This is not a stage. A stage is an unpaid internship for aspiring chefs to learn techniques in established kitchens. What you’re describing is more of a trail, but a 9 hour shift making food for paying customers is abuse and your friend is likely entitled to be paid.

Filing a complaint with MD DoL is filling out some paperwork. They have their own investigators who will do the fact finding on your behalf. In MD damages are treble for flagrant wage violations.

If he isn’t willing to “make a fuss” then that’s that. Just know that you have to put some work in to recoup this and filing these complaints helps enforce labor laws that protect workers from employer mistreatment.

PigtownDesign t1_jdtru5a wrote on March 27, 2023 at 3:09 AM

According to my chef friends, a stage is also like a try-out in a kitchen for the executive chef to see how well you can prep and cook and see your technique.

TheBaltimoron t1_jdyqeln wrote on March 28, 2023 at 4:01 AM

Stage and working interview are pretty synonymous. Some chefs do go apprentice in other kitchens but it's never for free.

subtle-tea t1_jdvj3l3 wrote on March 27, 2023 at 2:44 PM

I would guess some kitchens in the US have come to use these terms more loosely. Traditionally the word stage comes from the French “stagaire” which means apprentice or intern. Many famous chefs got their start begging to work for free in well known kitchens to gain experience or a future position.

A trail is more of a brief working audition. The purpose is to showcase your skills and ability to perform in the kitchen where you are seeking employment.