CINCINNATI - Tears and hugs resulted this week when owners of an upscale Hyde Park restaurant permitted the back of the house employees to briefly socialize with the front of the house employees.  Owners previously discouraged the back of the house employees from publicly associating with the front of the house people to ensure the restaurant maintained an upscale image. 

During the 15 minute supervised visitation period, Owner Adam Shepherd commented, “Traditionally in upscale restaurants it is better to keep the back of the house people out of the public part of the restaurant but we are trying to foster more of a family environment by allowing some limited interactions.”  Waiter Josh Brazelton commented, “I kind of always looked down on those guys.  Now that I have met them I guess I still look down on them but in some small way I feel better about myself.  These jobs may not be as important to the restaurant industry as jobs like mine but they're still sort of important.”  Dishwasher Jose Salazar said, “This is a great day for back of the house employees everywhere.  It is the first step toward gaining the respect we deserve.  I look forward to the 15 minute supervised visitation period next week.”