Non-uniform uniforms

Sam Fox, CEO of Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts, wanted a youthful energy for his new healthy fast-casual concept, Flower Child. That included dressing the staff—for half of whom this is their first job—in a free-form manner that reflected their tastes. “We gave them a ‘look book’ and direction,” says Fox. He pointed them in the direction of H&M, Forever 21 and other trendy (and inexpensive) retail shops for ideas. The female front-of-house staff is instructed to wear cute blouses. Male front-of-house staffers have a similar freedom, with instructions to wear a denim-color top. Besides adding to the restaurant’s hip vibe, the uniforms also help the staff feel comfortable and happy in their positions, Fox says, which carries through to the way they treat guests. 

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