By Adam Brown
Co-operative: An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise; they are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of co-operative founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
- Statement of the International Co-Operative Alliance
I heard about the restaurant first through word of mouth. It wasn’t even open yet, but some of my friends were getting involved. It was opening where 2nd Street Bakery used to be. I heard I should look into getting a job there. I also heard about some kind of “buy-in”. What’s up with that, I wondered.
It was explained that the restaurant is a co-op, a business owned by the workers. The workers purchase shares of the company, and when the business profits, everyone profits. If at some point I must move on beyond the restaurant (or am asked to leave), the money returns to me.
To get involved in this new entity, Civilization, I would have to buy a $1,000 share of the company, one of many equal shares. I didn’t have to pay it all at once; I could put portions of my earnings towards the buy-in or contribute hours working around the restaurant doing landscaping, for example, or generally making things better or creating artwork for the sculpture garden.
The idea of having to pay money in order to get paid kind of bummed me out. I had no idea what it would be like working at a place like this, and I would be invested in this business, meaning it was a commitment. I was also hesitant to get a job in the food service industry, having had bad experiences in the past.
I worked at a Panera before and spent most of my pay-earning hours changing trash bags, bussing tables, being “nice” to customers, hosing off the dishes and spoons, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning restrooms. Over three months, they let me make about five sandwiches for customers, and I paid half-price for maybe 50 sandwiches. It seemed like they had an endless stream of new workers to do the less palatable jobs, and those people would either eventually quit or move up the line if a spot opened up. No one wanted to do what I was doing. I felt no attachment to the place and there was no pride in my work, but I always got paid on time. I got a nice apron and a hat, some flimsy name tags, dishpan hands, and a reason to never eat at one of those places again.
A few months later, I was making sushi at a place called Voodoo Lounge. It was all dead fish, sharp knives and buckets of pink ginger. I could have cut off a finger. At first I loved the job because, to me, I was being trained in this esoteric art form — edible sculpture. I felt I was doing something productive. As for the ambiance, it was all low-watt bulbs and black paint. And around 10:30, when the sushi bar packed up, the bartenders came in, the lasers turned on, the club music fired up, and in came everybody looking to get liquored up. These were not peaceful times for plastic-wrapping fish, nor for wiping down with bleach water. It was never explained to me how things were run there. There was a boss, one manager, and one cook, and I don’t think they knew what was going on either. I did not always get paid on time. After a few months, I wasn’t learning anything new, and our discriminating “clients” just wanted their rolls deep fried or with beef or chicken instead of fish.
Despite my hesitation, I was at a point in my life where having a job was more important than having a good job. I rather like the idea of getting paid, and I like to be learning skills while working; I like food, and I’m willing to clean all kinds of crap. Joining Civilization started to seem like my best possible option.
The restaurant was a particularly promising prospect because as a co-operative it possessed something fundamentally different than the other places I had worked. I eventually slapped together an up-to-date resume and made an appearance.
The grounds were serene. The artwork was tasteful. Everything was well put together. It all made me start doubting that I had what they needed. Thankfully, by the end of the week, I got a call from Chef Maschafino. I came back in to talk to him, and he gently explained the whole co-operative thing to me again. I started the next day.
I wowed them with my dishwashing dexterity, and the restaurant impressed me as well. Everyone was genuinely friendly, the cooks made sure I ate something, I was free to take breaks as I needed them, and at the end of the day, I was even offered a glass of wine. Everyone kept thanking me for what I was doing. That night I left a little damp, but in high spirits. I was completely happy with the situation I had gotten myself into — a boss-free workplace. or something to that effect, John thought it more accurate
This new work was liberating. I was immediately open to meeting all the denizens of Civilization — they all just seemed so independent and personable. I used to avoid talking to co-workers, as I didn’t want to talk about work at work, or outside of work for that matter. I was under the impression that hearing complaints more often than hello or goodbye was normal.
At Civilization, if I have a complaint, letting other people know is actually productive. It’s the same if I have suggestions for improvement. I can bring up the matter at the weekly meeting, and it can be voted on democratically. As it turns out, every place is unique, and there are many ways a business can be structured and particular interpersonal dynamics for each.
It seems like everyone at my sweet new job wants to be there; we have invested ourselves, and we trust the organization. Civilization works for us.
Co-operatives cannot incorporate in Florida, so they have to either operate as corporations or limited liability companies. Other states allow employees, or combination of employees and other people, like customers, to form nonprofit mutual benefit corporations or similar entities to do things like run a restaurant or a farm.
Civilization is located at 1511 NW 2nd Street, and is now serving morning coffee, lunch and dinner.
Tags: Featured • high