Employee Handbook

The Vogue Tavern — Team Handbook

Template — review before use. This handbook is a starting template for The Vogue Tavern (Tavern Vogue 230 LLC). It is not legal advice. Have it reviewed and customized by a qualified HR professional or California employment attorney before distributing to staff. Where this handbook and the law differ, the law controls.
1. Welcome2. At-Will Employment3. Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment4. Code of Conduct5. Attendance & Scheduling6. Dress & Appearance7. Meal & Rest Breaks8. Pay Practices9. Tip Policy10. Paid Sick Leave11. Responsible Alcohol Service12. Food Safety13. Safety & Workers' Comp14. Technology & Social Media15. Discipline

1. Welcome

Welcome to The Vogue Tavern. We're a neighborhood sports tavern built on great service, good food, cold beer, and a team that takes care of each other and our guests. This handbook explains what we expect and what you can expect from us. Keep it handy and ask a manager about anything that's unclear.

2. At-Will Employment

Employment with The Vogue Tavern is "at-will." That means either you or the company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this handbook is a contract or a guarantee of continued employment.

3. Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any characteristic protected by California or federal law (including race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, military/veteran status, or genetic information).

Harassment of any kind — by managers, coworkers, guests, or vendors — is prohibited. If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, report it immediately to a manager or owner. We will investigate promptly. Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited. You also received the state Sexual Harassment pamphlet during onboarding.

4. Code of Conduct

5. Attendance & Scheduling

Reliable attendance is essential. Know your schedule, arrive on time, and clock in/out accurately in Toast. If you can't make a shift, give as much notice as possible and follow the call-out/shift-coverage procedure. Repeated lateness, no-shows, or unapproved absences may lead to discipline.

6. Dress & Appearance

Wear the approved uniform, clean and in good condition. Maintain good personal hygiene. Kitchen staff must follow hair-restraint and closed-toe-shoe requirements. [Insert specific uniform standards.]

7. Meal & Rest Breaks (California)

8. Pay Practices

You'll be paid at least the California minimum wage ($16.90/hour as of January 1, 2026), and overtime as required: 1.5× for hours over 8 in a day or 40 in a week, and 2× for hours over 12 in a day. Pay periods and paydays are [insert schedule]. Review your pay stub and report any discrepancy to a manager promptly. Update your W-4/DE 4 and direct-deposit info as needed.

9. Tip Policy

Tips belong to the team. The Vogue Tavern uses a mandatory tip pool, distributed by a set written formula:

Note: Tip-pool rules are detailed and enforced in California (e.g., SB 648). Confirm this policy with your advisor and keep the written formula posted.

10. Paid Sick Leave

You earn paid sick leave under California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act — at least 40 hours / 5 days per year (frontloaded or accrued at 1 hour per 30 worked). You can use it after 90 days of employment for your or a family member's illness, preventive care, or other covered reasons. Request it per [insert procedure].

11. Responsible Alcohol Service

12. Food Safety

Follow all food-safety and sanitation rules: handwashing, glove use, temperature/holding logs, labeling and dating, and cleaning schedules. Required food-handler/manager certifications must be kept current.

13. Safety & Workers' Compensation

Work safely, use equipment properly, and keep walkways clear. Report any injury, accident, or unsafe condition to a manager immediately — no matter how minor. The Vogue Tavern carries workers' compensation insurance; you received the workers' comp time-of-hire notice during onboarding.

14. Technology & Social Media

Use the POS and company systems only for work. Don't share guest information or confidential business information. Personal phone use should not interfere with service. When posting about work on social media, be respectful and don't disclose confidential information; nothing here limits legally protected activity.

15. Discipline & Termination

We aim to address issues fairly. Depending on the situation, discipline may include coaching, verbal or written warnings, suspension, or termination. Serious misconduct (theft, violence, harassment, safety violations, serving minors, intoxication on duty) may result in immediate termination. Because employment is at-will, the company may use any step at any time.

You acknowledge this handbook on the New Hire page. Questions? Ask a manager or owner.