fired for having HIV

I also worked at Zuni in the past. I am an incredibly capable and accomplished person in the restaurant industry, having been a principle partner in a very notable restaurant consulting firm that has created and managed some of the country’s most successful and prominent restaurants, and those abroad as well. I found Judy Rogers to be very earthy and passionate about her restaurant, and I found the kitchen staff to be equally as given to the “organic perfection” that personifies Zuni. HOWEVER… the G.M. at the time was an angry, cocky little queen who needed a little seasoning and to learn a little respect for his elders. (I’m 10 years older, and a straight female, so….) Anyhoo, look- most of my friends are gay. My problem isn’t at all that. My problem is that this is the HOSPITALITY industry, not the HOSTILITY industry, and tight ass princessa alienated both the staff and the guests with his elitest, pompous attitude, and he needed to learn a little graciousness when it came to his people skills. In so far as ragging on those who are HIV positive, obviously, those of you on site are ignorant as to how one can pass on the virus. You CANNOT get it from food service, kissing, holding hands, hugging, or for God’s sake, spilling a cup of coffee on or around anyone. Basically, barring f#&*ing at a table unprotected or bleeding directly into something that may have contact with a customer’s open wound, there is no chance of transmitting HIV. By the by, I quit Zuni, I did not get fired.

I also worked at Zuni during the 90 and agree that the owners were quirky to say the least, but when it came to HIV they were very fair. There were many people who worked at Zuni with HIV - that is not illegal, against health codes or dangerous to the public. (I dare you to find 1 case where HIV was transmitted in a restaurant). Not discriminating against people with HIV is the right thing to do.

The original owner, Billy West died of AIDS in the 90’s. Staff with HIV/AIDS were given special consideration for medical appointments, especially by Dexter, the manager at the time. There was one staff person who was experiencing wasting syndrome; Zuni has been characterized as a place to see and be seen, a glamorous place, yet this guy continued to work even though he no longer looked “pretty”. The waitstaff even had their own 2.5 club where 2.5 of the tips were set aside for any staff emergencies, family or medical, available for all waitstaff, door staff or kitchen staff.

We did have a health plan at Zuni so I doubt that the original poster was fired for his/her HIV status.

Zuni can be criticized for a lot of things, but not unfairness to people with HIV.

I’ve worked professionally in the kitchen for more than 10 years. My experience and Zuni was apporable. From the meal, the service, and the management. I am very easy going about dining out. I always hear how I should let people know that I’m in the industry to receive better service or attention. That shouldn’t be the case. What went down when I visited Zuni was a disappointment all around. I can’t believe any of the good things I’ve heard of the restaurants reputation. It makes me want to let people know that I’m in the industry so I don’t have that kind of experience again.

This is sad that as the wealthiest nation in the world yet our people don’t even have proper AIDS/HIV education. HIV is NOT an air-born disease, so if this guy did somehow cut himself and his body juice landed on your crouton and you ate it two minutes later you WOULD NOT get AIDS. granted that would be gross, but if it happened by another man without HIV, it would STILL be gross. secondly, HIV is not the same thing as AIDS. HIV is the “unactivated” form of AIDS, if you will. If a customer went beyond the counter, boned him without a condom, he still might not get HIV!! (I am NOT in any way promoting unsafe sex, I am simply making a legitimate point.) Third, what this restaurant did was highly illegal and man, YOU SHOULD HAVE SUED!!!!!!!!!!!! they only fired you because they didn’t want to have to pay for your medical bills since you were eligible for their health coverage. Apparently the USA is filled with so called “stupid Americans”

You know there is something susspicious about a place WHEN THEY ARE ALWAYS HIRING! Not only did I notice it, but other industry friends have noticed it too. So many friends of mine looking for restaurnat jobs over the last 10 years mentioned that “Zuni” was hiring and that they were going to apply. When I went in there for dinner the service was horable and the hostess snooty. Fish stink from the top down–its got to be BAD MANAGEMENT!