Guess Who’s Thinking Outside the ‘Bun’ on Employee Comp and Benefits?

All this hoopla around workers’ rights leads some to believe that the fast-food industry is corrupt and unethical, but then the magazine Bon Appétit surprises us all with its top 10 list of fast-food restaurants that treat their employees well.

Recently, major fast-food companies like McDonald’s®, Burger King, and Wendy’s have come under fire for exploiting their workers and not paying them a living wage. The fight for minimum wage hikes dominate the news, and President Obama is pushing Congress to increase the national minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour.

Topping the Bon Appétit list is the national burger chain, Five Guys. The burger-and-fries joint that’s known for its fresh, never frozen, ingredients also prides itself on employee wellness. More than half of the current staff in over 1,000 locations have been promoted due to stellar performance reviews, and the company even offers paid sick leave.

Modmarket, a Colorado restaurant chain, also provides its workers with wages that are 30 percent over the national minimum, as well as biannual reviews that lead to internal growth. The company is now expanding to Houston, Texas, and a former salad chef is now the regional manager of the new location. These employees also receive paid leave and health insurance.

Moo Cluck Moo—a famous eatery with multiple locations in Michigan—is known for their acorn-fed, Berkshire heirloom pork and their local dairy farm milkshakes, but not many people are aware of the offerings they provide to their employees. Moo Cluck Moo employees start at $12 per hour and are bumped up to $14 after they’ve reached the 6-month employment mark. The company also provides training opportunities for a chance to become a certified baker.

So while the major corporate chains battle with their employees over workers’ rights and minimum wage, these restaurants are providing their employees with the benefits and respect they deserve.