Five Things You May Not Know About Park Kitchen

How much do you tip when you go out to eat? Let me introduce you to one of the first Portland-area restaurants to embrace the gratuity-free concept. Did you know…

1. Park Kitchen of Northwest Portland was started in 2003 by Scott Dolich after he cashed in on his long-held desire to become a doctor and began studying at the Culinary Institute of America. After setting down roots in some of the newest and most exciting restaurants in Portland, Scott soon realized the City’s culinary landscape was the place for him.
2. “One House,” a sustainable staffing and compensation model, was created by Dolich in an effort to meet the needs of his staff, the expectations of his guests, and the economic forces challenging the restaurant industry. His staff are trained as both cooks and servers with rotating responsibilities. They all know first-hand how the meal was prepared and often will have taken part in its creation.
3. A second phase of One House began on July 1, 2016, with the restaurant posting a “Gratuity Free” logo to signal guests that they should not expect any other charges, including service fees, above the posted menu price. Overall menu prices increased by 18 percent so that Dolich can compensate all employees equitably, competitively and professionally. He has increased schedules to full-time, thereby allowing employees to qualify for the restaurant’s health insurance plan.
4. Every year around this time the entire Park Kitchen staff takes a short 30 minute drive south to visit Your Kitchen Garden in Canby, Oregon. They plan the trip specifically after the initial push of the summer harvest is through and the Garden’s produce is at its highest. This allows staff to be inspired and plan ahead to maximize use of the many varieties of veggies that will be harvested in the coming weeks.
5. Scott Dolich is a two-time nominee for the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Northwest. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Food,” the Awards honor the finest chefs, restaurants, wine professionals, journalists, cookbook authors, restaurant designers, and other food professionals in the United States.

Cascade is pleased to feature Park Kitchen, a business dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the local food industry.