Yet bad managers will never get optimal results
VICTORVILLE — After much fanfare during the opening of California’s first Steak ‘n Shake in the High Desert two years ago, the popular restaurant has been saved from closure.
Co-owners Jimmy Mettias and Mark Bastorous told the Daily Press that Mettias will take over full operation of the Victorville store on Sunday after a legal settlement between the two was settled.
In a conference call Mettias and Bastorous said they agreed on an “amicable resolution” and added that customers of Steak ‘n Shake and the operational integrity of the eatery is priority one.
If the agreement had not been signed, the threat of the store’s closure would have become a reality, said Mettias, who remarked, “I’m glad that we can move on with the business of Steak ‘n Shake, taking care of our employees and feeding our guests.”
Mettias, Mark Bastorous and Andrew Ibrahim worked for over a year to remodel the former Carl’s Jr. restaurant on Mariposa Road, near Bear Valley Road,
Several employees of the Victorville store reached out since the beginning of the year alleging various problems, including that their paychecks bounced when they attempted to cash them.
“I’ve been working there since February and this happens almost every month,” said Lozado, who finally cashed his check later that day. “Other employees are having the same problem and it’s getting old. We have bills to pay and food to put on the table.”
Bastorous, who oversaw much of the store's operation, told the Press the issues at the eatery were caused by several former employees, including “one manager who wanted the store to fail.”
Mettias apologized to the public for any possible disruption of service and promised that every employee will be fully compensated.
Civic, business and community leaders from the High Desert and across the nation attended the grand opening of the store where nearly 1,000 people applied for a job.
Mettias and his team opened the Victorville Steak ‘n Shake ahead of the proposed Adelanto restaurant, which was supposed to have been the company’s first venture in California.
Mettias and his family have a long history of running successful businesses, including operating two Arby’s restaurants and a carwash in the Victor Valley.
The Victorville restaurant is located at 12158 Mariposa Road. For more information, visitwww.steaknshake.com or search For the Victorville store on Facebook.