No wonder staff at a Notts restaurant that opened last year have a smile on their faces - they love their jobs.
The company behind Hickory's Smokehouse in Nuthall has been crowned the best large company to work for in the UK.
It's one of 13, soon to be 15, restaurants owned by the popular Southern style smokehouse group, which said they are "beyond proud and thrilled" to have achieved the number one spot in the UK Best Companies awards.
Last year the company ranked in 11th position but since then have improved staff welfare even further.
The poll, which is based on honest thoughts and feedback from the Hickory’s team, saw the group beat off stiff competition.
Hickory's, which specialises in smoked barbecue food, opened in Mornington Crescent, last October.
Assistant manager Amy Stimpson, who is part of the 126-strong workforce there, said: "For all the team it's a really proud achievement.
"I honestly love my job. Don't get me wrong, we've only been open four months and it's been hard some days. We couldn't do it without the team. Every single one of them deserves a medal, they are a credit to us.
"It's definitely the best company I've worked for in terms of how they look after their team. Everyone from the CEO right at the top to our cleaners is so passionate about what we do and I think that's what sets us apart from everyone else.
"Our guests come in and from the get-go it's like we welcome them into our home. We treat them like family. We are very chatty and like to make our guests feel comfortable."
The company isn't interested in CVs and hires staff on personality alone, with full training provided.
As part of its ongoing mission to promote hospitality as a worthwhile and rewarding career, the company has invested heavily in the launch its industry-leading training academy.
Designed to offer workers a clear career path the Hickory’s Academy offers over 60 bespoke training and development courses as well as ongoing enrichment experiences for team members at every level of the business.
Server Beth Barnes, who started at the restaurant on opening day, previously worked in retail.
As well as being valued as an individual, she praised for the company's flexibility if she needs to take time off to be with her two-year-old son.
"It's definitely the best company I've worked for because the whole place feels like a family. Everybody really cares about each other and are always trying to help each other out.
"It's completely different to any company I've worked at before."
Sous chef Liam Goddard, a former food and beverage manager for a national hotel chain, agreed. He said: "I'm really happy. I wouldn't change it for anything. I love the food and I love the people I work with as well.
"They look after us. If we are having a busy day they will send drinks into the kitchen to keep us going. There are numerous managers that support us. Our area managers come in and help us in the kitchen sometimes and on the floor if we're in need of it."
Managing director John Welsh said it was a proud day.
“We are so incredibly pleased to have been awarded the number one position. Last year we said it was our proudest day to be at number 11, so to have reached the top spot is beyond what we ever imagined.
"There are lots of restaurants serving great food, but it’s thanks to the passion, creativity, personality and the hard work of our teams that have helped us get where we are today.
“It's been a busy period since reopening last year, our teams have worked unbelievably hard welcoming our guests and delivering an incredible experience, but in turn, we have been equally committed to looking after each and every member of Hickory’s family.”
Happy staff means happy customers so it's not just the food earning Hickory's five star reviews. One recent visitor said: " Fantastic table service and lovely staff."
Another commented: "Customer service was fantastic, plenty of staff walking the floor, very helpful, pleasant and there if you needed anything. So many eateries skimp on staff which does not make for good customer service. Hickory's is NOT one of those places... from bar to table everything and everyone was perfect!"
With a strong focus on wellbeing and mental health, the hours staff work are monitored to help them achieve a better work-life balance and a new, dedicated, 24-hour helpline has been launched for anyone needing to talk.
Driven from the very top, the annual management ‘roadshow’ events offer every team a unique opportunity to sit and talk individually with the company’s founder, owners and directors about how they are feeling and what the company can do to improve.
Mr Welsh added: "We have got a super-exciting year ahead of us, with new restaurants opening and lots of events planned but with our team behind us we have the confidence to smash 2022.
"I want to thank every one of our team, for every shift, every smile, every guest they make happy and for sticking by us on this journey.”
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