Owner of Ellen's Stardust Diner Responds to Unfair Treatment Allegations

Amidst allegations of unfair treatment of workers, Ken Sturm, the owner of the famed Ellen's Stardust Diner has released the following statement:

"We have always treated our staff quite well -- with fairness, flexibility and respect. We for years had a relaxed approach to managing the restaurant, allowing the staff to make their own schedules, for example, something you'd never see in any restaurant in the country. But we realized more recently that we needed to operate more efficiently, so we needed to make adjustments. We still allow for schedule changes based on our staff's theatrical pursuits, but management needs to be involved in the process so we are properly staffed. We have to run a restaurant and serve our customers, and our customers are our top priority.

The safety of our staff is also very important, as we've made more than $80,000 in upgrades and improvements to the restaurant, with our staff in mind. We are proud to have a staff, where the average tenure is eight years, that is a true cross-section of America, consisting of people of all backgrounds. We understand that people can get nervous when changes are made. We're happy to work with their representatives to address whatever concerns they have."

This comes on the heels of a statement received by BroadwayWorld today from employees of Ellen's Stardust Diner, "home of the world famous singing waitstaff," who have joined forces with the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) to establish Stardust Family United in order to dispute alleged unhealthy working conditions, disrespectful treatment from owners and management, and fight for higher wages for its non-tipped employees.

The diner features "the future stars of the stage and screen" in a fun and interactive environment - all for the price of a cheeseburger. Founded in 1987 by Ellen Hart Sturm, Ellen's Stardust Diner is a unique 50's themed diner with live entertainment provided by its very own wait staff, making it a popular attraction for tourists, school groups, and New Yorkers alike. The restaurant boasts some of New York's most talented vocalists, and has been a stepping stone for over two hundred of Broadway's performers over the past 29 years.

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