Ellen's Stardust Diner Closing?- Page 2

[Brian Esposito3]

Posted: 7/22/20 at 12:57am

Hi! Ellen's employee of 7+ years and Secretary of Stardust Family United here. Just to address a few things that have been mentioned in this thread:

1. The diner has not yet officially closed. While I can't speak to Ken Sturm's immediate actions or finances, I wouldn't be surprised if he is either more than capable of paying the rent or currently in negotiations over the lease. 

2. Regarding the New York Post article that was brought up, the allegations against the waitstaff were false. The National Labor Relations Board has already ruled in our favor and this matter has been closed for years.

3. While it's true that we've endured plenty of mistreatment from the owners and managers, Stardust Family United has worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions in the diner and we are incredibly proud of what we've accomplished. Management has formally recognized our union. Wrongfully terminated servers were offered reinstatement. Safety concerns have been addressed and nearly all of our demands over the past four years have been met. The diner is far from perfect, but it is not the same diner it was four years ago. While some of you may be glad to hear of the diner's potential closing on behalf of how we've been treated, this is not a sentiment that we share.

4. Ellen's Stardust Diner has over 200 employees; servers, hostesses, bussers, runners, bartenders, dishwashers, chefs, etc. Not everyone is a performer, and not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to finding a new job or receiving financial aid. We've started a fundraiser for our co-workers who are unable to collect unemployment during the shutdown. If you really want to show solidarity with the staff, here is the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9nt52-stardust-diner-employee-relief-fund

Peace, Love, and Ketchup,

Brian 

[Tag]

Posted: 7/22/20 at 1:08am

^mic drop

[massofmen]

Posted: 7/22/20 at 9:04am

I loved stardust diner when i first moved to the city in 2004. I knew some of the waitstaff there, and it was a joyous place to go and people seemed to love the atmosphere. There is really nothing like it in times square. I will also say some of the voices i heard there over the years were just as good as some of the voices i heard next door at the winter garden during Mamma Mia days (usually better) and we were more entertained spending a lot less money. 
Thank you to all the hard workers at the diner. You created a happy loving environment for years to people who patronized your diner. 

Updated On: 7/22/20 at 09:04 AM

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 7/22/20 at 10:19am

"Ellen's Stardust Diner has over 200 employees; servers, hostesses, bussers, runners, bartenders, dishwashers, chefs, etc. Not everyone is a performer, and not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to finding a new job or receiving financial aid."

Reading through this thread, I was disappointed that people were forgetting the multitudes of non-performer jobs that kept this and any restaurant running. So thank you Brian for keeping them in mind and calling attention to the GoFundMe.