“ Since we ’ re not a public company ,” continues Paul , “ we don ’ t have to compromise on our morals to satisfy shareholders . As long as the business survives and we can take care of ourselves and our employees and their families , then it ’ s a roaring success in my eyes .”
And a success it has been . For 36 years , PB & J has weathered many storms and continued to inspire locals to seek out quality food and service despite ongoing national and global uncertainty .
If there ’ s one thing that can be said about the restaurant sector , it ’ s that people will always be hungry for the comfort of a lovingly cooked meal served up with a smile . There ’ s nothing quite like it .
Reflecting over the last few decades , Paul highlights some moments that stick out as particularly poignant . “ So much has happened since we launched Paradise Diner ,” he notes . “ First there was 9 / 11 , then the 2008 financial crisis , and , most recently , the pandemic . But we got through them . We ’ ve been quite lucky .”
Silver lining
However , it can ’ t just be luck . “ True ,” admits Paul . “ I suppose it all goes back to the founding of PB & J . The only reason we exist in the first place – as I ’ ve mentioned – is to take care of ourselves , our families , and our employees .
“ There ’ s no other reason , and that ’ s why people have stuck by us through good times and bad . For us , employee loyalty needs to be rewarded . At PB & J , we gift a Harley Davidson motorcycle to all of those who have worked with us for 15 years . In the last two decades , we ’ ve gifted 116 , and in 2023 we ’ re due to hand over ten more .”
As Paul explains , employees mean a lot to him and the wider business . Therefore , on Independence Day each year , PB & J invites all its employees to Worlds of Fun amusement park for a day out in the sun to celebrate the group ’ s successes .
During the day , Paul will get up and talk in front of 1800 employees , before gifting the motorcycles to those that have hit the
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