LA PAIX Co., Ltd.
– Recruitment page

Interview

From part-time work to contract work. Support for challenges and a clearer vision for the future.

Part-time work to contract work (in-house independence) | Kitchen/Floor

Shinpei Takei

Q. What made you apply to LA PAIX?

It all started when we visited the restaurant as two guys. When we entered, I was overwhelmed by the fact that it was all women, and honestly, I thought, "I'll just eat and leave right away," but the staff's communication skills were amazing, and before I knew it, I felt so comfortable that I ended up staying longer (laughs). I had previously worked full-time at a restaurant, so I applied because I wanted to work at such a wonderful place.

Q. There is only one male staff member. How did you feel when you found out?

When I first arrived, the staff were all female, so I had a vague idea, and they mentioned it at the interview. However, it's not a job with a huge gender gap, so it didn't bother me too much. More than that, I have experience working in the restaurant industry, and I really enjoy talking to customers, so I was drawn to the close relationship with the customers at La Paix.

Q. What are your impressions of working in an office with a majority of women?

It's really easy to work here because they treat everyone equally, regardless of gender. Even if you're just a part-timer, if you tell them what you want to do, the owner will listen to your opinion, refine it, and guide you until it's possible... I'm grateful! I also think it's good that there are male staff members, as it makes it easier for male customers to come in.

Q. What was the most memorable experience you had while serving customers?

As we have a rare male staff member, I was happy when a mother with a child told me, "I was like a kindergarten teacher and it was easy to talk to you." She was worried about the children being noisy. However, when I told her, "It's a kids' room, so don't worry about it, just have fun," she seemed pleased with my words and left with a smile saying, "I'll come again!"

Q. How do you think this experience will help you in the future?

I have now changed my employment status from part-time to contract work. As a contract worker, I am responsible for all aspects of store management, from planning menus and services to sales and inventory management, and hiring, training, and mentoring staff. I had always wanted to run a restaurant in the future, but I don't currently have enough funds or experience, so I'm taking on the challenge of running a restaurant independently within the company, learning about restaurant management as a manager on the job. My dream is to be entrusted with even other business types in the future.

Q: Any message to applicants?

LaPaix is a place where you can hone your communication skills. Every day, you learn how to make customers want to come back. I think this is a skill that is required in any company, so the experience I gained at LaPaix will be very useful in the future. Although it is an all-female workplace, it is not at all difficult to work here, so I encourage both men and women to apply.