Restaurant HR & Payroll Support, Including Benefits & Compliance

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Restaurant HR Group is built on trust, partnership and human connection. We’re honored by the feedback, appreciation, and stories shared by both our clients and our team. These reflections represent more than kind words. They capture the relationships, impact, and experiences that define RHR. We’re proud to share a few of them with you here.

Reviews of Restaurant HR Group

We’ve been using Emily at RHR for a while now and they’ve been awesome to work with. She’s always easy to get ahold of, quick to respond, and willing to walk us through things. She’s made HR way less stressful for our team. Definitely recommend if your looking for a HR firm and need good people in your corner.

James Tobin

Director Operational Services, Brain Storm Shelter

As a growing restaurant chain, we needed an HR resource to quickly handle employee situations and questions and highlight and assist with compliance requirements. Our dedicated resources have done a wonderful job of directly communicating with employees and handling HR situations so that our management team can focus on improving and growing our business.

Julia Gacek

Financial Director, Fry the Coop

We highly recommend working with Restaurant HR Group. Our HR Manager, Andrea Yates, has been an indispensable part of our team, and we are very grateful to have her. We have had the pleasure of working with RHR since early 2021. An incredible partner.

Faisal Yousoufi

Principal, Harvest Eats/Jinya Ramen Bar

We have worked with Restaurant HR for a few years, and they have been a great partner in managing our HR needs. They handle our weekly payroll, benefits enrollment, and support our HR administration with reliability and care. Andrea is always kind, professional, and detail-oriented, and truly feels like part of our team. Thanks for helping us keep everything running smoothly!

Danielle Lombardo

Executive Director of Operations, Honey Butter Fried Chicken

I co-own three restaurants and we have worked with Restaurant HR for nearly two years. I have found them to be extremely helpful and professional. They are very responsive when issues come up and are proactive about identifying problems and proposing solutions. I would strongly recommend them to anyone looking for assistance in HR, payroll and benefits.

Chris Tracy

Co-Owner, CGD Hospitality

RHR has been there for me for almost three years, and I truly couldn’t imagine growing anywhere else. Through every challenge and win, I’ve always felt supported, encouraged, and cared for. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team that leads with kindness, shows up consistently, and makes me feel valued not just as an employee, but as a person.

Sara Sherman

Payroll & Accounting Assistant, Restaurant HR Group

I have had the pleasure of working with RHR for a few years now. I have worked closely with Kayte and she has been there for all my needs. She’s responsive, reassuring and makes you feel like no question is a dumb one. I’ve been very grateful to know I can reach out to Kayte for anything I need!

Madison Martini

Area Manager, MM Subs

We’ve had a fantastic experience working with Restaurant HR Group. Kristi (and previously Meghan) have been incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful in navigating a wide range of HR matters across our fast-moving, multi-line business. Their support has truly made a big difference for our team.

Tyler DeAgano

Chief Legal Officer, Ballard Brands

They are very personable. Extremely knowledgeable with all employee relations we have dealt with. Very fast response time. Always available to help and coach. Would highly recommend this group to anyone in need of an HR department. We are very thankful to be partnered with this group.

Justin Goerich

Director of Operations, MERA

RHR has been incredibly helpful to me and my team! Kayte G. has helped guide me through a lot of people related challenges In the restaurant industry. I truly don’t know how I could do this without her!

Alex Burdi

Area Manager, MM Subs

The greatest HR firm you could ever ask for! And Jack does amazing work for us! 24/7 Jack is always available for our needs! He always keeps us in line with the latest rules and regulations that we need to follow!

Scott Goldberg

Co-Founder, Fresh Brothers

RHR does a great job facilitating all HR needs that our company has. Rebecca is always available to support initiatives as they arise. We are very happy with the communication and collaboration this group provides and are looking forward to growing our business with them as our HR partners as we do.

Brad Bernardo

Director of Operations, Electric Hospitality

If you want accurate information, quick and informative responses that will integrate with your company’s culture, specifically ask for Codi Livingston to be your HR Specialist. She can do it all. Always willing to follow up and connect with anyone having an issues.

Kenneth Drummer

Area Manager, Chicagoland Commissary LLC

There is so much love every day in our supergroup. We lift up and encourage everyone when the need arises. It could be helping with a system question/issue, an uplifting message when the day has been hard, or giving guidance when we are working through something new and don’t know where to start. Our team is always available to support one another.

We also love a good meme/gif…I always smile when I see someone create a custom gif in honor of the Biscuit team. So much humor and creativity.

It is a joy to come to work every day and know that I have this team behind me!

Geri Wiley

Payroll Specialist, Restaurant HR Group

We have been working with Restaurant HR Group for our company, and they have been fantastic. A special shoutout to our rep, Kayte, who has become an important part of our team. She’s extremely knowledgeable and responsive and seems to always know the right thing to say. Kayte always takes the time to understand the needs of our business specifically and provides solutions that work for us. It’s been a pleasure to work with Kayte, and I would highly recommend Restaurant HR Group!

Christopher Lotesto

Area Manager, MM Subs

Restaurant HR Group has been a great help to us. Their guidance has been crucial to our growth. I would recommend their services without hesitation.

CD Young

CEO, Wild Thing Restaurant Group

Love working with Ashley! She’s always insightful and brings a wealth of knowledge to every conversation.

Jeremy Lluch

Corporate General Manager, Next Level Burger

Awesome group to work with. We have the privilege to have Shannon O. to handle all our HR needs here at Prince Street Pizza.

Linner Bran

General Manager, Prince Street Pizza

Fresh Brothers literally couldn’t do it without Restaurant HR Group and team – especially Jack! Whether it be payroll processing, or navigating complicated compliance issues, RHR is there for us every step of the way!

Robert Riddle

Regional Vice President, Fresh Brothers

Working with RHR has been nothing short of fantastic. They’ve been incredible partners—collaborative, professional, and truly inspiring to work alongside. A special shoutout to Rebecca Hampton, whose leadership and expertise have made a real difference. Her insights, guidance, and hands-on support with platform implementation have been invaluable. We’re deeply grateful for her and the entire team’s dedication. Looking forward to continued success together!

Wade Chancellor

Director, Electric Hospitality

I want to say how much I appreciate RHR for the opportunities for growth and professional development that I have been given. I know without a doubt that I have learned more in the last three years than I have with any previous employer. Even though I haven’t had the chance to meet face-to-face with my colleagues, I feel so connected and supported by my team. Thank you so much for your belief in me, and for allowing me to be a part of this amazing group.

Lea Hynes

HR Manager, Restaurant HR Group

With RHR, we’ve used their on-demand support service and it’s worked out great for us. Meghan and team are responsive, organized and very knowledgeable about restaurants. There hasn’t been a single case in almost two years where we haven’t been able to get ahold of them when we needed to. Whether you’re looking to outsource your HR needs without worrying about building an in house team or if you’re not large enough to allocate resources to a full service HR dept, you’ve found exactly who you’re looking for.

Akash Sandhu

Co-Owner, Ascential Restaurant Group/Jersey Mike's

Carrie and Meghan both consistently support us and our clients by providing indispensable tools—such as Carrie’s books, live training sessions, and the Academy, that help us succeed in our roles.

I also want to express my gratitude to my leader, Marie, and the incredibly talented team members of the Caffeinated Bandits. I can depend on them to provide insight into complex issues just as easily as I can depend on them to send a funny meme to brighten the day.

I truly am happy to be a part of this RHR family.

Shannon Orpiano

Senior HR Leader, Restaurant HR Group

Christopher Lotesto

Area Manager, MM Subs

I’ve had the pleasure of working very closely with Sheila Nevarez from RHR, and she is truly one of the best HR professionals I’ve ever worked with. Sheila is incredibly quick to respond, thoughtful in her approach, and always willing to talk through multiple scenarios to find the best outcome. She’s a fantastic resource for our GMs and managers and never hesitates to get involved when needed.

I always value her perspective and the way she balances compliance with real-world restaurant operations.

What really sets Restaurant HR Group apart is that everyone on their team comes from the restaurant industry — they don’t just know HR, they get restaurants.

Their training for managers is relevant, practical, and completely restaurant-focused.

They’re also continuously evolving, always looking for new ways to support operators and improve team performance. Honestly, this is the best outsourced HR company I’ve ever worked with. And perhaps my favorite thing of all: no one on our team ever thinks of Sheila as an “outside” resource — she’s become part of our company family.

Highly recommend Restaurant HR Group to any restaurant or hospitality group looking for genuine partnership and expertise!

Nanette McWhertor

Pizzana

We began working with Restaurant HR group in July of 2018. At the time we had 10 locations spread across 3 states. We were relying on an internal HR Director with limited experience. With our growing business and large geography, we were quickly outgrowing our resources. We were able to connect to Restaurant HR through a search of colleagues and online and selected RHR Group. We could not be happier with the results.

The entire team has been fantastic. Joann Skiba has been our main point of contact for several years and is truly part of the team/family. Her care and concern for the wellbeing of all of the CKJ Mgt staff is amazing! We have grown to 28 locations in 4 states and the entire team has come to rely heavily on Joann/Angie/Meghan and the entire Restaurant HR team. We are extremely happy and could not recommend them more.

Todd Jackson

Franchisee, CKJ Eateries/Newk's

Love Emily & RHR! From day one, Emily has been a total rockstar — super prompt, always available for questions, and lightning-fast with solutions. Since working with Emily and RHR, the difference has been great. Emily makes everything feel easy and efficient — she’s basically our HR superhero. If you’re a restaurant leader on the fence, don’t think twice. Emily and RHR will save you time, stress, and probably a few headaches. She’s the kind of HR partner you didn’t know you needed but won’t ever want to live without.

Natalie Dionne

Event Sales Manager, Brain Storm Shelter

It is now nine years that we have been using RHR for all of our human resource needs with approximately 250 staff members, three locations in the Chicago suburbs.

It is a one stop shop… they have a vast toolbox and file cabinet for every HR need along with oversight of our biweekly payroll and employee health insurance and benefit programs.

Meghan Maas holds us to proper compliance practices, through continual communication and being involved with us and understanding our business practices, helping our leadership team grow, and this is all done very professionally, friendly with a smile and a level of excitement and enthusiasm for our wins and then optimistic approach to our challenges.

Some of the positives we have experienced, are:

Lower employee turnover
Zero lost unemployment claims
Management and ownership truly enjoy and respect Meghan and Restaurant HR Group. It’s very easy to make a phone call with any questions without feeling like your opinion doesn’t matter.
The hourly staff members are very comfortable with Meghan
Many issues resolved just by holding to high standards and proper compliance and proper HR practices with understanding and empathy.

I would recommend RHR to anyone that has a need. They are a great partner, very affordable to work with and available anytime you need them.

Thank you, Meghan Maas, Carrie Luxem, Meghan Griffiths and your entire organization for all you do and how much you care.

Michael Vai

Managing Member, Vai's & Entourage

I’ve been fortunate to work with Restaurant HR Group for the past couple of years across several of my businesses. Carrie, Meghan, Juliette, Jack and their team are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and provide top-notch service. Juliette Driscoll and Jack Morlock have been with me every step of the way, and their personalized HR advice, tailored to our specific needs, truly sets them apart.

They have become valuable members of our executive team, seamlessly integrating and enhancing our processes, allowing our leaders to focus on what they do best: serving our guests.

From payroll and benefits to daily HR tasks, they provide us with the guidance and support needed for smart business decisions. They understand our challenges at all levels and consistently stays ahead of things.

As a growing company, I highly recommend Restaurant HR Group.

Rio Gueli

CFO, RDM Hospitality

Bottleneck Mgmt has been very pleased with our choice of Restaurant HR to help with all of our HR needs. Carrie, Meghan and their team have proven to be extremely knowledgeable and very accessible. There have been many occasions where we have talked very early in the morning and very late at night. They understand our business is not 9-5 and do everything they can to be available when needed. We feel like they are invested in our business with the training programs they offer for our Mgmt teams and willingness to get their hands dirty. For a growing company such as ours, they have been an outstanding and valuable partner.

Chris Bisaillon

Owner, Bottleneck Management

I started working with Carrie when I had just one restaurant, but aspirations for many more. She was vital in helping me find the right people and setting up HR systems that assisted us in our ability to grow rapidly. Carrie has always been an honest and trusted advisor and now a friend. The level of energy, knowledge and dedication that comes from the Restaurant HR Group team is amazing. They’re enormously passionate about adding value to the restaurants they support and do remarkable work. I am continually amazed at the high level and quality of work we get from them.

Matt Matros

Founder, Protein Bar & Kitchen

Carrie Luxem and the Restaurant HR Group team have been an exemplary partner for DMK Restaurants. Their recipe of restaurant industry expertise mixed with seasoned professionalism makes Restaurant HR the ideal match for small to medium size restaurant groups. Carrie Luxem, its founder and leader, is a dynamo that truly understands the value of creating value for each of my restaurants based on its unique needs. As a Company that prides itself in its truly exceptional hospitality, training and development of its key people, and out of the box retention—we have found Restaurant HR to be a key to unlocking this treasure.

David Morton

Co-Owner, DMK Restaurants

The Restaurant HR Group, founded and headed by Carrie Luxem, have been “partners” with me for almost a decade now. She and her team of human resources professionals have assisted me in building my company, Roti Mediterranean Grill, from inception as a small dream into a medium-sized fast casual organization with locations now in Chicago, Washington DC and New York City. Carrie and her team have been instrumental in our growth by assisting my team in attracting, resourcing and retaining talent, monitoring governmental regulations, providing payroll and administrative services, and authoring essential policy and employee manuals, among other things. The depth of experience and aptitude that Restaurant HR brings to my company is perfect for the emerging growth company that we are. I highly recommend partnering with Carrie and her company to anyone that aspires to truly take their company to the next level.

Bill Post

Co-Founder, Roti

From the moment I started, I’ve felt genuinely supported and mentored — not in a micromanage-the-day-to-day way (which I love), but in the bigger picture of my career, my growth, and the kind of leader I want to become. The autonomy and flexibility here have allowed me to own my work, while the guidance and encouragement have helped me grow far beyond just the “tasks.”

RHR has such an intentional, positive, and solution-focused energy. The leaders are knowledgeable, supportive, and clearly care — not just about outcomes, but about people. I’m grateful to be part of an environment that pushes me to keep learning, keeps things optimistic, and reminds me that growth can feel both challenging and energizing at the same time

Feeling very lucky to be part of this team. ❤️

Meghan Maas

Senior HR Leader, Restaurant HR Group

Working with Emily Yarbrough has been an exceptional experience for the Brain Storm team. Emily seamlessly integrates with our team, making it feel like she’s been with us for years. She embodies every quality you could hope for in a team member—knowledgeable, responsive, accurate, efficient, adaptable, personable, and caring. Emily’s support is a key reason why I would recommend your company to any of my peers in the industry. She’s truly amazing, and we hope to keep her as part of our team for a long time to come!

September Anderson

VP of Finance, Brain Storm Shelter

I wanted to take a moment to express how valuable Liz is to our organization.

She consistently goes above and beyond to educate and assist us, whether it’s through email or a phone call, such as the one this morning. She always gives us her full attention. Liz has significantly escalated the quality of our franchise compared to a year ago. We truly couldn’t ask for a more professional, kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable HR representative.

Thank you for everything you do.

Kristopher Cupery

Operations Director, D&K Foods LLC

Even though I’m still newer to RHR, one of the things that stood out to me almost immediately was how people genuinely show up for each other. There’s a real sense of collaboration and openness here. Knowledge is shared freely, questions are welcomed, and it feels like everyone is invested in helping each other succeed.

What makes me proud to be part of RHR is the balance between expertise and heart. We do meaningful, complex work, but we never lose sight of the people behind it, our clients and each other. That human-first approach is something special.

I’ve already had several moments where I thought, “this is exactly why I’m glad I’m here,” especially seeing how supportive and encouraging the team has been as I’ve stepped into my role. It truly feels like a place where growth is encouraged and people are valued.”

Grateful to be part of this team.

Pam McQuaid

HR Manager, Restaurant HR Group

Keaghan and her team have been an invaluable source of guidance and support for our company. Their insight, consistent encouragement, and thoughtful recommendations have played a pivotal role in our ongoing success. They are highly responsive, always addressing our questions and emails with efficiency and clarity. What truly sets them apart is their exceptional ability to understand their clients’ needs and provide meaningful, tailored assistance. It has been a genuine pleasure collaborating with them throughout this journey.

Mandi Parmer

Director of Store Operations, Keystone

I cannot say enough great things about Emily Yarbrough. She is always available at a moment’s notice for any help that we need. I truly consider her one of the most important members of our team. She always goes above and beyond with her service. The peace of mind she provides with her insight and guidance is invaluable. I would recommend her and RHR!

Chyle McGrath

Senior General Manager, Brain Storm Shelter

What I genuinely love about RHR is the team and culture we’ve built together. There’s such a strong sense of ownership, collaboration, and pride in the work we do, and everyone shows up ready to support each other.

A moment that really solidified this for was working through a challenging situation and feeling like my leadership team truly had my back. Instead of criticism, I experienced support, collaboration, and a focus on finding a solution. That kind of environment makes it easier to navigate difficult situations and it’s a big reason I love being a part of RHR.

RHR doesn’t just talk about caring, we actually practice it. We support our clients, we support each other, and we hold a high standard for the work we deliver. That balance of heart and excellence is something I’m very proud to be a part of.

Jennifer Vance

HR Manager, Restaurant HR Group

Emily Yarbrough has been the HR Director for the past two years at our company. We absolutely love her. Her attention to detail and making sure we have every resource we need and more are her best assets! Emily has continuously provided support and is proficient in tackling any issue that we have thrown her way during her time with us. We absolutely adore Emily and all of the hard work that she has done for us. We couldn’t do it without her!

Lauren Gillit

Commissary Manager, Brain Storm Shelter

Most successful restaurant operators realize that finding and retaining quality people is essential to building a prosperous business. Managing, motivating, and supporting employees can be a more challenging undertaking than serving customers. It requires a depth of knowledge and skill set rarely found in most restaurant organizations. At Meatheads we rely on Carrie and Restaurant HR Group to provide us with a breadth of services and level of experience and engagement that we would be unable to hire in house. Restaurant HR Group is a highly trusted resource in whom we place our confidence allowing us to focus on the execution within our restaurants and taking care of our customers.

Tom Jednorowicz

Founder, Meatheads Burgers & Fries

The Restaurant HR Group team, led by Carrie Luxem, is the real deal. They are one of the most passionate, caring, and knowledgeable groups I’ve worked with. Without question, they are the “Gamechanger” in our industry. Not only have I (and my team) read Carrie’s Soft Skills Playbook, but I’ve learned so many valuable leadership and HR lessons from this team. If you need HR support for your restaurants, look no further! Restaurant HR Group is the premier partner to support your HR compliance needs!

Dan Anfinson

Chief Operating Officer, Mak Haik Restaurant Group

What I genuinely love about Restaurant HR Group is our incredible leadership and support. Carrie and Meghan consistently recognize and celebrate our team, making each of us feel valued and proud to represent the brand. More than four years after reaching out about joining the company, I still feel just as appreciated and respected as I did on day one.

Our culture is warm, professional, and truly people-focused. We show up for each other daily—whether that’s jumping into team chats to help, sharing encouragement, or bringing innovative ideas like live trainings to better serve our clients. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this team. our clients.

Andrea Yates

HR Manager, Restaurant HR Group

Brian Krause

Area Manager, Chicagoland Commissary LLC

Carrie Luxem, Meghan Griffiths, and the entire Restaurant HR Group, Inc. team have always been true partners to me and Pepper Lunch Restaurants. They proactively look for ways to ensure our compliance, keep us informed and educated, and expand our understanding of how they can support our growth!

Troy Hooper

CEO, Pepper Lunch Restaurants