Celeb-Endorsed Cha Cha Matcha Chain Under Fire for Allegations of Problematic Workplace Behavior | Eater NY

"At the West Hollywood flagship, I learned from former staff that managers used brief, appearance-focused interviews (one former employee said hers lasted only 45 seconds) and that during a six-month stretch there was reportedly not one Black employee; staffers say Conrad Sandelman made final hiring decisions based on whether applicants “fit the vibe.” Employees also say the West Hollywood location gave away approximately $200,000 in free merchandise to celebrities and influencers in 2019 (about 20 percent of the store’s sales that year), which staffers say depressed tips and morale. Former workers described tipped-worker pay at $14.25 per hour in Los Angeles and recounted being offered a rehire at a lower $12.25 rate, while the store’s phone line later appeared disconnected even as the location began accepting delivery through Postmates." - Luke Fortney