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Worker uniformity, then and nowWorker uniformity, then and now

The evolution of restaurant employee style

Gloria Dawson

October 10, 2018

1 Min Read
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Our in-depth look at teens flaunts the White Castle fashion of today where employees sport T-shirts by Telfar, the designer known for his unisex clothing and love for the Castle (the restaurant has frequently catered his fashion shows). The modern look is all about “comfort and style,” Jamie Richardson, a VP for the brand, said at the time of the uniform launch.

But around 1950, when this guide was distributed to employees, the uniform and the company’s direction for dress were considerably more rigid — crisp, white button downs, a clean shave and trimmed hair were required. A lot has changed, but some mandates, such as to correct bad breath and have no body odor, stand the test of time.

This is part of Teen Vision, a special report about how this generation works, eats and plays.

Contact Gloria Dawson at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @GloriaDawson

About the Author

Gloria Dawson

Gloria Dawson is a senior editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Hospitality and Supermarket News. She writes and edits breaking news and feature stories and conceptualizes and manages various sections and special issues of NRN magazine.

She joined the restaurant and food group in 2018 after writing for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Eater and various other publications. She earned her master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and her BFA in art history and photography from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.

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