By Cheryl Dowden, October 29, 2021
Congratulations to Greg Jones, entrepreneur, and owner of the Xplore Restaurant chain in Hot Springs Village! This local restaurateur has received high recognition and praise from Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson, in the form of a commendation letter.
Mr. Jones owns and operates six Village restaurants, Xplore Lakeside, Xplore Beehive Neighborhood Hangout, Artfully Baked and Brewed, Xplore Blue Elephant at Granada, Xplore DeSoto, and Xplore Isabella.
Area businesses have experienced challenges in finding and retaining employees during uncertain COVID-19 times. With some out-of-the-box thinking, Jones and Xplore Chef, Drake Bielert, came up with a unique way of addressing the employee retention problem.
Recently Jones instituted a new program at Xplore Lakeside where area high school students are encouraged to study while on the clock. For one hour before their shift, students are welcome to come in and do homework, and also given a delicious Xplore Lakeside meal. Internet and computers are provided for the student employees.
Jones and his new Student Work/Study/Eat Program have been featured in a recent news broadcast on a local television channel (KARK). Jones has also been in the spotlight on over 130 websites, Yahoo News (front page), and Fox and Friends, nationwide. Jone’s unusual solution to a difficult problem has not only provided Xplore Lakeside with a happier workforce but has also showcased the Village to the world at large in a positive light. Mr. Jones had this to say about all the buzz lately in the press:
“Great coverage. A way for us to really get out and talk about Hot Springs Village, as well. I already had someone call the restaurant from New Jersey, saying they loved our program. They saw us on the morning news. They are going to go on vacation this coming summer and they are coming to Hot Springs Village because they want to come to our restaurant.”
Greg Jones
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Thomas Coats
10/30/2021 — 7:12 am
I like the plan of Jones to help local kids with paid hour and meal for homework. Something has to be done to encourage kids to work. Sounds like a good plan.
Kathy Miramontes
10/30/2021 — 11:53 am
Congratulations Greg on your creative way of providing great incentives to students/employees! Sounds like a win-win all the way around! Your restaurants, students AND Village residents!