Pocono News Section

More Than 1,000 People Apply for 165 Jobs

More Than 1,000 People Apply for 165 Jobs - Friday, March 6, 2009 at 4:39PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Mar 6, 2009 @ 04:39pm EST
STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - While construction crews put the finishing touches on the new Olive Garden Restaurant in Stroud Township, managers prepare to hire their staff. They have plenty of people to choose from. The restaurant has 165 job openings. So far more than 1,000 have applied for them.

Jason Ecke of Saylorsburg applied Friday. He said he'll take any position he can get. He used o run his own renovation and construction business. "The economy took a down turn and people don't need that now," he said.

So now Jason will try his hand at waiting tables, washing dishes or any other job he can take. He said, "I've never worked in the restaurant business before but the times that we're in, I have to consider retraining."

Cleofe Pedroza snagged an interview. He hopes it leads to an offer. He said, "It's really hard because no one is hiring. The economy is messing up."

Like Jason, Cleofe has no restaurant experience. He said, "There's no where really hiring so I figured I should give this a shot."

They don't have experience but they do have something else. Jason said, "Just a little hope, a little hope in my back pocket, that's all."

A little hope to find any job at all in this tough job market.

The Stroud Township Olive Garden is scheduled to open on March 23rd. You can apply in person Monday through Saturday from 9 - 5.