OAI: ShortStaf and Bunker

June 28, 2021/in Business/by

You asked, we listened. Our enterprise users have often asked about insurance coverage for Staf users. Now, ShortStaf has partnered with Bunker to provide Occupational Accident Insurance to our Staf users, every time they work. Bunker allows us to cover our independent contractors in the event of injury during shifts worked on the ShortStaf App. OAI is automatically provided to all Staf users on the platform and enrollment is not required. Staf are covered by benefits while working any shift on the ShortStaf App, at no additional cost to you.

Questions? We have answers.

Why OAI?

Having workers always comes with liability. Accidents, injuries, damage to equipment and
machinery aren’t something any company hopes to have to deal with, but even the most skilled workers, and the safest workplaces, can fall victim to one of these mishaps.

Occupational accident insurance (OAI) is similar to workers’ compensation in that it covers
medical expenses for accidental injuries on the job, related benefits associated with fatalities on the job and, depending in the insurance provider, loss of wages. As the gig economy continues to grow, ShortStaf is now offering Occupational Accident Insurance as a part of our staffing platform.

Contractors aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation, but that doesn’t make them any less
likely to suffer debilitating injuries and medical costs. If an independent worker is hurt on the
job, they would have to rely on health insurance, which they may or may not have, as it isn’t
provided by an employer. Furthermore, some health insurance policies don’t cover workplace injuries in all cases, meaning they could be left to fend for themselves either way. OAI provides that extra level of protection in these situations.

How do I know my Staf are covered?
Every single Staf is covered, every single shift. When you hire Staf on the ShortStaf App, they
are provided with Occupational Accident Insurance. They automatically are provided with these benefits during their time working a shift. No enrollment is required.

How much does this cost the Host?

Staf are provided with these OAI benefits at no additional cost to the Host.

How much does this cost the Staf?

ShortStaf does not charge the Staf for the Occupational Accident Insurance provided through Bunker. Staf are automatically provided with OAI, at no additional cost.

For additional questions, contact: info@shortstaf.com

For more information, ideas, recipes, and more: visit our blog or check out our Pinterest page.

Graduation Party 2021

May 21, 2021/in Host Tips, Lifestyle, Parties/Event Ideas/by

Graduation 2021 ?

What is more exciting than a graduation party? As we head into the summer, there is nothing better than celebrating all the dedication and hard work of the ones we love! How can you use ShortStaf to make your graduation celebration one to remember? Make your 2021 Graduation Party unforgettable!

Here are 5-different ways you can use ShortStaf to make your graduation party easy and enjoyable!

Find a bartender on ShortStaf!

Thinking about serving cocktails to your guests? Instead of shaking up drinks all night, hire a bartender on ShortStaf! What does a ShortStaf bartender do? From shaking up drinks, keeping drinks replenished, monitoring drink stations, or helping your guests, they can basically do it all! A ShortStaf bartender can perform any of the duties you need them to throughout the night. Even if you are not serving cocktails at your party, think about hiring a bartender on ShortStaf. They will be there to ensure all of your drink stations are replenished and your guests never have to worry about finding something to drink (and neither do you!).

Don’t do set up alone. Find set up help!

Before any party, there is always so much preparation. Between food, drinks, and decorations, you most likely have your hands full. Don’t rush to get it all done. Find set up help on ShortStaf to make setting up for your party easier than ever. The set-up help position on ShortStaf can put up decorations, set up food and drink stations, move around tables and chairs, and basically tie up all those last minute loose-ends before the party starts! Have an extra pair of hands available to help you so YOU can enjoy!

What about the food? Find a server!

By hiring a server on ShortStaf, you can have help with all things food! From passing appetizers to setting up and serving platters, they can do it all. If you are going for a more relaxed buffet style, ShortStaf servers can ensure that the buffet area stays clean and replenished for the entirety of the event. ShortStaf servers can help you clean as you go, so there isn’t a big mess to clean at the end of the night. Have help with the little things so you can focus on your graduate.

Thinking about grilling? We can help with that too!

If you are a person who would like to mingle with your guests instead of being stuck at the grill all night, try hiring a grill cook for the evening! They can tend to the grill, keeping you and your guests fed. They can help you prepare all the food you have planned for the night.

Cleaning up has never been so easy…

Saying goodbye to your guests at the end of the night means saying hello to all the party clean up. With ShortStaf, you don’t have to do it all alone! You can choose the clean-up position on ShortStaf to help take down decorations, break down food and drink stations, clean plates, pans, and dishes, move tables and chairs, and SO much more. With help from ShortStaf, cleaning up your party is fast and efficient.

Use ShortStaf for your graduation party to have all the help you need. Celebrate your graduate and enjoy time spent together! Download the free ShortStaf App today and post for on-demand party staff to make your party a breeze! Congratulations to all the graduates of 2021!

For more information, recipes, and ideas… visit our blog or check out our Pinterest page!

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Allied Membership

April 21, 2021/in Uncategorized/by

ShortStaf is proud to be an official member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. We are excited to join this influential trade organization that represents over 10,000 restaurants, hotels, and industry suppliers. Together, we are working to connect restaurants around the state with qualified, ready-to-work hospitality professionals. ShortStaf will be a resource for restaurants, hotels, and the 1.5 million hospitality employees in the state of Florida. To learn more about the FRLA and what they are doing for the restaurant industry, click here.

ShortStaf and the FRLA share a common goal to support, expand, and advocate for the hospitality industry in any way possible. Together with the FRLA, ShortStaf joins in a valiant effort to promote the restaurant industry at state, and local levels.

Did you know that ShortStaf is also an Allied Member of the National Restaurant Association? Read more about our recent membership here.

For more information, visit our site.

For recipes, ideas, and other information: check out our blog or our Pinterest page.

National Restaurant Association Allied Membership

April 14, 2021/in Business, Lifestyle, Uncategorized/by

ShortStaf is proud to announce our allied partnership with the National Restaurant Association. Since 2015, we have been growing our network of restaurant professionals, connecting them with local jobs and gigs.

Today, we have elevated our commitment to the restaurant industry by becoming an official Allied Member of the National Restaurant Association. COVID-19 has affected the restaurant and hospitality industry significantly.

ShortStaf seeks to support, grow, and assist the hospitality industry in any way possible. Together with the Restaurant Association, ShortStaf joins efforts in advocating for the restaurant industry at national, state, and local levels.

Together, we can help our industry professionals get back to work.

For more information, visit our site.

For recipes, ideas, and other information: check out our blog or our Pinterest page.

Irish Coffee with a Twist

March 8, 2021/in Host Tips, Recipe/by

Irish Coffee with a Twist ?☕️

To celebrate St.Patrick’s Day this year, we are switching up it up and swapping out our traditional Baileys with Almande for a delicious Irish Coffee [with a twist]. We’re using Baileys Almande, which is an almond milk liqueur. Baileys Almande is gluten free and dairy free, too!

Here are the ingredients:

-Irish Coffee with a Twist- ??

2oz Baileys Almond milk liqueur

1oz Jameson Irish Whiskey

Unflavored coffee of choice

Whipped cream

(to stay dairy free, opt for dairy free whipped cream)

First, pour the Jameson into the mug. Next, fill with coffee (don’t forget to leave room for Baileys and whipped cream). Then, add your Baileys on top. Finally, top with your whipped cream of choice!

Cheers to a safe and fun St.Patrick’s Day! For more recipes or ideas, check out our blog or visit our Pinterest page!

Opting out of the coffee? Try our other St. Patty’s Drinks: Try our Jameson Green Tea Cocktail or our Key Lime Pie Martini!

Peach Champagne Spritz

December 28, 2020/in Host Tips, Recipe/by

Peach Champagne Spritz ?

After a year like 2020, we’re more than eager to usher in a New Year. Although this New Year’s Eve might be celebrating a bit differently than in years past – we’re not taking any excuses for boring! Looking for a way to make your New Year’s Champagne more exciting? Well look no further! Here we have the recipe for a divine Peach Champagne Spritz.

This delicious champagne cocktail is crafted with wine, peach schnapps, grapefruit juice, and of course – champagne. Not only is it delicious- it is SO easy to make!

Ingredients:

3oz Pinot Grigio

½ oz Peach Schnapps

1oz [Fresh-Squeezed] Grapefruit Juice

2oz Champagne (or Brut Sparkling Wine)

First, fill your glass with ice. Next, pour 3oz of your favorite Pinot Grigio over the ice. Then add ½ oz of Peach Schnapps. Add 1oz of Grapefruit Juice (we used freshly squeezed for the freshest flavor). Next, mix the contents of the glass – this can be done by adding the contents of the glass into a tin and mixing.

Finally, return the mixture back into the glass and top with 2oz of your favorite bubbly Champagne.

This recipe has a mix of different ingredients, so we’re not getting too particular… Rather, here are some suggestions of some of our favorites:

Kris Pinot Grigio, Prophecy Pinot Grigio, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut, or Graham Beck Brut

For more delicious recipes and ideas – check out our Pinterest page or visit our blog.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, bountiful 2021.

Cappuccino Martini

December 10, 2020/in Host Tips, Lifestyle, Parties/Event Ideas, Recipe/by

Cappuccino Martini : ShortStaf’s 2020 Holiday Cocktail ☕️

This year, we were looking to make a decadent, smooth, and satisfying Christmas cocktail (and we think we’ve nailed it). We have all heard of an espresso martini, but have you tried our Cappuccino Martini? Made with Vodka, Kahlúa, and Bailey’s – this cocktail is our perfect end to 2020.

We finished off this cocktail with a Turbinado Sugar garnish and a dusting of cinnamon – just like we like our cappuccinos.

Cappuccino Martini Ingredients:

1.5 oz Tito’s Vodka

1 oz Kahlúa

1 oz Bailey’s Irish cream

1.5 oz frothy milk

Turbinado Sugar [for rim]

Sprinkle of cinnamon

First, prepare the Turbinado sugar rim by pouring some sugar onto a plate to rim your glass. Prepare your glass by rimming the glass with water, then twist the rim of the glass in the Turbinado sugar until the entire edge is covered.

Now, prepare the mixing tin. Fill the tin ¾ of the way with ice. First, add the vodka.

**Hint: Try substituting a flavored vanilla or caramel vodka for bonus points!**

Add the Bailey’s and Kahlúa. Shake vigorously.

Next, froth your milk. We do this by shaking the jug vigorously before pouring. Otherwise, you could use a whisk.

Add the frothed milk into the martini glass first. Then, slowly strain the cocktail from the tin into the martini glass.

Dust the top of your drink with cinnamon.

Cheers!

Enjoy your new after [or before ?] -dinner drink

Happy holidays from ShortStaf!

For more recipes and ideas, visit our Pinterest page or our blog! Be sure to let us know if you tried our cocktail!

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram @shortstafapp to let us know how much you liked it!

Best wishes for a joyous holiday and a Happy New Year ?

Find and Hire On-Demand Hospitality Staf

November 12, 2020/in Business/by

How to Find and Hire On-Demand Staf

If you are managing or running a business, chances are you have had staff call out, not show up, or are running low on employees. With ShortStaf, you don’t have to work short-handed ever again. Instead, post on ShortStaf for the help you need. Use ShortStaf to find and hire on-demand hospitality Staf.

How to use ShortStaf:

Using phone

Download the app and make an account. Then, create your event and post for the positions needed. Some examples include waitstaff, server, bartender, hostess, dishwasher, door security, bussers, and more!

After you post your event, potential Staf will start applying.

Here, you can review their experience, qualifications, ratings, and reviews. To apply, Staf must have a complete profile. This way, you can get to know them before they get the job. After you review your applicants, accept your favorites.

After you have accepted applicants, message them through in-app messaging to ask any questions or give them specific details about the shift.

Payment is processed securely and directly through the app. There is no cash handing, ever. ShortStaf makes it easy to view payments and Staf for reporting purposes.

Now, YOU can find and hire qualified hospitality Staf today. Download the ShortStaf app and never work short-handed again!

Finding hospitality Staf has never been easier!

Check out our video for a step-by-step walkthrough!

Any questions? Email us at info@shortstaf.com

Hospitality Staf

For more information, recipes, and ideas : check out our blog or visit our Pinterest page.

Smoked Turkey: Thanksgiving

November 12, 2020/in Host Tips, Lifestyle, Recipe/by

Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey: Done Right

Our smoked turkey recipe is complete with ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and turkey day smoking tips. Don’t miss out on the best recipe around, perfected by ShortStaf CEO – Brenden Curcio.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and it is time to start thinking about how you are going to cook your Thanksgiving turkey! Instead of baking or deep frying, we are smoking our bird this year. Smoking the turkey gives it rich flavor and a beautiful, crisp skin. With this technique, the whole family is sure to enjoy (and be impressed). Read below for how to smoke your very own Thanksgiving Day feast.

INGREDIENTS:

(1) 14-16-pound turkey, fresh or thawed

(½) cup salted butter

(1 ½) teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

(1 ½) teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

(2) oranges with zest, quartered

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Butcher twine

INSTRUCTIONS:

Soften the butter to room temperature and mix with the chopped rosemary and thyme.

With a pair of poultry shears or knife, cut off the wing tips (or they’ll just burn)

Dry the turkey with paper towels. For crispy skin, leave the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. This is our favorite way to prep.

Starting at the bottom cavity, use your fingers to separate the turkey’s skin from the breast meat, be gentle and go slowly. Work slowly up towards the neck being careful not to split or tear the skin. Take the butter, chopped rosemary, and thyme mixture and spread underneath the skin you just separated.

Rub olive oil all over the turkey. Now, season the outside of the turkey with salt, pepper, and the orange zest. Also, salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity and stuff with the quartered oranges and some additional rosemary and thyme. They deliver an amazing amount of additional flavor and help keep your turkey moist and juicy. You can also rub the butter mixture on the outside of the turkey, and cover with a cheesecloth.

PREP YOUR SMOKER

Prep your fire ring or fire box with briquettes and your favorite wood. You will roughly cover with ¾ of a bag.

Fill a charcoal Chimney Starter half full with briquettes (We love Weber briquettes) and light with Lighter Cubes.

Since this is a hot cook, there is no need for water in the water pan if you use one, although feel free to use just a little in there with some chicken stock – and cover the bottom with foil to make the clean up a little easier.

Once the coals in the chimney have turned grey and ashed over, dump them over the unlit coals in the base of the smoker or firebox and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.

If you plan on making DELICIOUS pan gravy, be sure to place a disposable foil tray on the lower grate of your smoker, which will allow for it to gather some very valuable juices.

Smoking the Turkey

Smoke the turkey over medium low heat, 300-350 F. As the smoker climbs towards 300 F, place the turkey on the grate. We recommend using an electronic or Bluetooth temperature probe to monitor the internal temperature. We always use the iGrill mini for smoked meats and love it. Place that probe in the deepest part of the turkey’s thigh, trying not to touch any bone.

Close the lid and try not to peak too much. This will keep the heat in. The temperature probe will tell you all you need to know. You are looking to pull the turkey when that thigh reading hits 165 F. A safe estimate is about 15-20 minutes of cook time per pound, but experience tells us that every turkey seems to be a little different.

We use between 4-6 medium chunks of wood on the hot coals. A sweet wood is delicious – like applewood! Feel free to use hickory or mesquite!

If your fire burns too hot, you may have to close some of your vents halfway. If you are battling cold weather and need to keep the temperature up, add 8-10 unlit briquettes every hour. (15-18 minutes of cook time per pound).

Smoked Turkey ?: Brenden Curcio

Before you carve into that beautiful bird – take a picture of your smoked masterpiece. Don’t forget to tag ShortStaf!

TIPS:

Don’t forget to remove the giblets and the neck from the turkey cavity before prepping!

If you don’t want a really dark skin color, you can lightly cover your turkey with a cheese cloth that was soaked in some meted butter or chicken broth.

Don’t skimp on the butter, rosemary, and thyme mixture. The butter under the skin gives your turkey an amazing flavor and keeps it juicy and moist! You can add additional butter to the outside of the turkey and cover with a cheesecloth.

Keep the lid closed! Trust the temperature probe and just monitor your grate or dome temperature, adjusting vents accordingly.

Thank you for reading and we hope your smoked turkey comes out amazing!

As always, ShortStaf is here if you need extra help this year.

Just download the app and post for servers, bartenders, set up, clean up, and so much more.

Enjoy time with friends and family, and don’t get stuck doing all the cleaning and cooking!

Happy Thanksgiving from ShortStaf!

Post your smoked turkey on our Facebook page or tag us @shortstafapp. For more recipes, ideas and information: check out our blog or Pinterest page.

Thanksgiving: 2020

November 10, 2020/in Host Tips, Parties/Event Ideas/by

The holidays are looking a little bit different this year. Many people are skipping the travel and opting to stay home for Thanksgiving. While it is sad to miss friends and family on a holiday like Thanksgiving, we can still make it fun and enjoyable. Here we have 3 ways to make your small Thanksgiving one to remember.

Try cooking something new!

Every year we have to make a mental list of what people do and do not like. Aunt Kathy doesn’t like raisins, Tom doesn’t eat dairy, and Trish won’t eat turkey. This year, you can focus on what YOU like. Cooking for an entire extended family takes time and preparation. Since your Thanksgiving is going to be smaller, take the time to cook one of your favorites. Why not try something new? Find a new recipe and switch it up this Thanksgiving, you will be happy you did – and you might make a new tradition.

Enjoy

Thanksgiving is a day filled with hustle and bustling- cooking, cleaning, decorating, and making sure everything runs smoothly. If you are used to multitasking while ensuring a smooth and fun day for everyone, you can use this time to…relax. Take a much-needed break. Forget the hustle and bustle and enjoy the small things. Make your favorite foods. Take your time and enjoy the day. Try a new recipe. Thanksgiving is a day centered around giving thanks and being grateful. Instill those values in your holiday by appreciating the small things.

Take advantage of virtual hangouts

Instead of missing out on seeing family, make it a point to connect with them virtually. Whether your tradition is happy hour before dinner, or game night after, you can still make it happen from a far. FaceTime or Skype with loved ones to keep tradition alive and spend quality time together. Just because we aren’t physically close, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy each other’s company.

This Thanksgiving, make it a point to celebrate your way. Enjoy your favorite foods and try cooking something new. Indulge your way by taking the day slow, relaxing, and appreciating the small things. And finally, don’t forget your friends and family! You can still connect and enjoy their company, virtually. So, this year, let’s give thanks and be grateful (that 2020 is almost over). Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!

For more information, recipes, or ideas: check out our blog or visit our Pinterest Page!