Hundreds of Job Seekers Show Up For New Restaurant

Acqua Pazza General Manager Willie Rhine had no idea what to expect Wednesday on the first day of a two-day job fair.

“I thought we’d get a couple of hundred people over the two days,” he said. “But, people are telling me it could be in the thousands.”

Rhine said some applicants lined up outside the restaurant located at The River as early as 5:00 a.m.

“I try not to be intimidated and just be positive,” said Tracy Manners, who applied for a server position.

The restaurant is hiring for its new 13,000 square foot sister restaurant in Palm Springs known as LULU California Bistro.

“[It’s] big enough so you can have major parties here if you want to,” said owner Jerry Keller. “[It’s] small enough so you can come alone and have some fun.”

Keller said LULU’s renovations were going slower than he anticipated. Initially, the grand opening was scheduled for the end of this month. It now may open in early July.

But, the delay wasn’t worrying job seekers because they’re banking on Acqua Pazza’s success.

The job fair continues Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

As a reminder, the job fair will be held at Acqua Pazza at The River — not at LULU in Palm Springs.

Dress appropriately and bring a black pen to fill out the application.