The Cheesecake Factory code of ethics that governs their Executive Officers, Senior Financial Officers, Directors and Staff Members are clearly written and explains the expected and accepted forms of behaviors of all its associates. Stated within the Cheesecake Factory code of ethics are examples of do’s and don’ts that range from General Standards of Conduct that speak out against the theft of company supplies to the Compliance with Laws that relate to the prohibition against “Insider Trading”. The Cheesecake Factory code of ethics makes it clear to its associates that the “Company” takes very seriously and will not tolerate any form of harassment, including sexual harassment or other discriminatory behavior. Also, The Cheesecake Factory code of ethics reminds associates about its lack of tolerance for drug or alcohol abuse among its staff members in the workplace as well. Compliance with these policies is essential to the Cheesecake Factory corporate philosophy. In today’s environment these words are important in light of the public awareness of negative behaviors in corporate America so by including in their code of ethics that this type of conduct won’t be accepted is a strong message for the Cheesecake Factory to send to present and future employees. To ensure this information stays at the forefront of each associates mind, it would be beneficial if the Cheesecake Factory held refresher training annually. It is common for people to forget information as time goes by. For example; under the Cheesecake Factory Non-Raid and Non-Disparage Issues rule, it reads: “Unless compelled to do so by applicable law, former staff members of the Company may not disparage the Company or its officers during or after employment in an attempt to discredit the Company, its assets, and/or future growth. Unless compelled to do so by applicable law, former staff members may not disparage or defame the Company, its practices, or existing staff members in an attempt to discourage guests or potential job candidates from considering the Company.” Now while it is likely the average employee will recall this rule, it is also likely that some may not. Refresher training would prevent this occurrence. It may seem a bit of a burden to the associates to have to attend this recurring training, but in the end both they and the company are better off for it. The Cheesecake Factory is heavily vested in the community in which it operates, in fact its community participation both monetarily as well as time spent is truly award worthy. If I were to suggest additional causes for the “Company” to invest in it would be the United Service Organizations (USO) and its affiliates, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Wounded Warrior Project. These organizations exist to serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. Since I am a proud member of the armed forces it would be an honor to see a company as well managed and operated as the Cheesecake Factory reach out to the veterans of our countries military to lend a hand in ensuring the well-being of its members and their families. For starters, the “Company” could offer an annual free veteran’s day meal. Currently it does not. A family night to include veteran’s, their family members and members of the organizations that support them would be a powerful gesture of good faith towards this group for the sacrifices they and their families have made in defense of this amazing country!
The Cheesecake Factory has been called out for having one of the “most fattening chain restaurant meals on their menu”. In response to this, The Cheesecake Factory developed a SkinnyLicious menu, which offers almost 50 dishes under 590 calories. With growing health concerns “SkinnyLicious” and the foods that make up that menu should fast become the norm. It is imperative that dining establishments present healthy alternatives on their menus.
In a world that hears story after story about pharmaceutical companies that claim the drugs they are introducing to the market are going to perform as advertised and with the foods that we consume being looked at more and more as contributing factors to poor health conditions, it is reassuring to see companies like the Cheesecake Factory take the necessary steps to stop this negative trend. The Cheesecake Factory from every point of view is a company that anyone would be proud to be a member of. From the impeccably run restaurants, to their flawless community service efforts and let’s not forget about their delicious cheesecakes. On the surface and way down deep, the Cheesecake Factory is a company that takes its commitment to quality service seriously!

References: http://ideas.thenest.com/dinner-recipes/cooking-advice/slideshows/10-worst-restaurant-meals.aspx?page=8 http://www.uso.org/the-organization.aspx http://www.vfw.org/Common/About-Us/ http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission.aspx