Ep 11. Wienerschnitzel

Undercover Boss is an Emmy-winning reality television show produced by Studio Lambert for CBS. The series follows high-level corporate executives as they temporarily work undercover in their own companies to get a firsthand look at how their decisions affect the front-line workers.

In season 7, episode 11, the CEO of a popular fast-food chain, Wienerschnitzel, goes undercover as a new trainee named Steve. Wienerschnitzel is known for its hot dogs and burgers and has over 330 locations across the United States. Cindy Galardi Culpepper is the CEO of Wienerschnitzel, a company that was started by her father, John Galardi, in 1961. Cindy has been with the company for over 30 years, but this time, she wants to see if the standards her father set for the company are being upheld.

Steve starts his training in a Wienerschnitzel location in California. He is given a uniform and a fake backstory that he must follow throughout his time there. Steve struggles with some of the tasks, including preparing the food and getting orders correct. He finds it challenging to navigate the busy kitchen and quickly realizes the importance of having a well-trained team. Steve is also tasked with cleaning the restaurant and assisting with customer service. He observes how the employees interact with the customers and notes different ways the service can be improved.

During his time undercover, Steve meets several employees who have worked for Wienerschnitzel for many years. Steve is inspired by their dedication and their stories of personal strife. He also witnesses how the employees work long hours and often sacrifice their personal lives for their jobs. As Steve continues his training, he gains a deeper appreciation for the hard work the employees put into their jobs.

While working at Wienerschnitzel, Steve also meets several franchise owners and managers. He sees how they operate their businesses and notes the differences between each location. Steve observes how some locations are struggling while others are thriving. He also notices how certain managers have unique approaches to managing their employees. Steve learns the importance of catering to the needs of each location and employees.

At the end of the episode, Steve reveals his true identity to the employees. He thanks each person for their hard work and dedication to the company. He rewards some of the standout employees with promotions and monetary gifts. Steve is touched by the emotional responses from the employees who feel appreciated by the company and the dedication the CEO has shown to their jobs. He learns that even small acts of appreciation can go a long way in building employee morale.

Overall, Undercover Boss season 7, episode 11, is an interesting and inspiring look into the inner workings of a fast-food company. The episode provides an up-close and personal view of how the employees operate and the dedication it takes to work in the service industry. The CEO’s desire to ensure the standards set by her father are being upheld is a powerful message about instilling company values and motivations. Viewers can gain insight into how corporate decisions affect the front-line workers and the importance of appreciating employees' hard work.