Cut Turnover, Not Team Size: Lessons from Ivar’s on Why Your Employees Hold the Answers

In this episode of Tipped Off, TipHaus COO Kirk Grogan sits down with Patrick Yearout, Senior Director of Innovation & Recruitment at Ivar's, one of Washington’s most iconic multi-concept restaurant groups. With 26 years at Ivar’s and responsibility for everything from full-service dining to stadium operations, Patrick brings unmatched insight into what actually drives retention, productivity, and team culture.

Patrick breaks down the true cost of turnover (spoiler: it’s higher than you think), why communication tools like GoHappy have transformed their onboarding, and how managers can create meaningful feedback loops that keep employees supported from day 1 to day 60 and beyond.

If you’re navigating rising labor costs, high-volume seasonal hiring, or multi-unit complexity, this conversation is packed with lessons every operator can apply immediately.