We all question the meaning of life. Where is it taking us? What is our overall life’s purpose? These are questions one often ponders on an individual basis, within the private confines of our minds. So what would it be like to be placed in a work environment that openly promotes a specific way of life? What would it be like to be employed by a company that indoctrinates you to believe in a certain pool of thought? To many of us, the path to enlightenment and the workplace don’t exactly come hand-in-hand, but for the employees of Cafe Gratitude, it’s a part of the job.

Cafe Gratitude may look like a local Bay Area vegan restaurant founded upon the value system of raw, organic foods, but this isn’t your typical vegan restaurant that’s solely powered by revolutionary food ideals. The company’s founders, Matthew Engelhart and Terces Lane, met in unusual circumstances. 

They were both attending a seminar in September of 2000; the message of this seminar impacting both of their lives profoundly. Engelhart and Lane both found the teachings of the Landmark Foundation to be life-transforming and decided to put into action their love for raw, vegan foods into a business that incorporated their newfound philosophy.

For the past eight years, Cafe Gratitude has thrived and opened various locations throughout the Bay. Beneath the success of the chain, there has been long-lasting tension among management and employees. 

Due to their immense passion for the foundation’s philosophy, Cafe Gratitude has been unabashed in their promotional efforts for the Foundation. In some instances, the founders have even encouraged employees to attend classes and seminars held by the foundation, insisting that it is truly life-altering and can only be beneficial for their personal growth. Store management are all expected to attend the seminars, as well as expected to pay half of the $500 seminar fee.

Needless to say, the practices of this company aren’t exactly kosher, and suggesting employees to partake in any activity unrelated to work is inappropriate behavior for an employer. 

However, the issue tips along this scale: If Cafe Gratitude was founded upon these ideals, is it wrong for the company to urge their employees to at least give the Foundation a shot? Or is it OK for their passion for the Foundation to be apparent, as long as it is expressed in subtle, unimposing ways on their customers and employees?

Some employees have responded positively to the Landmark Foundation and have found their own lives to be transformed through the philosophical teachings of the seminars. Yet others have found themselves in an uncomfortable position, and felt that the pressure to adapt the Foundation’s way of life to be crossing the boundaries. 

Coincidently, despite an arguably brainwashing culture of the restaurant, Cafe Gratitude is facing legal issues based on allegations of an entirely different subject. Illegal tip pooling and sought damages for underpayment of wages. Despite these legal actions, and their minor threat against the longevity of the company and its ability to thrive, Cafe Gratitude has decided to close up shop.

Rumors of cult-like activity accompanied with the restaurant’s culture, as well as poor business practices definitely raise some eyebrows and chip away at Gratitude’s credibility. Attorney Stephen Sommers told the San Francisco Chronicle there is no reason for the company to close all eight locations. Sommers said he believes “they are not closing because of these lawsuits. They are closing for something else.”

Although the founders stand upon positive concepts, and promote them from a genuine place of simply trying to help people, the enthusiasm is far too excessive. If I wanted spiritual enlightenment, I’ll go talk to my neighborhood priest or attend a seminar by His Holiness himself, the Dalai Lama. 

When I go out to eat, I go just to do that — eat — and the last thing I want is to have anyone’s personal beliefs shoved down my throat like I’m a duck being prepped for foie gras.