Framingham Restaurant Offers $1,000 Bonus To New Hires

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Many employers are struggling to find workers this spring as the nation reemerges from coronavirus — and that means some businesses are offering unique perks to attract workers.

In Framingham, Neko's of New York announced this week that it would offer $1,000 bonuses to new hires. The bonus comes after three months of employment, and there are other restrictions.

"Offering $1k sign on bonus after 90 days of employment. Terms apply. Come in for interview and get on board," the restaurant posted on its Facebook page Sunday.

The pizza restaurant recently moved into a new location at the new Old Path Village plaza, 969 Concord St. The owners have turned the former Neko's spot into the Saxonville Burrito Company.

Neko's isn't the only restaurant offering perks.

The Lyons Group, which operates 21 restaurants and bars in the Boston area, has also recently offered $1,000 bonuses. A McDonald's in Illinois offered free iPhones to employees who would stay for six months or longer, and the Chipotle chain recently announced it would pay $15 per hour minimum by the end of June.

The unemployment rate in Framingham was 4.2 percent as of April, the latest month data is available. The statewide rate was 5.9 percent in April, according to the state Department of Unemployment Assistance.