Ties between Tech Companies and Local Restaurants
Silicon Valley is at an unprecedented time in history in regards to the “tech bubble.” Tech giants, such as Google, Facebook, and Uber are valued at billions of dollars. These companies gain enough revenue throughout the year to offer unparalleled benefits to their employees to remain competitive, which, among free laundry, haircuts, and gym memberships, often includes fresh, quality free meals. Unfortunately, the rapid expansion of the tech industry has negatively affected the local restaurant industry in the Bay Area.
The large tech companies are irrevocably connected and intertwined with the local restaurants in the area. The rapidly rising costs of rent are making it very difficult for restaurant owners to make ends meet, and the offers of higher wages and incredible benefits at large companies are very enticing. The labor force of culinary talent available in the Bay Area can be viewed from a network perspective. All of the employees working at the same company are connected to each other, and they form clustered networks. As outside factors such as increasing rent costs and proliferation of the “tech bubble” encroach the situation of local restaurant owners, the networks of local chefs are starting to break apart in favor of the larger companies. The smaller clusters are beginning to separate to contribute to the larger cluster that encompasses the staff paid to feed (literally) the needs of the growing tech industry. The lack of staff available at local restaurants is causing a large gap between the cheap, fast-casual chains and the high-end $500 restaurants. It is uncertain how long this trend will last, but for now, the tech industry is undoubtedly changing the local food landscape in Silicon Valley.