Dacha: “we wish to set the record straight.”

From Dacha:

“To All DMV Residents, Dacha Customers and Fans,

An article was published yesterday regarding our business, and we wish to set the record straight.

Most importantly, there is an automatic service charge on all bills at Dacha, but every single dollar brought in through this method is returned to Dacha’s employees. Because this “automatic gratuity” or “service charge” is imposed on all guest checks, we have the flexibility of using this money to benefit all employees, including back of the house and support staff, who typically do not share in traditional tips.

There are misleading quotes in the article, and some have taken these to mean that Dacha is collecting and keeping “tips” for management or owners. This is not true. Our back of the house employees can attest that this auto-gratuity or “service charge” is an equitable system that benefits all, even if our description of it as an automatic gratuity may have mistakenly led the public or employees to believe that this is not the case.

Also, unlike the traditional tip system, this system allows our public-facing staff to earn performance related bonuses which have replaced tips in addition to at least $15 an hour rain or shine, summer or winter. We believe that employees who have stayed with Dacha Navy Yard through our opening growing pains appreciate the system as it stands now, and the fair compensation that they receive, and we will do more to make the system transparent to all involved.

Yesterday’s article also mentioned that a kitchen equipment supplier has filed a lawsuit against Dacha. This suit includes a frivolous claim of fraud, that arises out of nothing more than a contractual dispute concerning amounts allegedly due for kitchen equipment. The supplier has over-charged Dacha for what was provided, and when Dacha simply requested support for the charges, the supplier hired a national law firm to sue Dacha and its owners for fraud. Dacha expects it will prevail on the unfounded fraud claim and will vigorously defend the underlying breach of contract action which seeks recovery of amounts not due.

Our company has succeeded in opening an amazing, beautiful space at the burgeoning Navy Yard neighborhood. Our team grew by 70 incredibly talented people. Without a doubt, Dacha experience would not be possible without men and women who work very hard to make Dacha Navy Yard what it is today – a great space, a space without compromise. A community space for young or old, straight or LGBTQI, married or single, parents or single parents. Our entire team will continue to endeavor every day to earn the public’s trust and demonstrate that Dacha is a valuable member of the DC community.

With Great Respect,
Ilya Alter, Dmitri Chekaldin and Team Dacha”