Ohio Restaurant Shuts Down Temporarily to Treat Staff to a Bahamas Cruise
April 28, 2026
In a remarkable gesture, the owners of The Standard Restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, replaced their annual holiday party with an extraordinary gift for their employees. Opting for a more memorable approach, they closed the restaurant for a few days to take the entire team on a cruise to the Bahamas.
Employees on the cruise / @thestandard419
The trip was orchestrated by Jeff Dinnebeil and Megan Lingsweiler, co-owners of the restaurant, who invited current employees, some former staff, and dedicated customers for a three-day journey on a Royal Caribbean cruise with stops in Bimini and Nassau.
Jeff and Megan covered all expenses, including flights and cruise tickets, allowing their staff to fully immerse in the experience without financial concerns.
For several employees, this was an opportunity to experience significant milestones. Andrew “Duke” Jackson, a cook at the restaurant, had never been on a plane, a cruise, or even seen the ocean before this trip.
“At first, I was nervous because I’ve never been on a cruise. I’ve never been in a plane. I’ve never been anywhere,” he shared with the Toledo Blade. “I had never been in the ocean before.”
With encouragement from Chef Dinnebeil, Jackson finally braved the ocean waters. “But once I got in there, it was everything,” Jackson expressed.
The Standard Restaurant / Photo via Facebook
Beyond the picturesque scenery, the trip fostered close bonds among the team. “Everybody went on there as employees, and when we left and went back home, everybody was like family,” Jackson noted.
Server Allison Latta echoed this sentiment, describing it as one of the best work experiences she’s ever had. “My co-workers are like family,” she remarked. “It is honestly incredible.”
Another server, Dejah Griffith, commended the owners for their genuine concern for employee well-being. “They not only care about you as an employee, but also truly care about your overall well-being as a person,” she mentioned.
To ensure no loss of income, the restaurant was closed during the cruise, and employees were given holiday bonuses in addition to the trip.
The cruise featured various activities like karaoke nights, beach outings, scavenger hunts, basketball contests, and communal dinners, allowing coworkers to connect beyond their usual work environment.
The idea for this unique appreciation came to Jeff and Megan during a family cruise the previous year. Inspired by its impact, they wanted to extend a similar experience to their team, whom they credit for the restaurant’s thriving presence.
“It was the best thing we’ve ever done,” Dinnebeil stated. “Our staff is everything. They’re the blood, life, and the heart of that restaurant.”
