Thorntons Boosts Starting Pay Amidst Recruitment Push

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thorntons Inc. became the latest industry chain to embark on a hiring push.

The locally based company plans to hire more than 100 employees starting at a new minimum rate of $10.25 per hour in the Louisville area — up 12 percent vs. the current starting rate.

According to the retailer, it believes in fostering a rewarding work environment by investing in its team members, both newly hired and those who have been with the company for years, by providing great pay, flexible schedules to work, and many other benefits and opportunities for growth.

The 100 guest service representative positions support the company's growth plans. Other positions Thorntons plans to fill in the Louisville and southern Indiana areas include store managers, general managers, foodservice managers, management trainees, drivers, operations engineer, and instructional designer. 

"With our high-energy culture and focus on team member development, Thorntons is a great place to begin a first or second career," CEO Matt Thornton said. 

Benefits at Thorntons include an Employee Stock Ownership Program, through which employees become owners of the company after one full year of service. The retailer also matches 401K contributions with company stock dollar-for-dollar up to 4 percent. 

Other benefits include bonus potential, group insurance, free meals and beverages, and discounts on fuel.

Thorntons operates 183 stores in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Florida.