r/Waiters

I can't get into the specifics because of the Non-Disclosure Agreement I signed. It is pretty air tight.

I was wrongfully terminated and I stood up for myself. I knew they were going to fire me before they did it. I told the rest of the staff they need to stand up for themselves, but they were afraid.

The lawyer worked on contingency. Meaning they only get paid if they win. I expected x$, but I got x*2$ which made me happy.

I'm not allowed to speak with any current or former employees, but I wanted people to know -

Stand up for yourself. You have Rights.

What are y'all's tip out like here in Canada? Curious what the average is, what's normal, what to expect? I've worked at lots of different placee - one with 5% of sales tip out, one with 11%. Currently working at two places on that does 30% of total tips. Another, fine dining, that does 8.5% of total sales at night and 7% during the day with higher bill averages than the other place - this place also has a safe space where you don't tip out if you're tipped less than 13% one a bill. Thoughts?

Hello everyone! I'm new here and was just wondering if people actually enjoy being a server/bartender? I haven't worked through high school and completed my first year of college. Now that I'm going into my second year I'm looking for some part time work. I feel like a server may be a good idea. But I want to know a few things first!

1. Does it pay well (I'm a male if that changes how I'm tipped)?

2. Where are the best places to work (the closest to me is a sports bar and grill)?

3. Do coworkers usually see each other outside the workplace (because I feel gaining a friend who you work with is an added perk)?

4. Is there anything that I should know before applying for the job (I don't know much at all about what the job entails)?

Thanks for reading and anything truly helps!

I 29F am a regular at this restaurant and I find the server cute. I like that he is not overly friendly so when he does smile, it feels warm and genuine haha. I want to make a move. I always tip him the most. Ofc I give the other servers a good tip like 20 - 22%, but I always give him a 40% tip haha. I know it's rude to ask for his number while on the clock since it puts him in a awkward situation.

I was thinking maybe writing it on the receipt where I tip him? Will he be able to see it? I fear maybe the hostess or other waiter takes it. I was thinking of writing his name and a little message about wanting to be friends, then my number. If I don't hear back, I will still go there and treat him/tip him the same. I won't ever mention to it again since I want him comfortable at his job.

Tbh, relying on tips to sort bills can be draining and sometimes it feels like begging without words. I want to take more control over my bills and a flexible car insurance is ta the top of my mind. I know a lapse can make things worse and i don't want to get into the hole.

Currently, i am paying around $160/mo and would prefer something that allows meto make weekly or monthly payment without penalties. with that, i'll have some breathing space to put my current financial situation in order.

Anyone who has found one provider that offers such terms for workers whose income isn't reliable?

First shift tonight at a diner I’ve been hosting/bussing at for over 2 years. Here’s the rundown: 5 hour shift, 5 table section, very slow day. I made about $700 in sales and $85 in tips, every table tipped, unfortunately i didnt see how many total tables I served. For a slow Monday morning/afternoon with manager selected tables and such, how did I do? Do y’all think I’ll be successful? I only ran into a few problems but had no complaints about my efficiency/amount of time to get to someone’s request, there were some awkward moments but I think I’ll improve

I’d like to preface that I work in a small breakfast diner with nothing being over $20. Most people are in fact tipping 15-20% it’s just small ass bills

Hello,

I have been a waiter for a few years in connecticut. Recently my partner and I moved to New York City and I began looking for work as a server. I found a job at an Italian restaurant and just had my first day. They informed me that they do a “point based” tip out structure where waiters get 10 points and bussers get 5 points. When I asked for clarification my boss said my tip out rate was 50%. This seems extremely high, is this normal in nyc? Or at all? The most I have ever done was 25%. Just wanted to see if anyone had any similar experiences to this.

I’ve been working in the service industry for about 3 years, mostly in FOH roles like bussing/barbacking. I’m comfortable with pre-bussing, running food, helping the bar, talking to guests, and handling busy shifts.
I’m in SoCal and trying to make the jump into serving, but I’ve never officially had the server title before.
For servers/managers: What’s the best way to land my first server job? Should I apply directly for server positions or start as a server assistant and try to move up? Any interview tips or types of restaurants that are more willing to give first-time servers a chance?
I’m confident I can do the job—I just need someone to give me the opportunity.

Went to a restaurant called Big Whiskeys (American restaurant), it was later but still like 2 hours from closing. Anyways the waiter sat at the table with us (both young women) and asks if we would invite a 3rd in a relationship- this all started cause he asked what an upside down pineapple meant. He asked my friend which one of her ex’s was best sexually, he didn’t ask me because I had brought up my bf a few times. Asked other questions about sexuality and hypothetical scenarios (how I’d feel if my bf undressed with another man). Also asked all of this while sitting down and vaping. It was like this the whole time we were there. We tipped really good, mainly cause we were a little worried he’d follow us out lol. He was our age. He accused me of calling him fat, I said “I don’t make comments on people appearances I don’t know”. He accused my friend of calling him a dick (she did not). Weird humor I guess. He told me to bring my bf next time.

My bf says it wasn’t normal. My friend pointed out at some restaurants (like dicks last resort) the staff are supposed to be a little rude. Idk if that’s the case here. The server acted like it was an everyday thing…

Looking back we shouldn’t have answered his questions, but it was like this as soon as we sat down. I did tell him one of his questions was inappropriate and he said that’s why he started it with “this question is inappropriate, but we’re all adults”.

Edits: grammar

In a café eating breakfast. Took a mouthful of food, still chewing. I’m even holding the fork still. There’s another bite left on the plate. A waiter asked “are you finished” and moved to take the plate. I like that she’s keen to do her job but - timing please.

ive been applying to a lot of restaurants in my town as a waitress. i have some worries that a family who deeply dislike me, and makes me fearful to even be around them due to past experiences with them, would be a reasonable choice in refusal to service? i dont have much experience in this area and im worried that it may be something to encounter.

sorry if this is jumbled, i just finished a very long shift. i’m a good worker and a hard worker, i’m currently a server, but at previous jobs and even in school i’ve had the same problems.

i KNOW im a good server. my tip percentages are rarely below 22%, i’ve won all 3 contests ive competed in (up-selling, perfect check \[meaning drinks, apps, salads, entrees, and desserts on one check\] and tip percentage), i get good reviews, i make more than my coworkers 80% of the time. i don’t like gloating and bragging about it, but i feel like you all should know that im not just lying. i’m personable, i’m friendly, i’m outgoing, i try to make sure my tables feel seen if they have concerns, i make them laugh, etc. i’ve had 12 tables by myself and did fine. i pick up shifts and i stay hours late to help. my coworkers like me, we talk outside of work, we get dinner after. i’ve been told that if we’re in the weeds, then i’m best person for it.

obviously i have my flaws, sometimes im a bit late, sometimes i’m lazy and i’m easily distracted. i haven’t heard anyone say anything they want me to do better, ive even asked my managers if theres anything i could do and i have taken that advice and done my best to amend that.

but i just keep getting passed up for things. people i’ve trained will be picked for bar training or to be managers or to take large parties. and i’m happy for them, but the few times i’ve asked my managers why i wasn’t chosen, what i could have done to could do better, they don’t have an answer. i’ve had teachers and managers tell me that they didn’t think about me, that they never considered me. that they called everyone except me to cover shifts (when i’ve made clear that im willing to work) because they didn’t think of me.

i’ve always believed i need to work hard and that it’ll work out, but it sucks. i want to be seen, im tired of getting passed over for things. i’m tired of people not noticing me. i don’t want to beg for attention but it hurts. what can i do to change it? what can i do to be noticed? it is effecting my work performance because i’m hurt and bitter. but it’s not really their fault for not thinking of me.

at the end of the day, it’s just a job. i’m just a server. i’m going to go back to college and in a few years, i don’t know if ill care anymore. but it doesn’t change how im feeling now.

edit: sorry about the vagueness i initially wrote this for a different sub. this is a local-ish, nice pizza place. think millennial burger restaurant, but its pizza and beers. the food is very good and my coworkers are incredible, we’re a very teamwork-centric restaurant model. i genuinely enjoy my job, so i don’t WANT to leave completely. i’ve been there for about a year.

I am a 19 year old girl and I work at a small(ish) chain restaurant/bar in the PNW. It’s not super popular but if you’re from Oregon or Washington I’m sure you’ve heard of it. Either way it’s pretty much the biggest restaurant in the town I’m from, so if anything is going on in town we get insanely busy. This last weekend has been a sht show. We are constantly understaffed, I am either underwhelmed and getting sent home early from my shift with 15$ in my pocket or I’m freaking out, extremely stressed with no support and still leaving with less than what I feel like I should be making. I hear stories of people making up to 600-800 dollars on a busy night in certain restaurants and the most I’ve made is $350 on an insane night. Anyway all of the context aside, every shift I have I pretty much walk in and I’m in an ok mood but I’ve been so irritable there recently. Like today for example, again we were super understaffed and in the middle of a rush, i was wearing a white shirt and a bottle of mustard exploded on me. I started laughing and then quickly it changed from laughing to crying and the thought came to my head that I had to leave. I had so much stress built up from the weekend. I want to quit so badly but it’s the only job I’ve ever worked, I love my coworkers, im good at the job, im afraid the money is the best I’ll get in town and so many other reasons. I don’t want to look for a new job, I never thought I hated where I worked but if every shift I get super irritable and it’s hard for me to interact with customers, is that not my body telling me something? I’m trying to save up to move across the country so I can’t afford to be unemployed on top of being a full time college student. I get so embarrassed when I show my irritability because I’m a people pleaser and I hate for others to know I’m irritated but I can’t control it. I’m not sure where it’s all coming from but I’m afraid I can’t handle it and I wanted to ask if this is a normal thing servers go through? Are you guys irritable at work as well? Am I crazy or over dramatic? I don’t know what to do. Am I getting the fact that I’m good at it confused with the fact that I’m comfortable doing it?
More context: I’ve worked at this place for 4 years, it’s the only and first job I’ve had, I’m extremely comfortable with the job and the people. I haven’t been irritable until recently probably the last 2-3 months has been when it’s getting bad.

Hey y’all, I’d like some help deciding on whether or not I’m getting actively conned at my current serving job.
Currently my title is FOH Supervisor, I run Monday through Friday lunch shifts as a server but also act as management for anything FOH, setting up the bar drawer, tipping out and cutting other servers, all that jazz.

I get $13 an hour from the restaurant plus my tips which has been an upgrade to my finances overall but my hourly feels low for the amount of work that I’m doing.

Considering how much I needed the job when I first interviewed I didn’t think to negotiate but I’m coming up on six months there so I’m about ready to ask for a raise, what would be a reasonable number to aim for? TIA!

Side notes: This is in Arizona, we’re about to roll into busy season.
I do a lot of the cleaning, some things were pretty bad until I deep cleaned.
I organize the server walk-in/ keg room when we get beer and liquor delivered.
Currently developing the bar staff to actually care about their jobs.
Have had situations where I had to stop taking tables to go deal with coworkers or guests who were tweaking out.

Hey there it’s my first time posting on Reddit for years. I’m not trying to gossip but this situation has bothered me so much I just kinda want to get it off my chest and see if anyone has tips on how to handle this.

So I work at a restaurant where the cook comes out and makes the food right at the table. Most customers have a lot of fun and it’s one of the main reasons they come.

The most recent Sunday, I picked up an afternoon shift after mass to make a few extra bucks for a trip to New Orleans. My first table was a big church group. They all seemed to be in a very good mood at first as they got their drinks and appetizers. When I finally got around to taking their main orders, every single person, including all the adults, ordered off the kids menu. I told them “I’m sorry, you have to be 12 and under to order from the kids menu. If it were my choice, I wouldn’t care.” The mood shifted immediately. They said things like “well cant you do us a solid? We’ll tip you.” “Who’s gonna know anyway?” And I explained to them that the chef who comes out to cook for them will know and I don’t know if he would tell our manager or not. They huffed and puffed and a man said “well I’m a pastor. Are you a Christian?” I said I am and he asked me what church I go to. I won’t say the name of the church on here but it’s a Catholic one. He smirked as others chucked and he said “so no.” I ignored it and asked what they were ordering. Some lady at the table says “we already told you.” I explained again why they couldn’t have kids food and finally they order something not off the kids menu. Then the lady turns to her kids and says “I’m sorry kids, hes gonna make yall go hungry.” I then replied “no ma’am, they can eat off the kids menu” and she says “nope you said no kids menu” I ignore it and continue on.

The chef made it out to the table pretty fast, but every time they’d see me tending to other tables, they’d glare at me and that one lady would say “hes ignoring us” I went back to the table and asked her if she needed anything and she ignored me lol. I brought back some refills, and the pastor said to the chef “can you stop playing with the food and let us eat?” So the chef started dropping the food on their plates. When that one lady got her food her kid tried to grab some, and she swatted his hand away and said “no the waiter said you can’t eat.”Then the child started screaming. She looked at me and said “you did this” I said “no I didn’t” then her husband who had been quiet the whole time stood up and got in my face and told me to stop calling his wife a liar. I told him to back away from me and the chef intervened and said something like “hey we’re here to have fun” the husband sat down and I went to the back and bummed a cigarette off another server.

After a while, the pastor asked for to go boxes and the check and told me to “hurry the fuck up about it.” When I take his card, it declined. I wanted to be happy about that, but really I just wanted to get them out. When I tell him it declined he tells me to try again. Declined. He tells me to do it again. Declined. He got pissed and said “you trying to say I don’t have money?” Then he waves his car keys at me. I guess it’s supposed to be an expensive car but I didn’t even get it at the time. Then he gives me another card and it goes through. They leave. No tip of course. They leave a pamphlet for their church which I threw away. Why would I want to go there?

Sorry I didn’t realize how long this would be.

Hi! So, it’s coming up on Football Season / Fall Semester and my place of work is about to get really slammed (bar/restaurant). I’m looking for a server/waitress book holder/cover that can hold the standard order pad on one side and a list of my bar’s liquors, beers, drafts, drinks, etc. I don’t have them memorized yet and as someone who doesn’t drink, I need to be able to rattle them off quickly for game days if someone asks what we have. I’d probably put our specials there as well. Just the order pad on the right and a spot to slip in a list on the left (not small, like a full window, most of, if not the entire, left side). No card holder, no spot for cash if they are taking up too much space since we use books for taking checks where I work. Preferably a pen holder, but not required since I’ll lose it anyway. Maybe a spot to keep my ServSafe Certificate in case SLED comes in and asks for it.

Does anybody have recommendations? I’m open to pretty much anywhere that I can order from, including Etsy. I just want it to be functional and look nice.

Thanks in advance!

I’m in the process of transitioning the restaurant I just started managing from order at the counter to full table service which is more in line with the higher price point of the menu. I’m hoping to get some feedback on how best to allocate sections so it’s fair to the staff.

The venue includes an indoor area and a deck overlooking the lake and we cater to a mix of both guests that are eating and others that are just drinking. I would prefer not to designate certain tables for food and others as drinks only because obviously if we can upsell the drinkers on food we want to do that and we also don’t want to turn away guests looking for just drinks if we only have food tables left.

My concern is that if I split sections simply based on number of tables I will end up with scenarios where one waitress has six tables that are all eating while another has only two that are eating and four that are drinks only which is far less work.

The best solution I can see is allocating larger sections (dividing the deck into two 9 table sections instead of three 6 table sections for example) and having the waitresses with lower maintenance sections assist the others by running food, clearing and resetting tables etc. If anyone has a better idea please let me know!

Disclaimer: I’m not American so tips are not a factor, all waitresses earn the same amount so this is purely about making the workload fair for them. We also don’t typically have bussers/runners.