When I started serving tables just a mere two years ago, I stepped into an industry I had no prior knowledge about. Here are some things most people do not know about waitressing, that maybe we should all think a little about.
1. Servers get $2.13 an hour BEFORE taxes
Alright. You might be thinking, sure that is not bad when you are making tips, but when a restaurant is empty and no one is in the restaurant, I barely make $1 an hour. Whatever my tables decide to tip me is what I make. I appreciate my customers, but just remember when you tip your waiter that what you decide to give them is what they make.
2. There's a ridiculous amount of sidework
You know the salt and pepper and sugars on a table, they do not just fill themselves. Waitresses have to fill these after every shift along with cleaning tables, glass, and refilling cups. This is not the worst thing in the world, but I did not know that servers had to refill everything until working as a waitress.
3. Waitresses cannot control how fast your food is cooked
Waitresses have the ability to send your order to the kitchen, but not the ability to make the order. If I put your order in, I have to wait until the kitchen is done cooking it. If the kitchen is slammed, I cannot make the order come out quicker. I wish I could.
4. Waitresses really appreciate your kindness and respect
My favorite thing while I'm working is approaching a table and the table not immediately yelling their drink order at me. When a table wants to talk to me and be kind, I really appreciate it. I always treat customers with respect and in return I expect the same. I know it is my job, but experiencing kindness and friendliness is always nice.
5. The restaurant life is constant business
While the restaurant may not look busy, unless I am sitting down, I am busy. I am constantly thinking of whose drink needs a refill, when a table's food will come out, and so on. As a waitress, you can always be doing something to provide better service.
6. There's DRAMA
In a restaurant, there is ALWAYS drama. I repeat, ALWAYS drama. Everyone is constantly complaining about one another. Who didn't do this, who didn't do that. Who did not show up. Who is the rat. There is more drama waitressing than I ever experienced in high school and ever. Someone once left out a slice of cheese for the rat. NOT a real rat, but the rat of the staff who kept telling on everyone to the managers and owners. I swear it is so bad.
7. Trays are heavy
Holding a heavy tray is no joke. Balancing so many plates on one tray on your shoulder is hard. If you see a waitress holding a tray, move out of the way please, like pretty please. It will help you and help the server.
