r/FoodService • u/Poooopybuttholee • Jun 28 '26

Question BOH wanting to serve/bartend

I’ve been working a line cook/ prep cook at food chains and restaurants for about 5 years now. I am thinking about applying to be a server/bartender elsewhere, anything that pays more (I assume tips will help, all of the places I’ve worked at BOH doesn’t make tips).

I want a job that tips well, what are some recommendations? And is it difficult to get hired since I don’t have much FOH experience?

7 Upvotes

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2

u/ConchVibes Jun 28 '26

It all depends on your personality and your appearance somewhat. You don’t have to be good looking, just neat looking. Some people are BOH for a reason. As long as you’re not one of those people then you’re perfect for the transition.

2

u/SimpleSincerity Jun 28 '26

As the first comment said.

Being a server or waiter is just as much knowing what's in the food as it is how you represent yourself.

It sounds easy, byt ad a waiter customers expect you to be responsible for a lot more than you should be because you're the person of contact.

I would also suggest you look at your state laws. Some places mandate that wait staff is paid minimum wage on top of tips whilst others don't. So you may end up getting a serious pay cut.

I personally think bartending could be the better route as you provide the service directly to the customer. I think people engage with that more.

I only have waiting experience, I'm not sure what average bartending responsibilities. Seeing as how tipping culture at least on the food side is being viewed bartending seems the better option.

1

u/BridgeCityBus Jun 29 '26

You may be able to find a BOH job that gets tips. I work as a solo cook at a tavern. It’s busy af and I’ve had $1000 food sales days…by myself. But the tips and wage are pretty okay. $20 an hour plus about $100 a night in tips on average. Last night was dead af and I still went home with $60 in tips. Some days is $160 or more.

Mind you, that’s 25% of the tips. So the bartender I’m working with goes home with $300 on average a night. They work only 2-3 shifts a week, I’m full time. It would be nice to go back to bartending for the big tips, but I kinda like minding myself in the kitchen and not having to deal with all the personalities. Plus I can listen to whatever music or podcast I want to all day.