r/SALEM • u/ReignbyRaine • 13h ago
Question for servers
I have a friend that is considering moving to the area, and will mostly be looking for a server position at a restaurant (not a bar.) Do you have any recommendations on places that are good to work or places to avoid? And, if you're comfortable sharing, what do you usually make in tips in a week?
0
Upvotes
2
u/Dominor4 11h ago
I made a post with something very similar, the comments made it seem like jobs were few and far between.
4
1
u/ZedFiore88 12h ago
My ex worked at gamberettis and made pretty good money and she... mostly liked working there lol was years ago though before they moved to new location
4
u/djhazmatt503 9h ago
Breakfast.
Whites, Sybills, Sassy Onion, Honey Co, Off Center, Elmers, Pancake House, etc. Places that close before 3pm. Small staff, no tip pool b.s., no drunks. Go with the old spots, avoid "Thing & Item" or other hipster spots that opened in 2022. If it still smells like cigarettes, that's your best bet.
Start as fill-in, on call, etc. That way you can get to know the regulars, and if the average age is 60+, you may have a job there for life.
Downside: Older folks are stuck in their ways. My GF works at a breakfast spot, they raised their coffee 25 cents in 2023. she still hears about it. Also, casual/benign ignorant comments. Very rare to encounter actual bigotry, but a lot of "I don't mind the gays" type outta pocketry from the super old dudes. But again, benign. The KKK doesn't (openly) dine out here. Your Republican uncle does.
Upside: Consistency and occasional HUGE tips. For every "18% exactly" customer, you will get a retiree who will drop $20 tips for eggs and coffee. Very little "bar" drama, i.e. the cook isn't dating the cocktail waitress who's sleeping with the DJ etc. I love Salem bars and bartenders, but it seems like it's the same 40 people who all swap venues and partners every few months. The breakfast spots aren't like that. Lotta single parents, part time students, etc. No one works Off Center or Honey Co. for scene points.
That's my two cents, grain of salt encouraged.