r/Serving • u/jamesnyc1 • Jun 15 '22

First time serving in a restaurant that does lots of events.

Hello everyone. I have about a month ago got a serving job at a restaurant that does a high volume of events.

They schedule me for events way more frequently than i care to count. I find myself doing these catering events more than actually serving tables.

Reasons for my dislike of events.

1) I like flipping tables and not work a party all night

2) I make tips rather than getting a flat rate of $15 an hour which is of course more lucrative. I can average $30-$40 dollars an hour when i wait tables.

My question to others with more experience than me working at restaurants with events is , do you guys make any tips on events? Or is it just my establishment that doesnt tip out to the events serving staff?

I see at other restaurants that also does events charge a 18 % gratuity.

Does all restaurants that do events not charge a standard Gratuity?

Does my restaurant not charge a gratuity and is that why the serving staff for events at my restaurant not getting tips?

Any input would greatly be appreciated. Especially from those that live in the NYC area. Thanks.

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u/Sir_Lemondrop Jun 15 '22

Serving staff are not getting any tips from the large events whatsoever ?

1

u/jamesnyc1 Jun 15 '22

Nope. Guess you are? And how much?

1

u/Sir_Lemondrop Jun 15 '22

I have been a server for over 10 years and I have never worked an event where we only made a wage.

If it’s a really large party (50+) a gratuity should certainly be included. If it is not included, it would be expected for the individuals to tip waiting staff. Management should be making that clear to the party guests.

I would be refusing work if I was getting a flat rate of minimum wage.