When I was 14 I got my first “real” job working as a busser at a family friend’s restaurant. It was a smallish space so even on a Friday night there would be 1 server, 1 cook and me. Because it was a small staff, as a “busser” I would bring menus, bread, non alcoholic drinks, often the meal and dessert. I’d often take orders, especially extras like appetizers and dessert. And of course I’d buss, clean and reset every table. On a busy night I’d say we would get maybe 50ish tables? Probably more for weekend brunch when we could use outdoor seating too. This was a nice authentic Italian restaurant with full wine list.
Now here’s the venting part. On the BUSSIEST night, I’d get at most $20 in tips. In addition to my minimum wage, no benefits pay. Are you kidding me, $20? Even if tips averaged $5 a table (doubt it- these were $60-$100+ checks), that would have been $250 the server (who was an owner) collected. If I had to guess though, she was probably taking home $300-$400 and throwing a 20 to me and a 20 to the undocumented chef. Here I thought I was so lucky to have this job, and now know the owners were blatantly taking advantage of my age and lack of world experience. The owners closed the restaurant after a few years when they got divorced and sorry but it kind of feels like karma.