For context, I am a server at a TXRH and a full time college student- living in one of the poorest counties in the state. So don't assume I am making bank.
- Tipshare should be based on the tips I make- not how much I sell. If we are slammed and food in the kitchen, waiting times, or service from the hostesses are rough that night, it comes back on us servers. I can sell a shit ton in food and alcohol, but doesn't always mean people will tip accordingly. I've handed over up to $35 before to my boss for bussers and hostesses. And I am just one server out of the 10-12 working a busy night.
- Our out/cut work typically takes a few hours to complete, especially if you are assigned the more extensive ones such as drink station or server expo. Sometimes, customers will wait long after close to leave and I have to wait around to clean that table and sweep, only to be left $5. This is part of the job of course. But the real issue is, is that I could not have any tables for the 2 hours I am trying to complete my out work, but still am getting paid $4 an hour.
- Payroll is confusing as hell. I can't even explain it in words but basically, if you don't have any customers pay with cash, you're 'negative' and have to wait 2 weeks for that money. The inconsistency is worse than any other serving job I've had.
- For the amount of money this company rakes in, they should be paying their BOH a living wage. One Saturday, we had over $30,000 in sales but workers start out at $9.65 an hour.
- The constant pressure to upsell… I've gotten good at this but to rank people and keep track of who upsells the most is just weird to me. Right now is gift card season and we have a chart with a goal to sell $50,000 worth. Sure, we get perks (if a manager remembers to record it), but why would I go out of my way to hassle with customers to make YOU money, when I'm getting shit on?
- May not get a break while working doubles. Food discount is only 30%. Doubles should at least get a free small meal or salad if they can't leave work.
- Also, the shirts we wear say, “I love my job!” on the back. Seems a bit dystopian to me.
- Lastly, last night I got sexually harassed my a man at the bar and my manager just laughed, while I wanted to cry. Nothing was said.
With all that said, I will say that my coworkers and the overall atmosphere is better than my old jobs. It can be fun and there's little contests here and there. Granted, this is my first time working for a corporate restaurant. I've worked at locals for 6 years. They had their issues, but for a place that prides itself on caring so much about their workers… I expected a bit more. The people are great, but some of the policies are not.