To all who have waited tables in CP restaurants (Red Garter especially): A question about tips

Hello all. I've just been hired on as a server at the Red Garter saloon at CP for the 2005 season. What I wanted to know is whether or not the tips are good. I know it all depends on the average check amount and everything, but I'm kind of nervous because I've never waited tables at a burger joint, and I don't know what to expect in the way of tips. I work in an italian restaurant now, and the tips are good, but that has a lot to do with how expensive the food and alcohol can get. I guess my question is how long are the shifts, and what kind of tip percentages should I expect?

I'll be working in the last chance saloon, and I was a bit worried at first too. Of course the checks will be a lot smaller than in fine dining, but the turn around rate is quite different. From what my hiring manager told me, people will come and leave every half hour, where as in a nice restaurant, it's about an hour or more. So that should help out a bit. At least for us in the saloons! Someone told me the tips can get really good during the summer, but that's all I've heard.

You can never find Red Garter Rob when you need him.

:)

I worked at breakwater café, a nicer restaurant with less turn over, and cleared $300 a day. I did work long hours and worked the guests pretty hard. That same year I had some friends that worked at some in park pizza place and they did about the same. The disadvantage of in park dinning is that you will stiffed by kids, you never get a break, everyone is pissy, and more of +/- you get one bug rush all day.

All and all it is 1000x times better than sweeping or pushing a button or selling meat on stick etc.

One more nice thing about breakwater, because we are out of the park we got lots of good free food and good drinks ;)

psshh.. =P I want free food and drinks.

Thanks for the info Seatown. I actually indicated on my application and in my interview that I had worked fine dining in part because I wanted to get work at the Breakwater Cafe or one of the Restaurants outside of the park, but I guess you've got to take it where you can get it, right? Besides, waiting tables IS a million times better than about 90% of the other jobs available at Cedar Point. Also, the Red Garter is apparently one of the only places in the park to get alcohol, and there's no kids' menu, so those are definitely two big advantages in my book (as far as sales and tips go).

LiveEJon, Red Garter Rob? Who's that? That struck me as odd because my name is Rob too.

Red Garter Rob is / was a bartenter at Red Garter. He would have great info for you.

RLS we're getting a break not having to do children's menus! =) Thank Goodnesss

Seatown said:
Red Garter Rob is / was a bartenter at Red Garter. He would have great info for you.

Well, that's not entirely accurate. Actually, its entirely inaccurate. Red Garter Rob is considered by most to be the greatest authority on the Red Garter Saloon, from the Shows to the Beer Taps.

Nice to know you still love me Jon ;)

Tips in the Garter are said to be the best in the park as far as the "quick sit down" places go. The reason for this?? very simple..

The shows.. They bring in ALOT of people and your tips will be a direct reflection on your speed and service. Alot of families make it a point on thier summer vacations to stop in and "see the show".

It's a great chance for you to show guests great service, and trust me, they will thank you and tip you for it. My friends at the Garter have always made out VERY well. There is a strong tradition in that building. *** Edited 3/26/2005 10:07:05 PM UTC by Red Garter Rob***

Red Gater administers the best first aid in the park.

RLS...

Welcome to the best place in the park! As a former supervisor at Garter, you shouldn't have any worries about making enough money, the tips are plentiful. Hours can be long at times, but in the end, its all worth it. Garter isnt some burger joint, but its not high class either. You will learn to long for those Mondays that the Live E has off, and learn to long just to hear the songs play again, just one more time. Enjoy the summer and your job. It will defintely be an experience of a lifetime...