06-16-2024, 03:10 PM
(06-16-2024, 02:36 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I was in the restaurant business for almost 50 years. I assure you restaurants pay their cooks more than their tipped employees, or they would have no cooks. The other positions you mentioned are entry level positions that great workers can get promoted by showing the boss they are more than a dishwasher. As a teenager, my third job was a dishwasher at a country club. I did that for 45 days and was promoted to a waiter.
In my business, the Maintenace (cleaning) person starting pay was higher than hourly managers and had better benefits.
Restaurant work is extremely hard on your feet for 8 to 10 hours a day and walking miles. In my opinion, they are one of the most underappreciated workers in our country.
I love the fact I can give someone a large tip and I am not giving 20% of it to Uncle Sam. Also, as an owner, I love the fact it is one less piece of work removed from the plate of the managers who are held accountable by the government to keep strict records and ensure tips get reported.
As I stated, it is also a true lower to middle class tax break and can't be identified as anything close to a tax break for the rich.
It seems you ran a good business, but can assure you that is not the norm now. Restaurant work is hard and taxing, as it is similar to jail and/or nursing home work, where you are always, if not almost always open. Managers work crazy hours. Low work force participation spreads the employees thin and makes the managers lean heavier on the good employees. Most do not have the staffing they need, and thus they cannot afford to fire the crap employees.
I also enjoy giving great tips for great service, but do not believe in tipping as a courtesy. Times are tough, and it is nice to be able to give someone a momentary raise they well deserve.
