Question for you college folks in the restaurant industry

[texas*princess]

Here's the deal:

I'm applying for a summer job at a nearby restaurant tomorrow. They are hiring for all positions, and I don't know if I want to go for server or hostess?

Does anyone know the pros/cons of either?

If you're a server and make a lot of $$ in tips, do you have to report that to the IRS when paying taxes?

Thank you sooooo much!

[AlphaSigLana]

I have been a hostess and server. I hated serving. Hostessing was alright. It varies on restuarants. I like a lively atmosphere whcih Marie Calendars was not. At Lonestar the hostess (I was a server there)seemed to have it easy bc all they did was flirt while us servers worked our asses off plus they got to dip into the servers tips bc we had to tip them out. I think it really depends on personality. I know that I am not a good server so I won't ever be one again. I think you are really pretty (saw your pic) so you will make a lot of tips being a server.

[OUlioness01]

I work as a hostess on breaks, and it's nicer than serving because you get paid a wage per hour, and you don't have to worry about people stiffing you, or not getting many customers. However, when you are the hostess you have to deal with the people who show us at the busiest time and demand nonsmoking and then throw a fit because when they finally sit down (and they want to sit down the moment they walk through the door) they didn't get the exact table they wanted. You always have to have a smile on your face in both jobs, and either one will have cleaning and getting food ready and such to a certain extent. At least, that's what it's like where i work.

[Dionysus]

I've been a hostess at three different restaurants.

Pro's:
*hourly wage
*cleaner (in a way)-don't have to serve food that often or bus tables
*won't get fired or in trouble forgetting to card young people-big offense.
*Most host/esses don't have as strict dressing codes.
*less sidework! Servers have hours of dirty sidework in the kitchen after their shift.
*can be pretty interesting-when business was dead, i would just stand there and observe people (witnessed two engagments and one divorce).
*if there is more than host/ess on schedule (which is likely), you have less work on your hands, and you don't have solo responsibilty if something goes wrong.

Cons:
*less money
*dirtier (in a way)-bathroom duty!
*the double/triple/quad seating in one server's section, it's a big NO NO, yet we weren't allowed to decline guests' seating preferences or tell them to wait. That double standard can drive you nuts.
*The host/esses are the restaurant's first and last impression to guests. That puts a lot of pressure on you.
*Since we are first in the "process", any screw up we make will fall on the servers, kitchen workers, and managers. And if you happen to work alone, it's 10X as worse.
*You'll get shat on by servers more than a porta potty at a cheese festival. Host/esses don't intentionally give servers too many tables or lack there of, we are ordered by managers to put the guests' requests first.
*they'll fire a hostess at the drop of a hat. First hostess job-FIRED-I supposedly said "what?" in the wrong tone of voice to a guest (I don't remember it that way AT ALL, I have a naturally deep voice).


BUT no matter if you're a hostess or a server there is one cool part about working in restaurants that most of us GCers love and thats all of the.......DRAMA!!!

[texas*princess]

thanks for the comments so far!

how much do host/esses generally get paid?

I know most servers have a low salary, but they get tips usually so that kinda makes up for it?

[bucutie02]

This lady I know has a daughter and she is a hostess at Road House. She hates it because she gets $2.15/hr plus 3% of the tips. Therefore, she doesnt really earn much money. She might get a job at pappadeux as a waitress which is what she really wants.

[twinstars]

I waitressed last summer...

If you want money, be a server. Yes, they only make $2.13 an hour before tips, but including your tips you have the potential to make at least $8-10/hr if you work at a fairly busy place, even if it's not a fancy restaurant. You work hard for the money, but you can make a decent amount.

As a hostess, you probably make minimum wage. At many places you would not get a cut of the tips. At some places, you might get a small percentage. It's easier work (you're mostly just standing there) but with less potential to make a lot of money.

[Dionysus]

Originally posted by texas*princess
how much do host/esses generally get paid?

first one- $6.50
second one- $8.50
third one- $6.25

[MSSTCY1]

I've been paid $4 + tips at one place, $7.50, and also$6.50

I'd rather serve though, the time goes by much faster and if you pick the right restaurant you can make A LOT of money.

[cuaphi]

I HATED hostessing. First there were the old people and regulars who basically marched in the door and informed you where they were going to sit. Then there were the people who would actually walk up to you at 8 pm in the middle of Friday rush with an hour wait and ask for a table that was "quiet." I had to resist the urge to say "Okay, how about your house!"
Next you have the servers who are always mad at you for either filling their sections too quickly or not quickly enough.
Finally, you have the fact that you're making just over minimum wage to put up with all of this crap.

I actually really enjoyed waiting tables.

[Betarulz!]

I just started as a server, and you work your ass off, but I'd much rather be busy than just standing around.

Our hostess sucks...she routinely will triple seat a section, while other servers have no tables.... Plus the resteraunt used to be one where everyone seated themselves and we've since changed, and if a hostess is present when they get there they just go seat themselves which is super annoying. She just dissappears for five minute intervals when we're busy

[DeltaZeecutie]

It really depends on the restaurant and what exactly you want. I have served and hosted and actually much rather be a server but right now my work is really slow so I'm making better money. I make $7/hour now and also if I close I get tips from room services (we have a hotel in connection with us), and any tips from to-go's. I actually made $27 in tips tonight whereas one server only made $50 and he was there for 12 hours ( I was there for 5 ). I work at a sports bar and grille and typically we get our most business during college football season ( the michigan game was absolutely ridiculous) and ncaa bball tournies. I just personally like being able to get to know the customers better and if I do an awesome job for the most part it will show. But it doesn't matter I love my job! Awesome co-workers! It's all what you make it!

[texas*princess]

Thanks for all the replies... I am leaning more towards being a server, but I'm scared the host/esses will not give me any tables! The restaurant is out of town so I don't really know how busy it usually is. (There are NO JOBS in my town right now.. so I'm willing to drive half an hour if I have to.. my car gets good gas milage anyway)

[twinstars]

At the restaurant where i waitressed last summer, the hostess was supposed to go on a rotation so everone had approximately the same number of tables. Of course, they can cheat if they're buddies with a waiter or something. But usually it's pretty fair.

[MSSTCY1]

you can also complain on the side to your boss if your not getting sat. Sometimes there are reasons. I worked at a restaurant that was on the water and half of the seats were outside. Everyone always wanted to sit in the sections that had tables on the deck. Sometimes people bitch about wanting to be in a booth, table or in a certain area ( especially if they are regulars). Don't worry about it though, you'll get tables.