Do servers make more at high end restaurants or casual?

Question

Do you have actual experience in serving both at a fine dining upscale restaurant and then also at a casual establishment like Red Robin? I want to know if waitresses and waiters make more money at a casual restaurant as the tables would turn over much more quickly or do the more expensive restaurants tip so much more since the prices are higher that they make more there?

Thanks!

Answer 1

why would you want to degrade yourself with that type of work

being a servant of any kind is like slavery to me

Answer 2

I own a fine dining restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA. I know for a fact my servers earn more than any server at chain restaurant's earn.

We expect our guests to leave no less than 20%. I often check the daily sales and calculate the server's tips. If they do not have at least 20% tips in the till, I wonder why the guests have not received the service they deserve.  

I employ fine dining professionals that are comitted to the restaurant business. They are dedicated professionals that deserve every "tip" they earn.

Overall, my servers receive between 20 to 30 percent tips. I expect no less.

The problem is that there are so many chain restaurants, corporately owned, that do not understand service. They put dozen's of servers on, to do the job of one. Hoping that the quantity of servers compinsates for the quality of servers. It is what most of America has come to expect. It is not what dedicated restaurant professional will tolerate.

Eveytime you spend a dollar, consider the value.  If you are not having a "fine dining" experience - or a momorable moment - think about how you are spending your money. Trust passionate professionals that want to provide you with an experience rather than just a check.

People who love food do it for a living. Corporations who what to make money do it for the cash!

Fine food has noathing to do with a cash cow.

Treat yourself to fine dining!!!

Answer 3

High end.  Customers who go to high end restaurants actually tip a higher percentage on a higher percentage than those who go to the more casual restaurants.

Answer 4

It seems to me that servers are less qualified to answer this question than highly experienced restaurant patrons. It only stands to reason that the very best servers are going to be the best paid, or else they would work somewhere else. So the question nets out to this: Where have the experienced restaurant patrons found the best service? I have eaten at thousands of restaurants for social, business, and family reasons over the past 30 years as a post-college adult. Without question, the best service is found at the highest-quality restaurants, particularly those with a serious business clientele. So work your way into one of those server positions -- if you are good enough -- and you'll do well.  Red Robin, etc. is only a stepping stone if you are looking for the best pay.

Answer 5

High end.

Because its usually 15-20% percent,

and the more you charge.

The more you'll get.

It can also have its downside,

you can get less tables

at a fancy place.

Answer 6

skilo.. slaves dont get paid. being a waiter is perfectly normal

Answer 7

Most of the time at higher end because usually a tip or gratuity is added to their bill which the waiter/waitress receives

Answer 8

Honestly, it really depends. Most people will tip 15% on their bill....so of course you're going to get more of a tip the large the bill is. However, if you work at a casual place, and turn your tables really fast....you can make a lot of money (not to mention upselling). It's a lot of work, though. I've also noticed that people who dine at high-end places have higher expectations for their servers....so if you s***w up, you can kiss that big tip good bye. In contrast, at a casual place, the diners are a lot more laid back...so it's not such a big deal if you forget to bring their soup (I mean...it's still a big deal, but not as much so).

Answer 9

Fine dining of course.  Higher bills equals larger tips.  You also rarely get less than 15% whereas at a casual joint many people think a $2 tip on $30 is good.  I've done both ans would never again wait in a corporate casual restaurant.  I made $375 one night on a 12 top, 3 top and 6 top while working 4 hours.  I also waited at Ruby Tuesdays for 7 hours, waited on 12 tables of 4 or less ans walked with $45!  Think of the quality of people that you would be around at each location.

Answer 10

Your ability at each level will shine, because you will own your presence there. If you know your high end wines and products that you sell than you will be able to push than easily. If you show incompetence about your product it will show. Your confidence in your knowing the product you sell will increase your sales and tips.

Answer 11

it probably balances out to be pretty similar..   but I bet you need to work a lot harder at the casual places (as far as running your *** off) but at nicer places you need to know more about the high end ingredients and menu items..  its easy to answer questions about a burger, not as easy to answer questions comparing different upscale meat cuts or types of fish..