Has anyone ever worked as a server at a chain restaraunt?

Question

I'm looking at Ruby Tuesday, Chili's, Fridays, Red Lobster, etc. Was it a good experience? What were the hours/tips like? Any info or personal experiences you could give me would be great.

Answer 1

Yes, I worked at Pizza Hut.  Not as nice as the ones you're talking about, but, still.

My personal experience:

1.  It was the worst job I've ever had.  I made good tips, and the other waitresses hated me and made my life miserable.  

2.  Some waitresses will acuse you of stealing from their tables.

3.  At the place I worked, that was continual feuding about "who's turn" and "who's table".

4.  It is a LOT of work.  And on slow days you make squat.  On fast days, you make this squatty amount like $2 plus your tips, NOT minimum wage plus your tips.  This is unless you live in California.

5.  My hours varied a lot.

6.  You make the most tips from: 1) Smokers, 2) Alcohol orderers, 3) Low economic class

7.  You make the least tips from: 1) Wealthy, 2) Senior Citizens

8.  Families are iffy.  Middle class usually doesn't tip well.

Some customers will treat you unbelievably bad.  You will not be able to believe how bad some people will treat you.

EDIT--I forgot to say, if the restaurant "overstaffs", which they seem to love to do, you make almost NOTHING.