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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
So...when choosing a restaurant, it's important that you find a good fit. One where the price is right, the clientel is appropriate, and is something that will work out. But...something that you won't find out without working the place is how you're treated by the restaurant.
As entertainers, our job is quite different from the other employees... We're seen to be almost like celebrity status, so-to-speak. I know at RR, I'm treated pretty *** good. My schedule is extremely flexible, meaning if I have something come up last minute I can call and cancel and it's all good. Or I can go in early and leave early, go in late and leave late, etc. Perhaps work a Saturday if I don't work on Friday. Stuff like that...the GM there is pretty cool. Free food and everything. If I go in there with friends, I almost feel like a celebrity lol... SO. How does your restaurant treat you? Is this up there in importance with the financial aspect or not so much? Just a topic I think could turn into something interesting... Best. Steve |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
Every place is different, in some of the places we used to play it was a lot like what you experience, in others they wanted serious work. Keep the folks entertained til their food comes, keep the waiting folks happy, make the stand ups fast, funny, and don't take so long they stop eating and hang around too long, etc.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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ldl1017 Elite user 476 Posts |
When I worked for Max and Erma's (they went out of business) I was treated very well. I never ate B4 or after my gig, but was always offered something. They were also very flexible on the private show side of things.
“I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”
Billy Joel |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Interesting question Steve. I feel in many situations that the wait staff is resentful of me. Perhaps my hourly rate gets out and they compare it to theirs or they see me as “taking” their tips. I try to explain that I’m helping their tips by giving their customer a more pleasurably dining experience. But it seems many are very young and don’t see the big picture. I think it really stems from management. Sometimes they are young too and don’t see the whole picture. That’s why it is so hard to be hired in the first place. Needless to say in these types of situations the wait staff wouldn’t even think of waiting, say 15 seconds till I can finish up my routine.
I know what you mean Steve about finding a good fit. There is another restaurant I do that things are just the opposite. I get total respect from all parties. The result when you find a good fit—well, I’m starting my 13th year at this restaurant!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
magico563 Veteran user UK, sheffield. 381 Posts |
Well I have only been working in this restaurant for about 4 weeks now but yes I do get treated very well in the restaurant. Things like 'ha just grab your self a drink when ever you like' or 'if you want any food just stick a order in and I we will cover it' and also 'look when ever you have anything on just give me a buzz and we can rearrange it'.
I love it, I am getting so much more experience now and I just love it to bits. All the waiters and waitresses say 'oh I’m not looking forward to Friday because we are packed out' and I’m there thinking 'more fun for me then!!!' Thanks, magico563:-) |
RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-29 23:00, Magic_Steve wrote: At one of my long term venues,I am escorted in with a John Philips Souza fanfare...by two attractive hostesses...one carrying my magic case...the other fanning me with a giant feather.As I walk through the restaurant some guest's are politely genuflecting,while others are showering me with flower petals..or crumbs of Italian bread.I acknowdledge the tribute by smiling and raising my hand in sincere thanks.The only negative thing is ...sometimes...out of the corner of my eye I catch someone flipping me the bird. Steve:I really know I am asking alot...but...but...[I really hate to impose on you]...do you think it would be possible to get your autograph?...prehaps you could sign a paper menu or something. Rich A.E.R.P.W.N.C.L.B.C. |
Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
LOL Rich!!!
When I say celebrity-like status, I mean to an extent it does seem that way. We go in for a few hours and have people roaring with laughter and applause and make good money doing it. Then we leave. No clean up, prep, etc, like the rest of the staff has. I made this topic because something that was said the other day at RR. I went to grab some food before I left, and a new manager tried to charge me for it. After some explaining, and a few servers telling him that I get my food for free because "he comes in here to help us out a lot", I didn't pay a dime. So while I'm happy I have a consistent gig, now it almost seems like the restaurant is happy to have ME. I know to never think I'm irreplaceable, as well all are at the drop of a hat. But it just made me think a bit... Best. Steve P.S. Send me your address and I'll even throw in some autographed business cards! |
derrick Inner circle I dug holes for 1044 Posts |
Always remember to be careful to never believe your own publicity. Anyone who does is eventually in for a huge fall. In the past, in most places I have worked I'm treated very well .... up until the moment they have decided they no longer need my services. Seems to always deflate that ego right back to nothing where it should have always been in the first place.
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Derrik hit the nail on the head with that one!!! It's very easy to get an ego in this business. Afterall...just look at Jonathan Kamm!
Seriously tho...a wise person once told me that I'm NEVER as good as I think I am no matter what the public thinks. I have nights where I feel like David Copperfield where the entire restaurant is cheering me on and pretty much bowing down before me. Then I walk outside and I'm a nobody again. One time, the above situaion occured and I was feeling great, then on the same night, I lost the restaurant b/c they needed to cut costs. Sucks!!! Steve...as to your question... The ONLY TIME it's ever gotten "non-respectful" at any gig I played was due to the waitstaff finding out how much I'm paid by the restaurant (b/c the manger left my check out on the desk in his office where someone walked by and looked at it) and when they figured out how much I usually averaged in tips. I remember one night, I made about $200 in tips over a 3 hours shift and a waitress found out about it and she blew a gasket b/c she had been there for 7 hours and only made $30. Not fair in her eyes. How did she find out. Cause I was stupid and wanted to buy larger bills for my $5s and $10s. DOAH!!! Ever since then, I do my darnest to NEVER let anyone know how much in tips I actually make. A learning experience...
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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