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SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Hey all.
I'm considering approaching a couple of Applebees in my area. It would be really helpful to tell the GM that "Magic is working really well at the Applebees in _______". So my question is this. Who is currently the House Magician at an Applebees and in what City/State? Thanks for your help. JIM |
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SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
BTW, feel free to PM me if you wish to remain anonymous.
JIM |
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BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
I am currently the house magician at an Applebees in Buffalo, New York and will soon be starting one in Oneonta, New York as well. However I must say that letting the GM in California know that magic is working well in Buffalo really doesn't mean anything; the demographics are so different. But hey if it helps there you go!
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MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Glad you brought this up Jim, we have one locally here as well and I was thinking this info would be good to have as well.
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
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SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Thanks for the reply Brian. I used to perform at a couple of Red Robins about 10 years ago. I approached one near me not too long ago and was told "we don't do that here". I would love to be able to point out that the magic DOES work in his restaurant as well.
Just trying to come up with responses to what the Applebees GM might reply with. |
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MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Jm, we recently have had a Red Robin as well - If it goes well ( I plan on popping in there in the next couple of weeks) I'll let ya know. I just picked up a new place...nice italian restaurant. Guy was *** near ready for it after 5 minutes of the initial discussion:)
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
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Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
I am at the Applebee's in Springfield, Oregon. I have been there for a few years and everything has been great.
My only problem with Applebee's is the clientele. I don't get the same amount of gigs from Applebee's as I do the other restaurants. The ones I do get are not as "high class". This is just the nature of the beast when going after a franchise. You will also notice this at Red Robin. One thing I have learned to do is (when the restaurant is very crowded) is to go to the tables with patrons who "look" like they have money or are the type of people that would hire me for outside work. I hate to be this way but magic is a business and that is what works for me. Hope that helped... |
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MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
I've wondered that about an Applebee's and Red Robin also...I think that's a good way to handle it Hart. I saw that all time at Ruby Tuesday...I'd hand out MANY cards from folks who seemed eager to hire me for this or that but with little return.
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
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thegreatsantani New user L.A. 57 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-24 12:40, Hart Keene wrote: I disagree, one of my lowest paying gigs is at a Bob Evans. I was working and a lady in jeans and a t-shirt asked for my card. I thought nothing of it till the next day when she called and she works at a Army post. She also was in authrity to hire entertainment for several units on post. In the past 4 years she has given me (and I guess I kept thru providing a good service) about 25K. If had used your policy I would have missed her and her husband. Sometimes people go out to eat as a break from doing things around the house and you should "never judge a book by its cover" Now this is the exception not the rule, but you just never know.... TGS |
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MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Quote:
Actually, I don't think this is a factor, as even during a busy evening when you concentrate more on folks you feel will give you a better shot at a private gig you are still going to have more of the middle class clientel than not. It's what you said, it's the exception not the rule. And any which way you cut it, higher income folks are going to book you more often than lower or middle income. They are more likely to host an event that you'd be suited for AND have the freedom to hire entertainment as well. If I shoot a bow and win by hitting any target, I'm going to go for the larger target. Simple as that. Otherwise we'd all be at McDonalds:)
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
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SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
I never approach a table only because they look like they can afford me. I approach tables that look like would enjoy my magic and could have fun with. I DO agree that at my lower class restaurant I tend to get fewer bookings.
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thegreatsantani New user L.A. 57 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-24 14:59, MAKMagic wrote: I agree that higher income people can and do hire me more than lower to middle income people, the thing is, how do you know who is who? Do you ask for last years taxes, a recent pay stub or judge by what they eat. Me and my wife make a VERY nice income from magic and dress down when we go out. (not on purpose mind you but just our "off duty" style.) A lot of the time we share a plate. Using the "who can afford me" method, you would pass by our table and miss a potential customer. This is componded by customer complaints such as "hey he did not come over here". To me, and this is just my opinion....you are hired to entertain, getting other gigs is a side effect of our entertaining and not the reason you are there. TGS |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Agreed. We are there to entertain the guests, and make THEIR experiance more enjoyable. While getting private gigs are nice (I've gotten 2 from Red Robin so far, and I already have a family reunion booked in February), they are not the main reason. I approach any and all tables, and the vast majority of the time, get a yes. I love my job (regardless of the pay) and I would not change it for the world!
Steven |
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MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Let me just clarify a bit, as I think what was stated was misconstrued a bit...I'm not saying ignore anyone. But if I look at a restaurant full of people and see a table that looks to me to be more likely to hire me for a private gig, I am more likely to ensure I hit that table specifically. This could be based on a conversation heard in passing, the dress of clientel, items on the table (buisness card, wedding planning book etc) This in no way means I'd avoid unkle yochal and his 2 teeth and perform for him with the same vigor. The fact of the matter is, if the place is packed you WON'T hit every table. And if you see folks you deem more likely to hire you outside you'll make sure that table is not one of the ones that doesn't get hit.
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
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Josh Chaikin Inner circle Kansas City 1430 Posts |
One of the magicians in the Kansas City area has about five Applebee's where he works regularly. That really didn't help me get any work in that restaurant though (corporate vs. franchise). It might help you out some though.
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Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-25 00:40, MAKMagic wrote: Thank you!!!!! Now can everyone go back and re-read what I said? I said ON BUSY NIGHTS! Listen carefully to what MAKmagic said. He is right on target when he says that you will not get to everyone on crowded nights. You need to choose wisely... If you are requested or you can visibly see that they want to see you then OF COURSE you go to the table! One of the first lessons you learn in any sales job(especially if you work conventions or trade shows), is to find the buyers and not waist to much time with people that aren't going to buy anything. If you work for commission they are just taking money out of your pocket. You have to qualify them as soon as possible because the real buyer could come and go while you are talking to the person who is actually not going to buy anything. I'm not saying to approach your restaurant shift with this type of cut throat mentality. But I just want to point out that you are selling yourself at the restaurant. If you perform for a living you rely on the restaurant to get your outside work, which is what really pays the bills! Do magic for everyone who wants to see it. But if it comes down to two teenagers getting ready to share a meal or a group of middle aged, well dressed business people, use common sense... |
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Magicmatt1982 Loyal user Southeren IL 295 Posts |
I really like were this thread is going. I just approached a applebees last week and they did not have it in the budget this year. BUt it is nice to hear that other applebees are hiring magicians. Also in my area there is a red robin opening very soon.
I agree that when we are performing we can not just go to the talbe that will pay money for a big show. We are hired to perform for everyone we can and not choose who will book me for my next show. Just my thoughts. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-26 13:34, Hart Keene wrote: I originally thought the implication was that you had TOO many tables to get too almost. In such a case it would be only smart to "cull" them as such. Nobody is outright ignored. ONLY a certain number can be arrived at, and it is a good business move to use your time as suggested. Or am I misinturpreting? I hope not.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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MAKMagic Special user I got banned for one of my 555 Posts |
Exactly Danny...not sure where the arguments to that logic are coming from.
Good to see ya back
.:Michael Kelley
On the Level, By the Square |
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INFANTINO New user 51 Posts |
I've found that trying to get work at corporate restaurants (like Applebee's, Bennigans, Fridays, etc) is much harder than family owned restaurants. You can impress the manager at Applebee's but he has to bring it to the corporate white shirts for a final decision. Family owned restaurants could hire you on the spot.
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