Ok...so I'm hoping to round up some interesting thoughts here...

I would wager a guess that I work 70% "family restaurants" and 30% "non family restaurants." When I say "non family" I'm refering to either bars or high end dining where people don't usually takes kids.

I would consider a Family Style Restaurant an "easier gig" than say a Non Family restaurant...simply b/c people associate Magic with children. You approach a table with kids...BANG! You're in!

But the flip side of this coin is if you're at a "Non Family" restaurant where kids are a RARE (tho' I prefer mine Medium Well), people probably arn't wanting or expecting table side entertainment. It's the all adult crowd.

I think that people think, "why would we want to see magic...do you see any kids around?"

So...does your attitude change on the approach? It does for me. For me...it's ALL about confidence! I come across as a more business type then say an entertainer and 95% of the time, I'm welcomed to perform at the table.

What style of eatery do you prefer and what is your formula for success?

Just thought it might be nice to get a banter going on this subject as we close out 2008. I've seen a lot of new faces (avatars) to this area over the last few months so I thought a constructive conversation on this subject might be beneficial...

Let's roll....

Christopher

For me working restaurants is my gateway to my family magic show. I do not do corp. or adult parties because it just does not fit my personality. Because of this I only work family restaurants. I would say I get 70% of my shows from my restaurant work and the other 30% from word of mouth or other marketing. Every table is an audition. If I focused mostly on strolling gigs at dinner parties etc. I would go for the more high end places. Bottom line for me is if they like me in the restaurant they will book me for the party. I would think that you would chose the restaurant based on the type of gig you are looking to book.

I always approach as an 'ambassador' of the restaurant and that I am 'entertainment' for the evening. I defintetly don't start with - "hey, I am a magician, wnat to see some magic" (yes, I have seen some who start this way).

I wear a suit and a tasteful, yet magical looking tie. It seems to break the ice as to who the heck you are and what your purpose at the table is. Also with experience comes the ability to 'read' a table to see if they are interested (if mashed potatoes are being slung about, along with wedding bands, you may want to avoid this one!)

I very rarely get the 'I'm not interested' in the more adult venues with this approach.

Hi Lyle..Great post !!
Like you said, confidence is the key when approaching adults. I work family oriented as well as ,not kid friendly, venues. As far as my acceptance with the adult crowd I haven't had any problems. I obviously try and read the table (I'm not always accurate) before my approach and will greet them in a cordial but confident manner with some small talk. Some tables I don't approach because of "Heavy" conversation or there is obvious business being discussed.

Now I know many will disagree but I don't for the most part ask them if they want to see magic. I just offer one of the people a piece of paper from my wallet as a gift for coming. (comedic moment) and tell them I'll change it in to something they are really going to like. I then say, "Yes I'm a professional magician." By this time they "want" to see what's going to happen to that paper so rejection is out of the question. When the transformation occurs, the table is ready to see more. ( Just an example of one of my approaches )

David Stone, author of "Close-Up" The Real Secrets suggests when first approaching a table always offer them something instead of asking something from them. (like a bill or whatever)

As far as preference, I'm more comfortable with a mixed family crowd since that has been my focus in past years but have moved in to the adult crowd situations.
It is a bit more challenging in many respects, but hey that's what makes us better performers.

You are right Lyle, confidence and attitude plays a very important role. I just make sure the confidence and attitude is NOT condescending but likeable and genuine.

Thanks for bringing up the subject.
David Paul

Well, here's something I started doing a while back that has worked wonders for me.

the restaurant I'm currently at is a more adult oriented venue, but plenty of kids still frequent there. Anyways, when I first approach the table I ask them how they are, how things have been going so far (food, service, etc). Then I mention that there server asked me to stop by, and my name is Steve and I'm part of the entertainment there this evening.

The server part has worked well for me for a while, as it lets them know you're suppose to be there, and also helps the servers out by making it look like they did that table a favor.

Best.
Steve

I mostly do family resaurants and when I go to table with just adults and they say something like just do the kids I reply "I'm here to entertain everyone"

This is something I NEVER do! If I approach a table full of adults and offer some entertainment and they respond with "just do the kids" that usually means they don't care to watch my act...so I move on.

I guess to each their own tho... = )

I personally would not do family restaurants.

When at higher end places, I would not work unannounced. Takes away the whole problem with the approach. The server has been bringing them things all night, you are just another thing which is brought to them.

Just personal preference.

Well Iv been mistook for a waiter,a bouncer,and a stripper in my time.As I recall one group of particulaly nubile young ladies,they were quite disappointed when I "whipped out my cards" instead of something else,but that's showbiz......

My ego is pleased to report,they were satisfied at the climax tho

Read the table ... if their having fun ask if you can join the fun. If it looks all business or a romantic night ... back off! People's eyes say it too. Hard to describe, but I look at tables as I buzz round the restaurant. If someone looks curious I stop and introduce myself.

However there are those days..... ever kid tables reject you!!! Suck it up go get a drink and make it seem it doesn't bother you.

A great table to do in a adult only establishment is the girl's night out table. Look for the 40+yo cougar and start there... You get them rolling and every other table will then want you.

In another recent post the mention of professional name tags add more clout, got to agree.... just purchased 3 new tags; two are red granite with gold "Mark the Balloon Guy Entertainer" & Mark Byrne Magical Entertainer" . The third is a Pro Tag with company name, my name, Entertainer Specialist - comedy,Magic, Balloons & Fun for family and Corporate Events. It is beige with a side bar graphic of money next to it. That is for my networking events I go to.

Just curious - why would you not do family reataurants?

His supreme talents are waisted on the minds of small children?

>> His supreme talents are waisted on the minds of small children? <<

I would actually agree with that statement! (seriously)

Maybe his magic is so bad that adults are pleasant and say "oh, good job", where children say "that sucks!"

Dannydoyle I though you were a hypnotist?

Meyegr I doubt that one very seriously. Children are just afraid of him. And the adults scream and run out of the building...oh wait that was someone else.

My COMPLETE LACK OF TALENT FOR WORKING WITH KIDS is why I would not do family restaurants. It is a skill, a tremendous skill and it is one I am woefully lacking. I admire those who can do it tremendously. I however know my limitations.



Yes I have moved from restaurant magic to hypnosis. Though I did restaurant magic for quite a long time. 10 years to be exact.

I actually think restaurant magic offers more for the magician/performer than any form of magic. That close interaction, immediate feedback, the close quarters where they get a tactile feeling of what is going on. It is tough to duplicate that on stage no matter WHO you are!

One more reason I don't work family places is pure economics. They have to sell a TON of nacho's to pay for you to be there. A place which serves liquor has a better chance of actually paying your bill.

Second of all it is sort of hunting. MOST of the shows booked from a restaurant with an average dish price of $12 will be not as well paying as a restaurant with an average dish price of $50. Yes you get them but not regularly. I also do not do kids entertainment in the first place, lacking the skill so being in an environment which fosters that is a bad idea.

I would rather be in a place where everything is already expensive, and thus it is assumed I am expensive. Hit them with a high price and it is not the least bit shocking.

Nothing wrong with family restaurants. Ask Christopher Lyle. He does a TON of work is paid well and is able to walk the line between family and adult restaraunts. It CAN be done, it simply takes someone with more talent than I have.

This is a very professional way to approach it and I think it would work in an adult environment or in a family style restaurant. I use a similar approach when working a restaurant although I will admit most of my work is corporate/event strolling but I do cover restaurants for several friends and they have been both, family and adult.

Because my background is in corp/event I never really felt a need to switch gears or approach in a different way.



I'm thinking this might be part of the problem. I approach every table with the attitude, "These people are going to have a great time!" I'm an entertainer not a magician. Magic is what I do, not who I am. When you approach the table you ar not trying to sell them on your magic, they are deciding weather or not they want to hang around with YOU for a few minutes (regardless of what you do). You are selling YOU not a card trick.

That's my 2p anyway.

Best,

Dan-

I agree, a lot of people automatically associate magic with kids and it is a logical association to make. They loved magic as a child and have never experienced it as an adult. For this reason alone it is important to change your approach. To show you can entertain on an adult level. But don't be surprised if after you SLAY a table of adults to hear that familiar question "Do you do birthday parties?"

Both of my restaurants are upscale places that are more adult oriented. I do occasionally see kids at one much more frequently than the other. Being in a hotel in Hershey, PA we get a lot of them when there is a kid friendly show in town, like Globetrotters, Ice Capades, etc. The summer time when Hersheypark is open is very busy. A lot of kids, from well to do families who are more than willing to toss a nice tip your way for keeping the kids occupied for 10-15 minutes so they can eat in peace. That said, I would still not consider it a family place. My repertoire remains the same for every table. I do often get gigs from this restaurant, but always make it very clear that I am not a children's entertainer. I have someone I recommend if that's what they really need.