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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
I'm tossing this out there, mainly for any of you who are "just" getting started in the Restaurant Magic Biz. I can only assume that the other "Pro's" out there who have been doing this a long time, already know about what I'm going to chat about, but at any rate...enjoy the read.
Please remember that just becuase you have a steady restaurant gig that is willing to pay you, if you're not happy with the situation, then you need to get out and get out quick. Even if the General Manager or Owner is more than happy with what your doing, if you're sacrificing your happiness just to collect a handful of bread...let me tell ya...it ain't worth it! As you know, I began performing at Applebees just over 2 months ago on Wednesday Nights from 6pm to 8pm. Last Wednesday Night, I finally decided that "enough was enough" and that I was not a good match for this venue. So why quit a steady gig if the money's coming in? 1. VERY SLOW - The restaurant is always slow leading to much dead time for me standing around. On average, I would only perform about 20-30 minutes out of a 2 hour shift. At this location there is LOTS of road construction right in front of the restaurant which makes getting to it very challenging. There are about 5 other restaurants right around this location that are very easy to get to...so people just decide to skip Applebees and go elsewhere. 2. NEGATIVE ATTITUDES FROM THE CUSTOMERS - Anytime I had every been to an Applebees, I always saw lots of families which is one reason that I thought this would be a good spot for Magic. However, on Wednesday Nights while I was there, the majority of the folks who did make the effort to come into the restaurant around all the road construction, were professionals who had just gotten off from work, they were tired, cranky, and flat out just didn't want to see magic. In a two hour period, there would be (maybe) 2 familes that would come in. 3. HOW THEY PAY THE ENTERTAINMENT - Every restaurant that I have ever worked pays me in cash at the end of the night. Those that don't have put me on their payroll and I get a paycheck. Meaning that I work one week and when I come in to work the following week, then I'm given a paycheck for what I worked the previous. Applebees doesn't do that. I was told to present them with a weekly invoice and it would be sent to their Corporate Headquarters and I would be mailed a check. This translates to being paid a MONTH behind...which DOES NOT work me. I don't mind a week or 2 week delay...but not a whole month. Thus far, I have only been compensated for 3 weeks of my 9 weeks that I've been there and am still owed a large sum of cash. There are other factors that helped me make this decesion but those are the MAIN ISSUES I was having. So adding up #1,#2, and #3 together makes for not a great 2 hours. We're always dead but those who do come in what nothing to do with a Magician...AND I'm not even getting paid! Don't let the excitement of booking a new restaurant cloud your judgement. The fact that a tornado almost took out the restaurant on my first night should have been a sign that doom was headed my way, but I guess I was just hoping all would work out. This time...I was wrong. There is GOOD NEWS at the end of this story. My Monday Night gig at Cristina's is working out so well, they want to ADD me to Tuesday Nights as well. So I quit my Wednesday Night gig but picked up a Tuesday Night gig all in the same day...so it's an even wash. (Whew!) Since I pass Applebees on my way to my Monday Night gig at Cristina's, I decided that I would stop in on my way and have a chat with the General Manager. I told hiim what the deal was and he told me that he was disappointed that he was very happy paying me to just stand around and do nothing b/c he liked the idea of having a Magician at the restaurant. That response shocked me but told him that ethically, I can't stand around and do nothing and take money for doing that. He appreciated my honesty and things ended on an UP! He told me that if I ever changed my mind, to give him a call and he'd let me come back (that's a first!). So like I say...sometimes you just gotta know when to walk away, and in this case, as the song says, "know when to run!" Christopher
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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DJG Inner circle The northern hemisphere of Earth 1295 Posts |
Really? I worked our local Applebee's for YEARS and always got cash and vouchers at the end of the night. Hmmm...Guess every GM is different?
Your choices in life can be compared to watching a magic trick: You can continue to believe the illusion in front of you, find the intrigue and desire to learn more, or quit paying attention the moment you feel deceived.
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Yeah...I've heard that!
I've spoken to quite a few on here that are "currently" playing at Applebees and they've all said its workin' out great for them (AWESOME!). Only one said his situation was the exact same as mine (pay wise) and for him, he was fine with that. The others either get a check mailed to them once every 1.5 weeks and others get cash at the end of the night. My GM told me that he didn't have any type of a budget for Entertainment so he did't want to pay me "out of the till" b/c that hits his bottom line...he wanted to handle it as if I were a VENDOR so therefore, the money came from Corporate (not him) I had to submit an invoice. I found that odd since it was a "FRANCHISE" but I guess even the franchise's still have to go thru corporate. I should have said this in my original post but the point of my posting this was NOT to take a crack at Applebees. The GM is/was AWESOME and the staff (for the most part) were all very friendly and hospitable. The situation was unfortunate as Wednesday Nights are a very BAD night for that location. I guess this is a good problem to have, but when I went in to sell my services 2 months ago, the GM wanted me on either Monday Nights or Friday Nights...however, I was (and still am) booked at other restaurants on those evenings. The only choice he had was Wednesday or Thursday Nights both of which he told me up front were the slowest nights of the week. The point of this obviously, was to educate and inform so of the newbies out there that just b/c a gig pays, doesn't mean you have to stick around if it ain't workin' out for you. = ) We tried... (shrugs) Christopher
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Maloney Special user Newfoundland, Canada 709 Posts |
Thanks for the story, Chris. A lot of valuable information in that post.
The Magic and Illusion of Jordan Maloney
"Experience the Unexplainable" www.jordanmaloney.com Go check it out! |
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Not magic, but my photo biz. I would do a job and after finished (and having spent a lot of money on air fare, car rental, film, meals, hotel, etc.) Would have to send the agency an itemized request for a Purchase Order. This would take 2-3 weeks to get returned. Then I could invoice them with the P.O. number and payment would take 3-4 weeks. NO FUN WAITING, but the work was steady and paid well.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Sammy J. Inner circle Castle Rock, Colorado 1786 Posts |
Hey Chris, thanks for sharing that information. I worked a few restaurant gigs years ago, and have thought about giving it another try. Your "real world" stories help guys like me sort things out.
Thanks, Sammy
Sammy J. Teague
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wsduncan Inner circle Seattle, WA 3619 Posts |
Chris,
The best part is that you "left them wanting more." |
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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
C A S H, my favorite 4 letter word. Well, that and F R E E!
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joshsmagic Regular user Chicago 189 Posts |
Applebee's has been great to me. Sorry for your loss. ethical or unethical, I don't mind taking money for doing nothing. its an extra $200-$300 you're making a week. cant go wrong there chris
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joshsmagic Regular user Chicago 189 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-28 15:34, Christopher Lyle wrote: I don't know if generalizing the guest's attitudes is something to validate your argument. You especially know, as a working 'pro', that we should be able to adjust to any circumstance to make good quality magical happenings |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-29 13:10, joshsmagic wrote: Well, then I guess we can "agree to disagree" on this and your other post about taking money for doing nothing. True...in a PERFECT WORLD we "should be able to adjust to any circumstance" but you CANNOT (or you shouldn't rather) force yourself on anyone. If they don't want to see magic, then they don't want to see magic. I would wager to say that on Wednesday Nights between 6pm and 8pm that a total of 20 to 30 people would walk in the door during that time. 95% of those people would wave me off or would tell the waitress to tell me NOT to come to their table. I'm curious how you would ADAPT to this situation. Please enlighten me...
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Maloney Special user Newfoundland, Canada 709 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-29 13:18, Christopher Lyle wrote: That's rough. You did the right thing by getting out. Props to you for having the courage to end it.
The Magic and Illusion of Jordan Maloney
"Experience the Unexplainable" www.jordanmaloney.com Go check it out! |
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Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-29 13:10, joshsmagic wrote: I will have to disagree with you here mate. I find this viewpoint incredibly idealistic. I began my entertainment work in the corporate arena. An ethos similar to the one you have just proposed will only leave you , as a performer and in the long-term, disheartened and rung out. If people do not want to be entertained, than they do not want to be entertained. The buck stops there. The 'magical happenings', as you put, could be of Copperfield standard and they would still not give a rat's left testicle. Working pro's will tell you that flexibility in approach is a crucial factor in successful strolling magic (restaurant, parties, cocktails or otherwise). That being said, their is no use in beating your head against a brickwall from several different angles in the hope that your noggin might find a loose brick
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
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joshsmagic Regular user Chicago 189 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-29 13:18, Christopher Lyle wrote: I don't know if generalizing the guest's attitudes is something to validate your argument. You especially know, as a working 'pro', that we should be able to adjust to any circumstance to make good quality magical happenings [/quote] Well, then I guess we can "agree to disagree" on this and your other post about taking money for doing nothing. True...in a PERFECT WORLD we "should be able to adjust to any circumstance" but you CANNOT (or you shouldn't rather) force yourself on anyone. If they don't want to see magic, then they don't want to see magic. I would wager to say that on Wednesday Nights between 6pm and 8pm that a total of 20 to 30 people would walk in the door during that time. 95% of those people would wave me off or would tell the waitress to tell me NOT to come to their table. I'm curious how you would ADAPT to this situation. Please enlighten me... [/quote] If you are getting 20-30 people and 95% of them are waving you off or worse yet telling their waitress to tell you not to come over then that is your fault not the costumers. On average out of 20-30 people 1 or 2 may not like magic in general. If 95% are telling you to stay away that doesn't mean they don't like magic, it means they don't like you. I think you may need to change your approach, your attitude, your dress. I've seen the bright shirt you wear with the big collar under your suit. I actually shouldn't judge based on that. The applebee's I've worked at for a couple years now is more busy than the one you speak of. I have also worked at other corporate venues, restaurants, and vineyards. But I know the working conditions and the type of people that can be out there. Standing around for free money from management or striving to adapt to any situation is a goal that may be too distant. my 2 cents |
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Maloney Special user Newfoundland, Canada 709 Posts |
Tired, cranky people that come in after a hard day's work will often tell someone to *&?% off more often then families coming in to enjoy their selves. Therefor, Chris rate for people not wanting to see magic was way up.
The Magic and Illusion of Jordan Maloney
"Experience the Unexplainable" www.jordanmaloney.com Go check it out! |
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Chappo Special user Bris Vegas 754 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-01 22:20, joshsmagic wrote: :confused: Hmmmm... I think that is a ludicrously sweeping statement to make. How is it logical to assume that the one time Mr. Lyle's residency hasn't been the best, it is the result of poor approach/presentation?!?!? There is a plethora of other environmental/situational factors that come into play and directly contribute to the equilibrium that is 'the performance scape' ; customers being only one of them. In my opinion, Mr. Lyle is right in stating that there were a variety of problems that led to his decision.
The rules of a sleight of hand artist, Are three, and all others are vain,
The 1st & the 2nd are practice... And the 3rd one is practice again - 'Magic of the Hands', Edward Victor (1940) |
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joshsmagic Regular user Chicago 189 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-02 06:03, Chappo wrote: I believe there were numbers of problems that lead to his decision. I think it is a ludicrous statement to assume I said otherwise. I guess I'm wrong, when 95% of guests that dine in a restaurant on a Wednesday night tell their waitress they don't want chris to come over to their table. Its probably the guests fault. 95% percent lol, are you kidding me?! are you really trying to argue that 95% of the guests at an APPLEBEE'S on a Wednesday night are in bad enough moods to turn down the 5 night a week pro magician?! That's crazy lol. And this happens every week?! people don't go to applebee's to be in bad moods. Its supposed to be a 'flare, fun' place to go. A family restaurant to bring their kids and have fun, and for the kids to get balloons, and happy birthday sung to them. 95% percent of the guests don't want magic? I need to wake up to the world. |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Josh,
Before I rip apart your response, I wanted to tell ya that I went to your website (ie...You Tube Channel) and am very impressed with the news story clip that you have up there. Very cool! We should all be that lucky to have great coverage of our act like you got. Way to go. Now onto your post...it's lunacy personified. I'm almost speachless at how insanely idiotic your ramblings on the subject truely are. Quote:
How is it MY fault that a customer doesn't want to see magic? This statement not only doesn't make sense, but it's silly. Quote:
On average out of 20-30 people 1 or 2 may not like magic in general. If Again...you're incorrect! I never said these people don't like magic. They may not. Who knows...I never get the chance to win them over. The people who were coming in during the time I was there (Wednesday Nights) were professioanls (suit and ties) who had just got off of work and they didn't want to be bothered by anyone. NO FAMILES WERE COMING IN!!!!! I could have been David Copperfield or David Blaine or Criss Angel...it doesn't matter. They didn't want to see magic for whatever the reason. So again, please EXPLAIN to me how someone not wanting to see magic is MY FAULT. There are times when I have been in a restaurant dining with my wife and we're approached by a Magician. In our 6 years of being married and 2 years of dating, it's probably happend about 5 or 6 times. My wife and I both love magic, but sometimes, we're just not in the mood to see it...we just want to be left alone to enjoy each others togetherness. The same is true of my situation. These very well could be folks who like magic and who would enjoy watching a magician perform. But at that moment in time, they have no interest. Maybe they had a bad day, maybe their dog just died. Who knows...maybe they do not like magic. There are way too many variables that play into this that would be considered "uncontrolable events" that make for a bad situation. Quote:
I think you may need to change your approach, your attitude, your dress. I've seen the bright shirt you wear with the big collar under your This is what I find most laughable about your statements. WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH HOW I DRESS? I have seen how you dress too...you look like a bar tender...not very magical in my opinion...but I digress...I shouldn't judge you on how you dress either. There is NOTHING WRONG with how I dress. I always wear a smart suit sometimes with a tie, sometimes not. I dress very professional...very hip. There is also NOTHING WRONG with my approach or my attitude. What you say could be my problem has severed me well in this industry for over 20 years. Your obvious inexperience shows thru here. Quote:
The applebee's I've worked at for a couple years now is more busy than I'm glad your ABs is really busy. However, from what I saw on your You Tube Channel, you're playing Applebees on Friday and Saturday Nights. I'm guessing (like most restaurants) that those are their 2 best nights of the week. My Friday and Saturday Night gigs at Crystals are usually pretty jam packed full as well. So how you can compare 2 busy weekend nights to a Wednesday Night again makes absolutly NO SENSE whatsoever! I BET you're busy and it's not a problem for you...on a FRIDAY and SATURDAY NIGHT. On those nights customers have had the opportunity to get home from work, taken a shower and freshened up, relaxed a bit, have made their plans for the night and are now ready for an evening on the town. These folks will ALWAYS be more apt to sit and enjoy magic from a strolling restaurant entertainer. I'm willing to bet that you wouldn't yield the same successful results if you were out their on a Wednesday Night trying to perform. Another thing is that (having not been to your location) it's quite possible that it's in a better location than the one that I played was. The one I'm at is in a small suberb surrounded by road construction that makes it near impossible for people to get to the restaurant easily. VERY FEW PEOPLE came into the restaurant. Applebees wanted me to perform on Friday Nights, but since I'm already booked at another restaurant, that wasn't possilbe. But from what I understand, their BUSY FRIDAY Night is (in my opinion) still very slow...tho' they did get lots of family traffic. I decided to approach Applebees originally becauase I knew (from what I had read on the Café') that they would be open to the idea of magical entertainment and knew that it was a place that catered to "family dining." Sadly, there were never FAMILES that were in there while I was there. Just tired people who got off of their grind and wanted to disappear into their beer.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-02 20:01, joshsmagic wrote: You are correct! Besides the dead restaurant, and those coming in not wanting to see any magic, there were a few other factors involoved that I haven't mentioned along with ONE BIG THING and that is their lack of paying me. I'm still owed for 6 weeks that I have YET to receive. I don't know how your paid Josh by your Applebees (I'd like to know) but for me, I like being paid ON THE SAME NIGHT that I'm there. I do my set, I see the manager and say I'm done, he puts cash in my hand, I put a handshake in his and I'm out the door. OR At the very least, 1 week behind in fine...I work a week and am paid the following. But this crap of paying over a month behind just doesn't work for me. I'm not an amateur or a hobbiest. I have a family to feed and if they can't pay me on the night that I've worked or at least 1 week behind, then I need to find a place that will! I have no issues finding work. I can walk into almost any restaurant and walk out with a gig. Always have! There's plenty of work out there if you know where to look!
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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joshsmagic Regular user Chicago 189 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-02 20:33, Christopher Lyle wrote: The only valid reason you has for leaving is not getting paid. If they couldn't pay you one week and the following week they still didn't pay you. any pro would know not to go back until they did. You are so self righteous that you will never think that you are doing anything wrong. So at what point do you look at yourself as the problem? 95% rejection isn't enough. Do you need 100%? You should be able to perform for anyone not just families. Some of the best audiences are people wanting an escape from a hard workweek. There is no better table then one in a bad mood and you leave them in a good mood. Its our job to win these people over, to show them a good time. Sure there are tables you can tell are very serious and do not want any entertainment. In my mentor's 20 years performing he has never had a night where 95% of the people did not want to see magic. He worked Champps Americana from noon to 3:00pm which is an awful time slot. He worked it for 3 years and never saw that. Sure initially many people are hesitant but you need to be likable enough for them to let you show them at least one effect. that's usually all it takes. I can't count how many times I have approached tables that were outspoken about hating magic but when I left they tip me $20. I always feel my service is to make as many people have a good time as possible. So I always look for people who are not having a good time. If a table is already having a good time they don't need me. If I change even one bored table to a table that is having fun I have increased the good time in that room. I'm not saying it's impossible for a night to have 95% of the people not interested. But never week after week. Every night is different and new. If every week people are coming in and not wanting to see you perform you have got to change something about what you are doing. Quitting is not an answer. Any competent magician can walk into a room full of magic lovers and show them a good time. A pro can walk into a room of magic haters and show them a good time. also, imho, I don't think the bright 70's disco shirt is hip...nor do I think anyone in the dallas fortworth area do either... |
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