|
|
CurtWaltermire Special user Curtis The Mentalist 505 Posts |
I know that Jan-March are often slow for entertainers (or so many say), but yesterday I had a real double-whammy. When it comes to restaurant gigs, I have two that I work regularly, On The Border, and a locally-owned small chain called Senor Tequila's. Of course restaurants aren't the only thing that I do, but the most frequent and regular source of work. I walked into Senor Tequila's yesterday and they were absolutely DEAD. The GM told me that they expected to be slow for the next couple of months, and though they really love having me, that they probably couldn't afford to use me again until at least the first of March. I was understanding and wanted to keep all doors open, of course. I get home later last night and find an email from my other restaurant telling me that until further notice they could not use my services any longer due to an issue involving a permit for live entertainment and problems with the corporate ownership. Ummm...WHAAAAT?
I know that none of it has anything to do with me as a performer (both restaurants really like having me and always say so), but that was a real double-whammy! I've got other things going on, but holy cow. The irony is that I was getting ready to start working at a second OTB location on the other side of town as well... I'm sure others must be experiencing this kind of drop...or are you??
Curtis Waltermire
Mentalist/Magician/Speaker/Actor/Grandpa/Cool Dad & Above-Average Husband CurtisTheMentalist.com YouTube Channel My Touring Public Show "The Mastermind Show" Check Out My Podcast "The Mastermind Show with Curtis The Mentalist" |
Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Curtis...
The first of the year is ALWAYS a rough time for almost all restaurant workers. People don't eat out as much the first few months of the new year because they're trying to recover from the financial burden on their wallet the holidays caused... I will tell you that working at a restaurant that let's you go by way of email just sucks in my opinion. I HATE THAT! They didn't have the balls to man up and face you to let ya go so they do it in an email. I think you're better off without that one, personally. That happenend to me a couple years ago with Red Robin and 6 months later when they called me to see if I would come back and perform, I told them to go "f" themself... In my Menu column due out here by the end of January, I discuss this very problem and address ways to handle it along with answering the most asked question amongst restaurant workers. Check it out... Either way...keep your chin up. You'll get another restaurant soon... Christopher
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
Zendor New user 100 Posts |
We just lost the restaurant that we held our monthly magic meetings at (They closed down). One of our members was a weekly regular there.
For your situation it could be the current economy affecting you. I suspect that the 'entertainment' has to go first in attempt to stay afloat, followed by some wait staff, etc. until the times get better or they belly up. This is what has happen to all my corporate events over the last year and a half, almost all of them cut out any extras which always includes entertainment. Heck - even with my company I work for, they tighten the belt severely and continue to find ways to save money. So sorry both changes touched you on the same day. Bob |
CurtWaltermire Special user Curtis The Mentalist 505 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words, guys. The whole thing is just a bit frustrating really, that's all. I actually have some other gigs that are in the works, one of them being a goldmine of a gig; a locally-owned chophouse that all the big corporate dogs frequent, among other great potential clients. As much as I agree with you, Christopher, that email is a cowardly way of handling it, in the GM's defense he did state that he had misplaced my number and would've called me; being the no-nonsense kinda guy that I know him to be, I actually believe him. He also stated that he was working hard to turn things around because he wants me there, but not to get my hopes up due to the corporate BS. I know that there's only so much he can do. Another restaurant considering me right now also caters some 300 or more events a year and is, like the other one, locally owned (no corporate red tape).
It is truly remarkable at times how when one door closes, another bigger, better door often opens. I was strolling just last night at a casino night party for a huge wedding reception and the offers for work that were thrown my way were incredible, including tradeshow work (another animal altogether, I know, but anyway...). I'm still fairly new to the city I work in and so word is getting out slowly but surely. I'm just trying my hardest to make myself visible during this slow period, while at the same time planning for my usual spring and summer gigs that are in the planning stages right now. Anyway, I'll shut up. I really only started the thread to see just how some others may be being affected, though I'm not really wanting to focus on the negative. I'm looking forward to your column Christopher in the Magic Menu, and as always appreciate what you have to add.
Curtis Waltermire
Mentalist/Magician/Speaker/Actor/Grandpa/Cool Dad & Above-Average Husband CurtisTheMentalist.com YouTube Channel My Touring Public Show "The Mastermind Show" Check Out My Podcast "The Mastermind Show with Curtis The Mentalist" |
Paul Inner circle A good lecturer at your service! 4409 Posts |
We have to accept it's a bad time for restaurants, apart from closings I noticed a number in the past year changed their menu in an attempt to keep prices the same or lower. In a bad econony entertainment is often the first thing to go, and certainly it is not the best time to be approaching restaurants, but on the positive side, if you really think you can increase their business and be a draw then that is a good selling point for other restaurants.
There are a lot of pro. entertainers hurting out there, but all things change. As you are starting to see already. Good luck and stay positive. Paul. |
greatscott Special user 595 Posts |
I hate to hear that you lost both restaurants at the same time. I guess the beginning of the year being the slow time for restaurants, or entertainers depends on the area you are in. I had 2 regular restaurants I was working, just started a 3rd one a week ago. I also have another one that I will be starting in a couple of weeks. Keep knocking those doors, things will turn around
David |
james prince Loyal user England 233 Posts |
My sympathies also - I'd hate that to happen to me and I'm glad there's already a possible replacement for you on the horizon - you can't keep a good man down!
To answer your original question, there is no question that turnover in my restaurants is down and this started several months ago It is particularly noticeable now however as the normal January slow down is exacerbated by the ongoing reduction Luckily so far my restaurants are holding on to me and work in general seems to be on the up, so let's hope we all see an improvement this year |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » Double-Whammy (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |