Restaurant Job Board Blog

Today’s post is all about YOU.

What do YOU think makes a great restaurant to work at…? Tell us in the comment section below. What makes a great place to work as a restaurant worker…?

Let’s face it; every server position has its headaches. From “Mom’s Diner” to “Le Cirque”, customers will find things to be unhappy about (whether real or imagined) in any restaurant on the planet. But when you throw in high-rollers, comped meals, happy winners and the not-so-happy losers, plus the numerous rowdy bachelor parties, you have a job that requires a server to have the patience of a saint.

In Las Vegas — as well as casinos everywhere — servers stand to make some excellent money IF they can learn to deal with all kinds of situations. Big tips — no, make that huge tips — are no myth. Stories of casino winners pleased with their “take” and sharing their good fortune with the guy or gal who serves them that 5 a.m. steak and egg plate are legion…and true.

Now, before you drop your apron and head for the nearest gambling hall, there are some things you should know. Here’s a list of things you should be prepared to deal with in a casino restaurant job.

• Happy drunks, unhappy drunks. Yes, you can see them in any restaurant that serves alcohol, but keep in mind that in places like Las Vegas, those drinks may be free – all night long – because the person has been gambling. Free drinks lead to lots more drunks.
• Winners and losers. Winners are usually okay. Maybe a little garrulous but they are happy and may shower a bit of that happiness on you. Losers on the other hand are not happy…at all. They may take that out on you, on the chef, heck, on the busboy, if they just dropped a hefty bankroll in the casino.
• It’s a bachelor party. Woohoooo! Four guys, six guys, a whole football team of young men just looking to have a great time. That probably includes those FREE drinks I’ve talked about plus the gambling and now, a little fun with the server. Keep your sense of humor intact and don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements if needed.
• “Comped” (free) meals and the customers who DO NOT get that they still need to leave a tip for good service are common. It happens – the slot player who puts enough coin through to get a free meal but doesn’t have the sense to leave a gratuity. Always remind your guests that the tax and tip is not included in the comp. Nicely said, it works.
• High-rollers. Your managers will know them and if you are assigned to their table(s) – take very good care of them. If there is the slightest problem, get the BOTH involved immediately. THIS is not the time to go it alone.

All things considered, casino jobs are financially rewarding. Just be prepared for your own share of “interesting” situations.

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“C.C. Royal” is a former restaurant owner turned blogger at http://RoyallyFlushed.com, a website that talks about Las Vegas and casino travel in general. News and reviews on destinations, restaurants and the gaming industry as a whole are all subjects she and her staff post about frequently.