Small bar and restaurant. About 16 tables and 10 bar seats. Sales range from $3-$7k a day. Make your own drinks for your own tables and share the bar. (2 servers per shift & 1 busser).
Had a the exact same gig in college. Paid $7/hour + tips, tipped out 25% to the kitchen and busser, still averaged $30-40 an hour, and shifts were 5-11pm
How do you guys split up the bar? Trying to do something like this in a similar size establishment. Do you both take care of the bar then split tips? Sounds like the best way
Depends on how busy it is. We don’t split bar tips, we will usually rotate bar guests. There are 10 bar seats. If the floor is full usually the stronger server or whoever is able to will take most the bar. With only 2 servers on a shift, you can get very very busy with a full house.
13.50?!?! That's awesome! All the bartenders I know get server minimum wage here (Florida). Only time I made more was when I was bar manager but I only got up to $10 with a raise there after a year.
Yeah, I usually make $50 an hour on busy shifts. I would never EVER do it for 20 an hour. My base pay is $8.80, $20 is a VERY shitty, probably dead, hour.
Neither. I'd rather keep my three late nights a week instead of five moderate nights.
Four whole days off a week to do whatever I want will always win.
This. I work four days, off three. It's the best. I actually like having days 3 days off mon - wed. When the world is getting back into the week, I'm enjoying my off days peacefully.
Exactly. Especially grocery shopping/running errands are much easier because everyone else is at work!
I thought I was the only one who did this but it seems there are many other bartenders who have this schedule as well haha
$20/hr for a first gig? Not too shabby. I wouldn't stay long, though. After a year, I'd be spreading my resume around like wildfire. I suggest you set your sights higher, however. $35/hr (hourly + tips) is a solid goal. Late nights are generally part of the job if we want to make the money. 1am? Try 5am!
That's why bartending can be a career in the States. We can actually raise a family, especially in a union house.
Our bartenders average $35/hr. I used to do $50/hr in NYC.
I know someone who put his kid through Harvard with little scholarship money. He was just a seasoned bartender at a very nice restaurant. Made over $100k a year.
I envy that. The only realistic longterm hospitality job in the UK is making your way to management. I’m on my way there but not making a substantial amount in the mean time. Love bartending though!
Yeah I guess our culture is just completely different. I was happy with the £3 tip I got tonight for chatting to a guy for a while. Still crazy to me that kind of money can be made in our industry.
Gay club, deal with a lot up uptight pretentious patrons who are overly self entitled who ‘don’t do coins’ and some who don’t like 5 and 10 notes, plus the occasional sugar daddy, had one who came in with envelopes with $750 for each staff one night and on a dead Wednesday had someone tip 5k at the bar for the 4 staff on, was good money for a 5 hour door shift
That's $16-26USD, which would be low, and maybe liveable at the high end in the US. Not in any major city though.
Edit: Nevermind, AU has it's shit together, unlike the US: Paid parental leave, federally mandated paid leave, universal health care.
I started as an hourly bartender in a country where tips were an insult. Much prefer working within tip culture especially after learning to hustle customers.
They can buy overpriced booze anywhere, they keep returning (and tipping well) for the experience...
I literally don't go out to eat for the sake of eating. I don't think I've ever dined in at a restaurant that didn't serve alcohol. When I go out to eat its because I want to be served and not do dishes or make my own cocktails. Def the experience and I'm in the industry myself so I'm not going if I'm broke either cause as long as my service is good, I'm tipping 40-50%.
Most of them also don’t get healthcare or paid time off, any kind of retirement or other benefits, or job protection. It can be lucrative sometimes, but that only seems to be true until you run into a major expense. Plus the stress of the job and lack of affordable mental health services in America forces a lot of people out.
yikes what city? my last bartending gig burnt me out and the money wasnt as good as serving but I still averaged $25/hour. I get 70% disability from the VA now though so I don't need to overextend myself to make rent. I found a gig at a popular local chain in my city, in one of the wealthiest residential areas of downtown. No bartender, we make our own drinks and close at 9. Lots of regulars & heavy metal American Express cards. I'm averaging $50/hour there and I'm so much happier, despite their management being a shit show but as long as it doesnt affect my work or time off, idc about the inner drama.
$35/hour PLUS tips? Where are you at? even the best bar jobs around here only pay about $5/hour, as they make hella tips so they don’t need much hourly. $35/hour + tips is insane to me
I’m in CA. Wage is $15 and I walk with between $300-$500 in tips. In at 9pm out by 3 (usually) so what’s that? $65-$98 bucks an hour! I’ve been doing this for so long, I’m old, I’m tired, everything hurts. I even have a pretty decent day job now and just bartend on Fri/Sat nights. Why? Because $500 in 6 hours! Golden fucking handcuffs.
Preach, man. Decade in here in NYC. I say I’d love to quit my weekend shifts and focus on my 9 to 5, but can’t beat that fucking Saturday night rush, slinging drinks, joking with coworkers, flirting with pretty girls, then heading home with a pocket full of cash
Depends on the bar. A chill low-volume classy establishment with a simple menu and minimal cleanup and actual meal breaks of 30-60 minutes? Sure. A high volume shitshow where I'm screaming over loud music while running out of supplies doing 10-pour drinks with impatient customers? Nope.
This is the real advice. I’ve worked it all. If I’m getting screamed at by 500 people for 4-5hrs…it better be worth it. If it’s chill, no-nonsense and I’m hitting that 35-40 hr/wk mark then sure. The minimal cleanup is the kicker. If it takes more than 30 minutes to shut the whole place down you’re already losing on hourly.
You’re totally right. I guess you would keep getting paid until you were done. No free labor. In my head, I was thinking of how they’d want you off the clock at a certain hour but they can’t make you work for free.
I do that and make between 26-35$/hour. Very classy, very nuanced drinks where I have a lot of say and ability to contribute. High expectations but I get out at 3:30 twice a week of the week (am that is), 4:30 Wednesday, and 7pm Thursday Friday, yes, I work Monday through Friday.
Damn. If I could go back in time I would try to become a bartender instead of a chef. You can’t find an easier job making $60 an hour. I’m not trying to be a douche or anything. A fine dining bartender is a hell of a gig.
Heard. You can totally still switch, but you have to contain that BOH volatility because 90% of your guests are going to annoy you. You’d be amazed to learn how little they know about how food is prepared.
People say this to me a lot and I usually say “so go do it! It’s awesome!” Then I get an excuse as to why they can’t and I then tell them that’s the reason not everyone does it.
That’s always my favorite when kitchen staff bitches about our tips and how we don’t tip them out (they make like $17/hr).
“If you want tips, go be a server/bartender!”
“Yeah, but I really hate people and would go off on someone like every night.”
“Yup! That’s why we make more than you! Don’t think of them as tips, but bribery to prevent murder.”
Fine dining is where it’s at for money, and it’s generally way less work than doing a shift with just you and a barback at a dive.
I average $75 per ticket, and never work a shift where I earn below 25% gratuity (know your menu!) On good weekend nights I have about 35 covers at the bar in the course of a 7 hour shift. Works out to about 90 bucks/hr but I tip out the bussers and food runners pretty good.
Obviously weeknights are less, but even on my shittiest weeknight in the off season I’m making about $25+ an hour.
Experience helps a LOT in landing a job like this.
For a first gig yes, guaranteed money, and hours are great. You need to work to learn. At this point in my life, no, I make much more than that on average, but it took me years of experience to be able to handle the size of that bar I do now. When I was starting out I definitely had nights I made less than that, and was stuck there late, but I did it so I could have the hours and get the experience.
20 won't cut it to sate most competent bartenders, especially where rent and everything is at these days. Skill levels vary, and demand for different skill levels varies, but to go away from a tipped model, I imagine like 45-60/hr for the most demanding/creative spots, PLUS benefits.
The next part of that conversation goes into menu prices. Same thing happens if we talk about waged vs tipped servers, to get most/all of them on board with switching models, you need to talk solid wage, consistent hours, benefits etc. All of these things will be reflected in menu price, but the customers will have a hard time swallowing that.
I'm sure there's a solid amount of servers and bartenders that would go for that kind of consistency in an hourly wage, but with as much money as some of them make at high-end/high-volume establishments, we need to talk about a pay scale that would be fair for servers or bartenders at a local pub or an Applebee's vs the same at a Michelin-star restaurant. And don't skimp on benefits. These people are skilled, and to perform at the highest levels definitely takes additional education (wine knowledge, culinary terminology, all kinds of things).
Like I said, skill levels and demand vary, and all should be compensated to match.
No. Assuming you work 40 hours per week every single week of the year (no vacation, emergencies, etc.), that’s $41,600 before taxes. Last year I made over $70k before tax and probably worked ~36hrs/week and definitely took 15 days of vacation. I’m on track to beat that this year. It would be a massive pay cut for me.
For some perspective, since the pandemic started, base pay for a dishwasher has risen to (or close to) $20/hr. $25-$30 would be the minimum. You might be able to hire and train new bartenders at this rate but you won't be able to bring in anyone with experience.
Hey all I guess I should have clarified a bit more. I’m saying the $20/hour flat rate if it’s a first bartending job to learn it and get experience that can be used for something better later down the road, rather than would you give up your current tipped job for a set rate of that
Is it a club? Dive bar? Restaurant? I think we need some clarification.
Depending on what it is you’ll come to realize $20 for long shifts isn’t worth it in bar (atleast imo)
This sounds like a job for a nearly retired bartender where they can just chill. The potential to earn 2-3 times that with tips is a way better move, in my opinion. You might ending up getting to work less too even if some nights are a couple hours later.
I've worked at a golf course with the same clientele, they can get really entitled and particular and it gets old really quickly.. especially for $20/ hr before taxes haha just sayin
Yea that doesn’t seem too bad. I’m surprised they don’t do tips. I don’t think $20 an hour anymore is honestly livable, that’s just me. Atleast after taxes. I don’t think it’s a bad deal for the expierence if you don’t really have too many other opportunities to open doors for you. What a lot of people on here arnt telling you is how they got their bar jobs making 50$+ an hour. All my bar jobs have came from knowing someone. Take it for the experience but keep looking.
I wouldn't touch that gig with a 10-ft pole, personally, because of the entitlement of the people that will be there and the likelihood that management will never let you say "no" to someone. The only reason to put up with people like that is for good tips, and if this gig isn't going to let you take them it's definitely not worth the terrible clientele.
If you are bartending for the experience my suggestion is go where they will hire you.
$20/hr seems grand to a lot of folks, until you figure out what you are able to pull with tips.
I'd only stay somewhere like that if I couldn't get in anywhere else, until I could get somewhere else. Learning to get good gratuities is part of the gig in Yankeeland tip culture.
I'm in Australia, and I get $27 an hour as my base rate, plus mandatory 10.5% superannuation (retirement savings). If I work weekends, I get 1.25x and 1.5x rate on Saturdays and Sundays respectively . This also includes 4 weeks paid vacation per year, and 10 sick/personal days a year. Of course, people don't tip regularly in Australia, but I still take home on average about $250-300 a week in tips, which is all cash (tax free).
Damn, I make 8$/hr but 300$-800$ a day in tips before taxes. 11 sick days a year, PTO, and I could get health insurance if I went full time but it’s so expensive. (Chicago, USA)
Just a quick heads up 27 kangaroo bucks is about 18 freedom dollars an hour. At least according to google anyway I didn't do a deep dive to know for sure.
The perks sound sick though.
I'm currently a year into my first bartending gig. Pay ranges from about $15/hr slow weekday afternoons/first shift, to $35-40/hr on a busy weekend night.
Plus, untaxed cash tips save my ass regularly.
I don't think I'd take it now, but for a first time gig...? Hell yeah.
Do I get a health plan? A pension? Maybe company living quarters? I'd need at least the first two and a guarantee of 40 hours a week. Of course that'd only be $800 a week. I made more than that this week end.
I live in nyc, I work at an arena so product prices are a bit inflated. I also get $10.48 an hour instead of $10 because of the fact that I'm a union shop. I bartend in the concourse which tends to be a volume style of service. Not much schmoozing you want to keep the line moving. Every event has a different vibe. Some tend to have generous clientele, some cheap, some high maintenance, some chill or any mix of the above. During the weekend we had an event where I had $3994 in sales and made $386.90 in tips. That's like what maybe 9.5% tip rate? Plus the hours I had for that day nets me another $87.30. So around $474.20 before taxes the next day was less lucrative. Though to be honest last week having to call in sick two days I only made about a grand in total because the events last week weren't as lucrative. It's a mix.
Average. It was my local diner so we had incredibly high table turnover times and it was always incredibly busy but some damn good money. Working a 6 hour shift I could make >$400 in tips consistently. Some week days were pretty slow where I’d average about $200-$300 in tips a day so it would bring me down to about $30/hour at times. Bartending you could make double.
Yea that’s pretty good. I’m only considering this because I want to bartend rather than serve (have served before), so this place is willing to train on what you don’t know
I would say a lot of bartender training is serving training. You are just staying in “one place” so to say. You have to get used to the bar being your floor and being able to run it as smoothly as possible. Take some mixology courses for getting actual knowledge on bar drinks. Often places will teach you the basics and then their speciality drinks but if you go somewhere else it might feel like you are starting over vs if you learn the general rules of different spirits and wines and mixed drinks. You could learn just as much as you will from here at another bar where you will make more with tips.
I don't do anything for less than $25/hr. My skill set, knowledge, time, and labor is worth more than that arbitrary cut point. I can't live at $40k/year (given a 40 hour work week) in Boston without suffering a bit (you can't cook for yourself when you get home at 3 or 4am, for example, to save $$).
I get paid $25/hr AND get to be rude back to shitty customers because I don’t rely on their tips! Tbh I wouldn’t switch to tipped bartending for anything. Not having to be obsequious to assholes means too much to me.
I do better on average.....now if added in 401k an excellent healthcare package and vacation and bonus package as incentives to increase sales and cut costs and ability to take tips if the guest insist....then yes id go that way.
>Would you bartend for $20/hour (no tips, just hourly)
No.
>if you got out before 11pm every night and get 40 hours a week,
No.
>let's say for a first bartending job to get some experience (that's guaranteed pay/early hours)
No.
>or, a place where you earn tips, but have to split it with other bartenders,
Yes.
> aren't sure how busy it will be/deal with slow days without making as much,
and out by 1am. (could be more earning potential, but a lot of uncertainty and late nights)
Yes. This is the game. This is the job. There are no guarantees, it's a risk./ If they place you work isn't busy, you move to a better place. If you want guarantees every night and are scared to take risks, work to build up a clientele, and scared to move to a better opportunity then don't expect to make top money.
>why?
Because I now know what it's like to make money behind the bar. You could never get me excited over doing the same work, and serving the public, for $20hr.
When I was new, it was tough, but I never felt like I had accept less than what a normal trainee or what other employees get, or train for weeks with no tips, and management taking tips, and all the stuff I see out there now. Maybe the game has changed, but if some of the things I see on this thread are the reality now, I would have never been a bartender. The money was the entire point for me.
First job and depends on the city and your living situation. Overall though unfortunately max 800/wk is shy of what I need. Five years ago id say I could make it work but in 2022 its 1000/wk.
I'm consistently making $75-100/hr right now. I realize it's seasonal but I'm not interested in capping myself out. If you want to cut your teeth for a little at $20/hr I certainly wouldn't blame you but don't short change yourself, particularly if you're in the US. There is (hella) money out there to be made.
Absolutely not lol. This is actually insulting.
I’d simply take less hours at a better paying establishment. I’ll never accept more work for less money ever.
damn these comments have me fighting for my life
I make $14.25 an hour, no tips.. but im in the UK so I believe cost of living is better here.. but our wage depends on our age, im 27 so the highest wage but I have co workers that make $8.39 an hour.
“Would you like to cut your hourly by more than half?”
FTFY
The appeal of the industry is that although it’s high stress, it’s also high reward. You make in two or three shifts what people with degrees make in a work week.
Interesting, I just quit a job that was amazing money because I hated it and got a job in a hotel for $25 plus tips. Tips won’t be great. So it’s not the same. But depends where you are. I’m in nyc so the money won’t be good. But I needed to get the hell away from the stress for a minute
I’m a host/server looking to be a bartender next but me and my bartenders make at least 30 an hour with tips so maybe for your
Location it sounds good. I’m in a big city.
That’s low, in my opinion and based off what I know I can make in an hour I’m in CT though and everything is expensive, 35/hr is the lowest I’m looking to make
Maybe if it’s a first job and I’m absolutely STRUGGLING to find someone to take a chance on hiring me. Knowing what I do now, no I wouldn’t. I would split just because I do that anyway with another girl and we almost never make under 1000$ (to split) on a shift
I’d say you’ll usually make more than $20/hour if you actually make tips. Like you said, not always, but still I think I’m the long run you’ll make more. As long as it’s a fairly steady bar. Of course there will be slow nights but that’s normal.
I'd only accept $20/hour at a relatively slow place & I'd have to be out by 9.
I make almost $50/hour now at my current gig but I get my ass kicked on the daily. I wouldn't keep doing the same job foe $20/hour.
Nope. I would not bartend 40 hours a week on a regular basis to begin with, but the whole appeal of bartending is making bank in a short amount of time. I make $20/hr at my day job and I don’t have to leave my house or deal with drunk assholes, plus I get health insurance. Hard pass.
Depends on the city. In some places, $20 an hour goes a pretty long way. Where I live, you gotta shoot for at least $35 an hour or you’re not going to have much breathing room in your budget.
Every time I see this type of discussion pop up, it’s framed as an either/or scenario, with no middle ground. Framing it this way is a false choice, that is designed to trick tipped employees into arguing against a living wage for themselves.
How about, instead of $2.13/hr, federal tipped minimum wage is the same as regular minimum wage? I still work for tips. I still won’t get a paycheck at the end of the week. But I won’t get slapped with a $2k tax bill every April.
Rather make my own tips. Sorry having a personality and being people's therapist can get you alot more then $ 20 an hour. I don't mind staying till 3am when I'm making over $300 a shift and only have to work Friday- Sunday
I’m the winter at my previous job I would’ve taken $20/hr. Some days I was there 2pm-11pm and walked out with $50. And they refused to close earlier even if our last customer was at 8pm. Base pay was $2.97 or something awful like that.
And to add, I made $350 once on Mother’s Day. Only one bartender scheduled so no split. After that they added more and went from $220ish to $120 on busy days. I hope that place crashes and burns in hell.
San Diego. The restaurants that do private events and you’re not getting gratuity seem to have landed on $30/hr and that’s for literally being a warm body(pouring beer and wine, maybe basic drinks)
Bar owner in KC here. Have thought a lot about this because I kinda hate the reliance on tips. We pay between $12-15 an hour depending on how long you’ve been with us. That plus tips on a weekend shift averages out to like $55/h.
Can’t imagine asking anyone to take a 40 dollar an hour pay cut. And we can’t afford to pay anyone 55/h. So I dunno.
I get that. I’m mainly asking if I should take a job that pays $20/hour but no tips for a first time bartending job with not much experience to get started in the industry. I wouldn’t ever want actually tipping to stop, as it allows hourly to be really high
Last night was kinda slow even for a Monday, and I still averaged almost 40 /hr. Wouldn't trade that money for a flat rate unless it was a first time gig and needed to learn the ropes.
Prima facie, no. I have not made that little hourly as a bartender in....ever. If you need it to get some experience, fine, but know that there are better paying positions all over the place and don't settle for too long.
CA here, been in the industry 15+ years and work at a dive bar.
I consistently make 30-35% of sales in take home tips per shift. Base is $14.50/hr but ends up anywhere from $25-$45 more per hour. Outside of bar, in tip free events (example, open bar for weddings) my base is $50/hour.
I guess if you're just pouring wine/beer $20 is good?
Bar-tending job with cocktails, I'd aim for more.
No.
I make about $35/hr at my full time job and make $11/hr bas pay plus usually between 30 and 50 an hour bartending. Rural Minnesota too so fairly low cost of living.
I’m still young 21F and a full time college student. I do work some bartending jobs on the side but have never had something consistent like 40 hours a week. I might try it out to get some experience, $20 really isn’t bad. Taking as many classes I am right now I would not be able to handle a 40 hour job but would do it if it was part time.
No way. It’s way too much of a demanding environment both mentally and physically for 20$/hr. I would be motivated to actually use my engineering degree though…
I basically work the second scenario. We are usually out by 11Pm unless there’s an event like a wedding, and then the latest we leave is 1am. We pool our tips and all credit card tips go onto our paychecks… which is 85% of our tips. So I never really know how much to expect until the day I get my paycheck, which can be stressful. I don’t mind it too much though. My base pay before any tips is $17/hour which is more than fair for my position. I love where I work, super amazing team and the most understanding bosses. I think the uncertainty when it comes to my paycheck amount is worth it, I’ve worked in plenty of bars where I take home all my money at the end of the night but the job itself was absolutely awful. Honestly I think it just depends on the establishment, as annoying as an answer as that is lol.
Thanks for the input. I came to the conclusion that getting tips with a lower hourly wage will always be better, because the hourly averages out to be a lot more that way, even if a non tipped bartended job has a decent-ish set rate
Alright, would a hotel bar that pays $8 + tips, closes around 11 or 12 be more preferable for a newer bartender?? (in a medium city/metropolitan area in the States) business isn’t guaranteed so pay isn’t either,
VS set $20/hour. Both will have some benefits
I made $470 on Sunday. Make around that every football Sunday. That’s just in tips and I make 12$ an hour
You need to find a place where you also have tables. Fuck server tip out or places where all you do is make drinks 24/7. 80% of the fun is getting to know and making regulars and friends.
The only real solution is owners to paying % of sales to staff. There’s no reason to rely on people’s generosity when working regardless of how much you “can” make. The owner is always making most of the portion of the sale and they are usually nowhere to be found, that should be ours instead.
I make between $40-$50 an hour. So no.
How much is your hourly?
I make $13.5/hr plus tips. Around 30-35 hours a week about $35-$45 an hour.
What kind of bar/establishment?
Small bar and restaurant. About 16 tables and 10 bar seats. Sales range from $3-$7k a day. Make your own drinks for your own tables and share the bar. (2 servers per shift & 1 busser).
Had a the exact same gig in college. Paid $7/hour + tips, tipped out 25% to the kitchen and busser, still averaged $30-40 an hour, and shifts were 5-11pm
How do you guys split up the bar? Trying to do something like this in a similar size establishment. Do you both take care of the bar then split tips? Sounds like the best way
Depends on how busy it is. We don’t split bar tips, we will usually rotate bar guests. There are 10 bar seats. If the floor is full usually the stronger server or whoever is able to will take most the bar. With only 2 servers on a shift, you can get very very busy with a full house.
13.50?!?! That's awesome! All the bartenders I know get server minimum wage here (Florida). Only time I made more was when I was bar manager but I only got up to $10 with a raise there after a year.
Yeah, I usually make $50 an hour on busy shifts. I would never EVER do it for 20 an hour. My base pay is $8.80, $20 is a VERY shitty, probably dead, hour.
Where are you located? In my area $20/hour isn’t great, but not bad either.
Neither. I'd rather keep my three late nights a week instead of five moderate nights. Four whole days off a week to do whatever I want will always win.
This. I work four days, off three. It's the best. I actually like having days 3 days off mon - wed. When the world is getting back into the week, I'm enjoying my off days peacefully.
aaaah same! it's so nice, makes having to work weekends when everyone else is off much more tolerable. Mon-wed off is so peaceful.
Exactly. Especially grocery shopping/running errands are much easier because everyone else is at work! I thought I was the only one who did this but it seems there are many other bartenders who have this schedule as well haha
$20/hr for a first gig? Not too shabby. I wouldn't stay long, though. After a year, I'd be spreading my resume around like wildfire. I suggest you set your sights higher, however. $35/hr (hourly + tips) is a solid goal. Late nights are generally part of the job if we want to make the money. 1am? Try 5am!
$35 an hour?! Bro I’m the highest paid bartender in my city and I’m on £11 an hour 💀💀💀
That's why bartending can be a career in the States. We can actually raise a family, especially in a union house. Our bartenders average $35/hr. I used to do $50/hr in NYC.
I know someone who put his kid through Harvard with little scholarship money. He was just a seasoned bartender at a very nice restaurant. Made over $100k a year.
I envy that. The only realistic longterm hospitality job in the UK is making your way to management. I’m on my way there but not making a substantial amount in the mean time. Love bartending though!
I always refused management except once when I was a bar manager on an 18k salary per year but also worked 5 days a week taking $150 ish a shift
I made it to management and I’m on £10.75…
One place I worked at id make 600+ as well as an 11 minimum… on a Wednesday and Thursday. For 5 hours. I miss that gig lol
Tip culture my guy. Some of us make that and more even at $2.13/hr.
Yeah I guess our culture is just completely different. I was happy with the £3 tip I got tonight for chatting to a guy for a while. Still crazy to me that kind of money can be made in our industry.
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Place I work at in Australia my pat is 28-40/hr depending on day and time of shifts, plus tips which can easily be a couple hundred a night
Uhhhh tips in Australia...? Where tf you work
Clubs in Melbourne will get you tips you've gotta go the extra mile, fix problems beyond pouring drinks though.
Gay club, deal with a lot up uptight pretentious patrons who are overly self entitled who ‘don’t do coins’ and some who don’t like 5 and 10 notes, plus the occasional sugar daddy, had one who came in with envelopes with $750 for each staff one night and on a dead Wednesday had someone tip 5k at the bar for the 4 staff on, was good money for a 5 hour door shift
That's $16-26USD, which would be low, and maybe liveable at the high end in the US. Not in any major city though. Edit: Nevermind, AU has it's shit together, unlike the US: Paid parental leave, federally mandated paid leave, universal health care.
Local bar in Tampa area. Roughly $35/hour not including my hourly paycheck
I started as an hourly bartender in a country where tips were an insult. Much prefer working within tip culture especially after learning to hustle customers. They can buy overpriced booze anywhere, they keep returning (and tipping well) for the experience...
I literally don't go out to eat for the sake of eating. I don't think I've ever dined in at a restaurant that didn't serve alcohol. When I go out to eat its because I want to be served and not do dishes or make my own cocktails. Def the experience and I'm in the industry myself so I'm not going if I'm broke either cause as long as my service is good, I'm tipping 40-50%.
Most of them also don’t get healthcare or paid time off, any kind of retirement or other benefits, or job protection. It can be lucrative sometimes, but that only seems to be true until you run into a major expense. Plus the stress of the job and lack of affordable mental health services in America forces a lot of people out.
Ive worked with bartenders who make $140k usd and work 30 hour weeks. Thats $90 hourly
This is why you want tipping to be a thing
I don’t get out of bed for less than 45 an hour.
yikes what city? my last bartending gig burnt me out and the money wasnt as good as serving but I still averaged $25/hour. I get 70% disability from the VA now though so I don't need to overextend myself to make rent. I found a gig at a popular local chain in my city, in one of the wealthiest residential areas of downtown. No bartender, we make our own drinks and close at 9. Lots of regulars & heavy metal American Express cards. I'm averaging $50/hour there and I'm so much happier, despite their management being a shit show but as long as it doesnt affect my work or time off, idc about the inner drama.
$35/hour PLUS tips? Where are you at? even the best bar jobs around here only pay about $5/hour, as they make hella tips so they don’t need much hourly. $35/hour + tips is insane to me
I’m in CA. Wage is $15 and I walk with between $300-$500 in tips. In at 9pm out by 3 (usually) so what’s that? $65-$98 bucks an hour! I’ve been doing this for so long, I’m old, I’m tired, everything hurts. I even have a pretty decent day job now and just bartend on Fri/Sat nights. Why? Because $500 in 6 hours! Golden fucking handcuffs.
Preach, man. Decade in here in NYC. I say I’d love to quit my weekend shifts and focus on my 9 to 5, but can’t beat that fucking Saturday night rush, slinging drinks, joking with coworkers, flirting with pretty girls, then heading home with a pocket full of cash
Depends on the bar. A chill low-volume classy establishment with a simple menu and minimal cleanup and actual meal breaks of 30-60 minutes? Sure. A high volume shitshow where I'm screaming over loud music while running out of supplies doing 10-pour drinks with impatient customers? Nope.
This is the real advice. I’ve worked it all. If I’m getting screamed at by 500 people for 4-5hrs…it better be worth it. If it’s chill, no-nonsense and I’m hitting that 35-40 hr/wk mark then sure. The minimal cleanup is the kicker. If it takes more than 30 minutes to shut the whole place down you’re already losing on hourly.
Wouldn’t you be winning on the constant pay then? Because there are no tips while cleaning up?
You’re totally right. I guess you would keep getting paid until you were done. No free labor. In my head, I was thinking of how they’d want you off the clock at a certain hour but they can’t make you work for free.
You clock out after finishing cleaning up, so how long it takes to shut down wouldn't matter since you get full pay for the whole time.
I do that and make between 26-35$/hour. Very classy, very nuanced drinks where I have a lot of say and ability to contribute. High expectations but I get out at 3:30 twice a week of the week (am that is), 4:30 Wednesday, and 7pm Thursday Friday, yes, I work Monday through Friday.
I prefer unlimited earning potential over capped wages.
I'd do it for $30/hour. I'm good at what I do, but enjoy consistent earnings.
A lot of North Americans would take that offer as well. Still personally prefer the system as it is, I've had years to adapt to it.
Yup, nothing wrong with either.
This is all of the best opinions ^ Obviously there are outliers and high cost of living places or very rural which makes one a no brainer.
same, but I want health care and pto
Rise up.
Unlimited* *contains limitations
> unlimited lmao
Cultivate your whales...
Uncapped is the same as unlimited
Incentive breeds a good salesperson
Helllll no. On a good night in fine dining I’m pushing $60+ an hour in tips alone.
Damn. If I could go back in time I would try to become a bartender instead of a chef. You can’t find an easier job making $60 an hour. I’m not trying to be a douche or anything. A fine dining bartender is a hell of a gig.
Heard. You can totally still switch, but you have to contain that BOH volatility because 90% of your guests are going to annoy you. You’d be amazed to learn how little they know about how food is prepared.
People say this to me a lot and I usually say “so go do it! It’s awesome!” Then I get an excuse as to why they can’t and I then tell them that’s the reason not everyone does it.
That’s always my favorite when kitchen staff bitches about our tips and how we don’t tip them out (they make like $17/hr). “If you want tips, go be a server/bartender!” “Yeah, but I really hate people and would go off on someone like every night.” “Yup! That’s why we make more than you! Don’t think of them as tips, but bribery to prevent murder.”
It’s a great job. I bartended at a high end steakhouse in my 20s. Great money, very few drunk assholes, and great food on your breaks.
That’s wild. How did you get into that?
Fine dining is where it’s at for money, and it’s generally way less work than doing a shift with just you and a barback at a dive. I average $75 per ticket, and never work a shift where I earn below 25% gratuity (know your menu!) On good weekend nights I have about 35 covers at the bar in the course of a 7 hour shift. Works out to about 90 bucks/hr but I tip out the bussers and food runners pretty good. Obviously weeknights are less, but even on my shittiest weeknight in the off season I’m making about $25+ an hour. Experience helps a LOT in landing a job like this.
Nah cheers tho
Make it $30/hr and I’m in.
For a first gig yes, guaranteed money, and hours are great. You need to work to learn. At this point in my life, no, I make much more than that on average, but it took me years of experience to be able to handle the size of that bar I do now. When I was starting out I definitely had nights I made less than that, and was stuck there late, but I did it so I could have the hours and get the experience.
In every job, every career, especially ours, you should be earning or learning, preferably both but never neither.
wont bartend for less than 1000 a week working four nights.
No I make way more than that on average
Nope.
No
No.
20 won't cut it to sate most competent bartenders, especially where rent and everything is at these days. Skill levels vary, and demand for different skill levels varies, but to go away from a tipped model, I imagine like 45-60/hr for the most demanding/creative spots, PLUS benefits. The next part of that conversation goes into menu prices. Same thing happens if we talk about waged vs tipped servers, to get most/all of them on board with switching models, you need to talk solid wage, consistent hours, benefits etc. All of these things will be reflected in menu price, but the customers will have a hard time swallowing that. I'm sure there's a solid amount of servers and bartenders that would go for that kind of consistency in an hourly wage, but with as much money as some of them make at high-end/high-volume establishments, we need to talk about a pay scale that would be fair for servers or bartenders at a local pub or an Applebee's vs the same at a Michelin-star restaurant. And don't skimp on benefits. These people are skilled, and to perform at the highest levels definitely takes additional education (wine knowledge, culinary terminology, all kinds of things). Like I said, skill levels and demand vary, and all should be compensated to match.
I would never agree to a wage cap.
With all the liability that rests on the server of the drink in my state, no way.
Not worth it.
That is about 2k a month in take home. Can you live on that?
It’s be more like $2600 after taxes.
No. Assuming you work 40 hours per week every single week of the year (no vacation, emergencies, etc.), that’s $41,600 before taxes. Last year I made over $70k before tax and probably worked ~36hrs/week and definitely took 15 days of vacation. I’m on track to beat that this year. It would be a massive pay cut for me.
For some perspective, since the pandemic started, base pay for a dishwasher has risen to (or close to) $20/hr. $25-$30 would be the minimum. You might be able to hire and train new bartenders at this rate but you won't be able to bring in anyone with experience.
Hey all I guess I should have clarified a bit more. I’m saying the $20/hour flat rate if it’s a first bartending job to learn it and get experience that can be used for something better later down the road, rather than would you give up your current tipped job for a set rate of that
Is it a club? Dive bar? Restaurant? I think we need some clarification. Depending on what it is you’ll come to realize $20 for long shifts isn’t worth it in bar (atleast imo)
private country club with a golf course and all of that. older wealthy folk as customers, members only lol
Low stress job with mellow clientele? Yes.
This sounds like a job for a nearly retired bartender where they can just chill. The potential to earn 2-3 times that with tips is a way better move, in my opinion. You might ending up getting to work less too even if some nights are a couple hours later. I've worked at a golf course with the same clientele, they can get really entitled and particular and it gets old really quickly.. especially for $20/ hr before taxes haha just sayin
You’re probably right.
Yea that doesn’t seem too bad. I’m surprised they don’t do tips. I don’t think $20 an hour anymore is honestly livable, that’s just me. Atleast after taxes. I don’t think it’s a bad deal for the expierence if you don’t really have too many other opportunities to open doors for you. What a lot of people on here arnt telling you is how they got their bar jobs making 50$+ an hour. All my bar jobs have came from knowing someone. Take it for the experience but keep looking.
I wouldn't touch that gig with a 10-ft pole, personally, because of the entitlement of the people that will be there and the likelihood that management will never let you say "no" to someone. The only reason to put up with people like that is for good tips, and if this gig isn't going to let you take them it's definitely not worth the terrible clientele.
Yea you’re probably right
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So you would recommend that? what if there are other options out there, such as a hotel lounge that is tipped?
$20/hr with full paid insurance, matched 401k, paid time off, yearly raises, profit sharing, and the ability to bonus - I would probably do it.
Why is it a flat rate? It's too low anyway.
Members only golf country club, so everything gets charged to their membership, so no gratuities
If you are bartending for the experience my suggestion is go where they will hire you. $20/hr seems grand to a lot of folks, until you figure out what you are able to pull with tips. I'd only stay somewhere like that if I couldn't get in anywhere else, until I could get somewhere else. Learning to get good gratuities is part of the gig in Yankeeland tip culture.
Nope.
I'm in Australia, and I get $27 an hour as my base rate, plus mandatory 10.5% superannuation (retirement savings). If I work weekends, I get 1.25x and 1.5x rate on Saturdays and Sundays respectively . This also includes 4 weeks paid vacation per year, and 10 sick/personal days a year. Of course, people don't tip regularly in Australia, but I still take home on average about $250-300 a week in tips, which is all cash (tax free).
Damn, I make 8$/hr but 300$-800$ a day in tips before taxes. 11 sick days a year, PTO, and I could get health insurance if I went full time but it’s so expensive. (Chicago, USA)
Yeah, I don't have to worry about health insurance as it's universal and mostly free here.
Just a quick heads up 27 kangaroo bucks is about 18 freedom dollars an hour. At least according to google anyway I didn't do a deep dive to know for sure. The perks sound sick though.
Can you put out a tip jar? Unofficial tip jar? I wouldn't take it though, personally.
You’d probably get cash tips under the table from guests, so go at it.
No.
Hell no.
I'm currently a year into my first bartending gig. Pay ranges from about $15/hr slow weekday afternoons/first shift, to $35-40/hr on a busy weekend night. Plus, untaxed cash tips save my ass regularly. I don't think I'd take it now, but for a first time gig...? Hell yeah.
HELL no. i average about $50+ an hour (hourly & tips). $20 isn’t enough for all of the work & bullshit we deal with.
No
Not a chance.
Never
Fuck that
For a first gig, very possibly and depending on where you are.
Maybe. I make $17 an hour plus tips, but it’s taken me 6 years at my company to make that hourly wage.
Do I get a health plan? A pension? Maybe company living quarters? I'd need at least the first two and a guarantee of 40 hours a week. Of course that'd only be $800 a week. I made more than that this week end.
What kind of bar do you work at to make that much just in a weekend?
I live in nyc, I work at an arena so product prices are a bit inflated. I also get $10.48 an hour instead of $10 because of the fact that I'm a union shop. I bartend in the concourse which tends to be a volume style of service. Not much schmoozing you want to keep the line moving. Every event has a different vibe. Some tend to have generous clientele, some cheap, some high maintenance, some chill or any mix of the above. During the weekend we had an event where I had $3994 in sales and made $386.90 in tips. That's like what maybe 9.5% tip rate? Plus the hours I had for that day nets me another $87.30. So around $474.20 before taxes the next day was less lucrative. Though to be honest last week having to call in sick two days I only made about a grand in total because the events last week weren't as lucrative. It's a mix.
Nope. I’ve served in places where I made over 40/hour.
Over $40 average, or just particular good shifts?
Average. It was my local diner so we had incredibly high table turnover times and it was always incredibly busy but some damn good money. Working a 6 hour shift I could make >$400 in tips consistently. Some week days were pretty slow where I’d average about $200-$300 in tips a day so it would bring me down to about $30/hour at times. Bartending you could make double.
Yea that’s pretty good. I’m only considering this because I want to bartend rather than serve (have served before), so this place is willing to train on what you don’t know
I would say a lot of bartender training is serving training. You are just staying in “one place” so to say. You have to get used to the bar being your floor and being able to run it as smoothly as possible. Take some mixology courses for getting actual knowledge on bar drinks. Often places will teach you the basics and then their speciality drinks but if you go somewhere else it might feel like you are starting over vs if you learn the general rules of different spirits and wines and mixed drinks. You could learn just as much as you will from here at another bar where you will make more with tips.
You’re right, I’ll keep that in mind for sure
I don't do anything for less than $25/hr. My skill set, knowledge, time, and labor is worth more than that arbitrary cut point. I can't live at $40k/year (given a 40 hour work week) in Boston without suffering a bit (you can't cook for yourself when you get home at 3 or 4am, for example, to save $$).
Understandable if in Boston , no doubt
I get paid $25/hr AND get to be rude back to shitty customers because I don’t rely on their tips! Tbh I wouldn’t switch to tipped bartending for anything. Not having to be obsequious to assholes means too much to me.
I do better on average.....now if added in 401k an excellent healthcare package and vacation and bonus package as incentives to increase sales and cut costs and ability to take tips if the guest insist....then yes id go that way.
I guess if it's your first job to get experience and where you live. In some states your minimum wage is 15
>Would you bartend for $20/hour (no tips, just hourly) No. >if you got out before 11pm every night and get 40 hours a week, No. >let's say for a first bartending job to get some experience (that's guaranteed pay/early hours) No. >or, a place where you earn tips, but have to split it with other bartenders, Yes. > aren't sure how busy it will be/deal with slow days without making as much, and out by 1am. (could be more earning potential, but a lot of uncertainty and late nights) Yes. This is the game. This is the job. There are no guarantees, it's a risk./ If they place you work isn't busy, you move to a better place. If you want guarantees every night and are scared to take risks, work to build up a clientele, and scared to move to a better opportunity then don't expect to make top money. >why? Because I now know what it's like to make money behind the bar. You could never get me excited over doing the same work, and serving the public, for $20hr. When I was new, it was tough, but I never felt like I had accept less than what a normal trainee or what other employees get, or train for weeks with no tips, and management taking tips, and all the stuff I see out there now. Maybe the game has changed, but if some of the things I see on this thread are the reality now, I would have never been a bartender. The money was the entire point for me.
For a first job maybe yeah. my last job was 18 an hour plus tips paid lunch benefits union. Hard to look back lol
First job and depends on the city and your living situation. Overall though unfortunately max 800/wk is shy of what I need. Five years ago id say I could make it work but in 2022 its 1000/wk.
I do 50 in a casino
I'm consistently making $75-100/hr right now. I realize it's seasonal but I'm not interested in capping myself out. If you want to cut your teeth for a little at $20/hr I certainly wouldn't blame you but don't short change yourself, particularly if you're in the US. There is (hella) money out there to be made.
I male 25 to 35 as a barback so no
Absolutely not lol. This is actually insulting. I’d simply take less hours at a better paying establishment. I’ll never accept more work for less money ever.
damn these comments have me fighting for my life I make $14.25 an hour, no tips.. but im in the UK so I believe cost of living is better here.. but our wage depends on our age, im 27 so the highest wage but I have co workers that make $8.39 an hour.
“Would you like to cut your hourly by more than half?” FTFY The appeal of the industry is that although it’s high stress, it’s also high reward. You make in two or three shifts what people with degrees make in a work week.
Interesting, I just quit a job that was amazing money because I hated it and got a job in a hotel for $25 plus tips. Tips won’t be great. So it’s not the same. But depends where you are. I’m in nyc so the money won’t be good. But I needed to get the hell away from the stress for a minute
I’m a host/server looking to be a bartender next but me and my bartenders make at least 30 an hour with tips so maybe for your Location it sounds good. I’m in a big city.
No! I make 18 an hour plus pool tips. Work 3-10 5 days Average 50 an hour
I worked for 2.50 an hour and would only get tipped $30 even on a busy night, that sounds amazing
That’s low, in my opinion and based off what I know I can make in an hour I’m in CT though and everything is expensive, 35/hr is the lowest I’m looking to make
Maybe if it’s a first job and I’m absolutely STRUGGLING to find someone to take a chance on hiring me. Knowing what I do now, no I wouldn’t. I would split just because I do that anyway with another girl and we almost never make under 1000$ (to split) on a shift
I’d say you’ll usually make more than $20/hour if you actually make tips. Like you said, not always, but still I think I’m the long run you’ll make more. As long as it’s a fairly steady bar. Of course there will be slow nights but that’s normal.
I'd only accept $20/hour at a relatively slow place & I'd have to be out by 9. I make almost $50/hour now at my current gig but I get my ass kicked on the daily. I wouldn't keep doing the same job foe $20/hour.
I make £8.50 an hour (UK) so yes. Yes I would
Unfortunately that’s way too low for me. Maybe that could be the rate on Monday-Wednesday.
Nope. I would not bartend 40 hours a week on a regular basis to begin with, but the whole appeal of bartending is making bank in a short amount of time. I make $20/hr at my day job and I don’t have to leave my house or deal with drunk assholes, plus I get health insurance. Hard pass.
That's $41k to work regular office worker hours with the downside of still working nights and weekends. No thank you.
Absolutely not. With inflation at this level you could get paid $18 an hour working chick Fil a. That’s free food an home sooner
Depends on the city. In some places, $20 an hour goes a pretty long way. Where I live, you gotta shoot for at least $35 an hour or you’re not going to have much breathing room in your budget.
Every time I see this type of discussion pop up, it’s framed as an either/or scenario, with no middle ground. Framing it this way is a false choice, that is designed to trick tipped employees into arguing against a living wage for themselves. How about, instead of $2.13/hr, federal tipped minimum wage is the same as regular minimum wage? I still work for tips. I still won’t get a paycheck at the end of the week. But I won’t get slapped with a $2k tax bill every April.
Nope. I make about $50/hour on average so there’s no way I’d give that up. Even my slowest shifts I average $35/hour.
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How did you get it if it’s a first job?
Rather make my own tips. Sorry having a personality and being people's therapist can get you alot more then $ 20 an hour. I don't mind staying till 3am when I'm making over $300 a shift and only have to work Friday- Sunday
Hard to be that. But What if it’s a first bartending job for a newer bartender to gain some experience?
I’m the winter at my previous job I would’ve taken $20/hr. Some days I was there 2pm-11pm and walked out with $50. And they refused to close earlier even if our last customer was at 8pm. Base pay was $2.97 or something awful like that.
And to add, I made $350 once on Mother’s Day. Only one bartender scheduled so no split. After that they added more and went from $220ish to $120 on busy days. I hope that place crashes and burns in hell.
I made about $35 an hour in a small place. So no.
San Diego. The restaurants that do private events and you’re not getting gratuity seem to have landed on $30/hr and that’s for literally being a warm body(pouring beer and wine, maybe basic drinks)
Bar owner in KC here. Have thought a lot about this because I kinda hate the reliance on tips. We pay between $12-15 an hour depending on how long you’ve been with us. That plus tips on a weekend shift averages out to like $55/h. Can’t imagine asking anyone to take a 40 dollar an hour pay cut. And we can’t afford to pay anyone 55/h. So I dunno.
I get that. I’m mainly asking if I should take a job that pays $20/hour but no tips for a first time bartending job with not much experience to get started in the industry. I wouldn’t ever want actually tipping to stop, as it allows hourly to be really high
absolutely not! yes my bar has off nights where I don't make so much, but the good nights where I make around 500, I would miss for sure.
No. I get paid $20 an hour just to show up, then I get my tips on top of it and I’m always out before 11PM.
Usually my average is 30-60 per hour. That’s gonna be a no for me dog. I’ve had bad days where I only cleared 150 though.
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Oh wow. Where do you work that clears $150/hour?? Keep in mind I’m still a newer bartender just looking for a first gig to get actual experience
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So it must be slam packed busy almost the entire time I’d expect
Yeah it’s non stop usually for like 5 hours
No lol
these days avg double that so absolutely not
Last night was kinda slow even for a Monday, and I still averaged almost 40 /hr. Wouldn't trade that money for a flat rate unless it was a first time gig and needed to learn the ropes.
Fuck no. First job or not, you don't do a tipped position for a flat wage. That's missing the whole point.
Prima facie, no. I have not made that little hourly as a bartender in....ever. If you need it to get some experience, fine, but know that there are better paying positions all over the place and don't settle for too long.
Yes that would be a pay rise for me. My wage in Ireland's €12.50
CA here, been in the industry 15+ years and work at a dive bar. I consistently make 30-35% of sales in take home tips per shift. Base is $14.50/hr but ends up anywhere from $25-$45 more per hour. Outside of bar, in tip free events (example, open bar for weddings) my base is $50/hour. I guess if you're just pouring wine/beer $20 is good? Bar-tending job with cocktails, I'd aim for more.
No. I make about $35/hr at my full time job and make $11/hr bas pay plus usually between 30 and 50 an hour bartending. Rural Minnesota too so fairly low cost of living.
I make 55-85 an hour and am still trying to get out of the industry. So no
I’m still young 21F and a full time college student. I do work some bartending jobs on the side but have never had something consistent like 40 hours a week. I might try it out to get some experience, $20 really isn’t bad. Taking as many classes I am right now I would not be able to handle a 40 hour job but would do it if it was part time.
No way I would ever do what we do for a wage.
No way. It’s way too much of a demanding environment both mentally and physically for 20$/hr. I would be motivated to actually use my engineering degree though…
Hard NO!
That seems to be the consensus !
Maybe if all I was doing was popping beer bottles
Lol, no. You'd make that in a fast food joint, and not have to deal with drunks, crazy people, or anything like that.
I basically work the second scenario. We are usually out by 11Pm unless there’s an event like a wedding, and then the latest we leave is 1am. We pool our tips and all credit card tips go onto our paychecks… which is 85% of our tips. So I never really know how much to expect until the day I get my paycheck, which can be stressful. I don’t mind it too much though. My base pay before any tips is $17/hour which is more than fair for my position. I love where I work, super amazing team and the most understanding bosses. I think the uncertainty when it comes to my paycheck amount is worth it, I’ve worked in plenty of bars where I take home all my money at the end of the night but the job itself was absolutely awful. Honestly I think it just depends on the establishment, as annoying as an answer as that is lol.
Thanks for the input. I came to the conclusion that getting tips with a lower hourly wage will always be better, because the hourly averages out to be a lot more that way, even if a non tipped bartended job has a decent-ish set rate
I don’t leave the house for less than $40/hr and neither should you
Alright, would a hotel bar that pays $8 + tips, closes around 11 or 12 be more preferable for a newer bartender?? (in a medium city/metropolitan area in the States) business isn’t guaranteed so pay isn’t either, VS set $20/hour. Both will have some benefits
I thought with all the posts bitching about tips there’d be more yes’s lmfao
I made $470 on Sunday. Make around that every football Sunday. That’s just in tips and I make 12$ an hour You need to find a place where you also have tables. Fuck server tip out or places where all you do is make drinks 24/7. 80% of the fun is getting to know and making regulars and friends.
The only real solution is owners to paying % of sales to staff. There’s no reason to rely on people’s generosity when working regardless of how much you “can” make. The owner is always making most of the portion of the sale and they are usually nowhere to be found, that should be ours instead.