Reply #28: And you must understand that was 18 years ago [View All]

[bengalherder]

There are a few 'fancy' places that waitstaff command that much. Heck, I've worked in them.

But they are few and far between. They also have a dirty little secret. They are notoriously ageist and lookist if you will. I was told this by one of the first chefs I worked for in a $100 per plate/person California Cuisine joint back when I started in kitchens in '84. You can't have that job your whole life, because there will always be a younger cuter waitron to take your place eventually...

Back then cooks with the experience and responsibility I have now were making $13-17 an hour. Now they make $10 or so, even in those fancy places. I've had to dicker just to get $11 or $12.

I have no pity for restauranteurs who do not pay their staff as well as they should, especially as (in my experience) have a tendency to show off their new houses, cars, boats, bikes to the staff. It's almost as if they want to rub our noses in their fabulous success.