10 Best Perks of Working In A Restaurant

As a restaurant employee, I can say I've seen a fair amount of good stuff. I have seen everything from great to horrible customers, what working with an amazing staff can be like, and that the walk in freezer can either be used for a good prank or a good crying spot. Wanna know all the perks? Stay tuned...

1. Making good tips when you serve

There is no other form of satisfaction in the restaurant business then working hard to please a table and earning a good tip in return. It’s far better than minimum wage and if you save up, you can make a good sum of cash overtime.

2. Forming good relationships with fellow co-workers

This is by far the best part of working in a restaurant. If you stay long enough, I promise you that your co-workers will become apart of your everyday life which will bond you all together. Some will become very close friends of yours and others will be there for you during rough patches when the place is packed and you need someone to take a table for you. Either way, keep the relationships you make because those people will make a strong impact on your life.

3. The discounts

Folks, believe me when I say the discounts are a glorious thing. Some restaurants will give 50% off on food which is a definite pro. Don’t be ashamed to order your favorite item and pig out in the back. Plus, if you work closely with the menu, you get to see what’s in everything and how it’s made so that’s an added foodie bonus.

4. Having a fanbase

Most servers that have been on the floor for a long time will have regulars. These are the people that always show you the best forms of gratitude for always acing their orders whether easy or special, going the extra mile to ensure good service, and making good small talk. These folks will come in and request you specifically. If you have a few sets of regulars, then congratulations, you have a fanbase.

5. Being a host/hostess

Listen up, I was a host for a year and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I loved constructing a wait list, I loved getting to know the servers I worked with, and I loved having my own little podium. Not to mention it’s one of the easiest jobs you will and can ever have. All you have to do is greet and seat. It’s a good time.

6. Endless drink variety

Most restaurants will allow you to grab drinks from the soda fountains whenever you want. This is awesome because of all the variety you have and you never really have to worry about bringing an ice coffee or water bottle to work. It’s a nice accommodations that restaurants offer to workers.

7. The loss of social anxiety

If you were socially anxious like me, then the restaurant industry is perfect for you. Before I got my job, I was a lot quieter and awkward when it came to conversation. But if you host or serve, you learn to break out of these habits. You grow far more comfortable with yourself and those around you.

8. Learning to navigate in stressful situations

Did you run out of silverware? Is the waitlist hitting 45 minutes? Have you guys run out of a certain item for the night? No problem. These things will make you grow stronger. If everyone is running around trying to get things out of the kitchen, please customers, and keep it all happening in a timely fashion then there will be stress. But when the night is over and the customers stop pouring in, you can take a breath and realize that it was only temporary and you're likely a stronger worker because of it.

9. Dealing with various kinds of people

When you work in a restaurant, you see it all, the good, the bad, and the very ugly. It’s almost like working in retail. While dealing with fussy customers isn’t always a good time, it teaches you a lot about how to give customer service to those who are not exactly respectful. It’ll force you to grow thicker skin and prevail through the toughest orders, most arrogant complaints, and a non-existent tip.

10. Training newbies

There is nothing that compares to training a new employee in the restaurant. You get to introduce them to every piece of crazy that circulates in your world including your co-workers, the cooks, and the walk in freezer (or the crying spot if needed). You can shock them, surprise them, and make them feel welcome all in one shift.