Melissa Whitten

Every server’s goal is to earn more tips. No server is getting rich off their hourly wage. Instead of lamenting the typically low hourly rate, embrace the fact that you can give yourself a raise any time. You just have to sharpen your server skills.

The number one thing you can do to get better tips is to learn how to read your table. Rather than a specific action, reading a table is more a style of service.

Restaurants aren’t known for offering job benefits or perks. It’s difficult when profit margins for the industry are often less than 6%, but job benefits are one of the best ways to ensure you keep good employees.

Maintaining a low turnover rate means you save money by not having to constantly interview, hire, and train new staff. Keeping employees long-term also means you have a staff that knows your restaurant inside and out and can keep things running smoothly no matter what. In short, job...

Gassy Dog? Learn About the Causes, Treatments & More

Few things can clear a room faster than a gassy dog. One minute you’re enjoying some cuddles with your pup, and the next, your dog toots and you’re running from the smell.

A little gas from your dog might be unpleasant (for both of you), but it’s nothing to worry about. However, if your dog has excessive or sudden gas, it could indicate a problem. We’ll cover what causes this, potential solutions, and when it’s time to talk to your vet.

Your brand exists in a world of diversity, and it’s time for your marketing to reflect this. Focusing on inclusive representation will build stronger relationships with consumers and increase your revenue. The good news is that you already have everything you need to make this happen — the unique individuals in your audience and the content they create.
To get started, review your current marketing content to see which groups aren’t being represented.

Restaurant guests have a big impact on how a server’s day goes. Like with other service jobs, there are bad customers and there are great customers. We like to focus on the positive, so we spoke to 7 restaurant servers to hear their stories about the best table they ever waited on.

Some restaurants will hire a server based on simple interview questions such as, “Do you have experience?” or “Can you work weekends?” But it’s usually not that easy. You should always go into a server job interview expecting to have an in-depth discussion with your potential employer about your experience and skills.

Food safety is one of the most important issues a restaurant kitchen has to consider. Unsafe handling of food can make customers sick, result in health code violations, and cause unnecessary food waste. The good news is it’s easy to prevent food contamination with proper training and documented processes.

The positive benefits of sitting down for a homemade meal are well documented. Everyone wants to come home to a delicious meal, but the time investment that comes with cooking dinner is no joke.

With summertime in full swing and the Fourth of July just around the corner, it’s prime grilling season! Whether you’re a grill master or just getting started, these tips will help you have a safe and delicious barbecue experience this summer.

“Sometimes you meet people who change your life for the better. Those people are bartenders.”

If you love to talk to new people and thrive in fast-paced, sometimes rowdy environments, bartending is the perfect job for you. With a little upfront investment of your time and energy, you can become a bartender in just a few months. It’s a fun, highly social job that has the potential for great pay.

Stay-at-home orders have been going strong for weeks now. Those of us with kids have had to get very creative to keep them entertained (and have weathered many a temper tantrum). If you’re running out of ideas, go back to the basics.

Hard times can inspire creativity, kindness, and a sense of community. We’ve been seeing this positivity rippling throughout the food industry in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurant owners and employees are finding creative ways to help others, despite their own financial losses and personal hardships.

Many restaurant job ads are shorter than those you see from other industries. They’re often missing key details such as the “About Company” section and have few if any, details in the “Responsibilities” section.

According to Sara Anderson, director of workforce development at the National Restaurant Association, it costs nearly $2,000 to replace an hourly restaurant employee. It’s better for your bottom line (and your sanity) if you can get the best employee for the job.

Choosing a culinary school is a big decision because it requires a significant investment of your time and money. The list below provides an overview of 15 culinary schools recognized for their excellence so you can make an informed decision for your future.

Mother’s Day is all about showing mom how much you love and appreciate her. This year our lives are a bit different, but the sentiment remains! Especially as households across the country shelter-in-place, and moms are working harder than ever to keep the family safe and happy.