Better tips: Granite City or Olive Garden

[farley2k]

Tomorrow I have interviews at both to be a server. So which place do you think makes more in tips? I did a google search but didn't find a good answer.

http://www.olivegarden.com/

http://www.gcfb.net/

Thanks,

[Gratch]

Never heard of Granite City, but Mrs. Gratch has been a server at Olive Garden for 4 years.  She is a VERY good server, receiving both a bevy of OG service awards and an endless stream of compliments from her customers.

We did the math and over a 6 month period, she averaged about $9.60/hour with average tips being around 13%.  Part of that is simply a function of Salt Lake culture:  lots of kids + very little alcohol + overly frugal people = bad tips.  The other problem is that in order to live up to their "when you're here, you're family" motto, they will only give a server a maximum of 3 tables.  If one of those is a party (more than 4, iirc), then you're only allowed to have 2 tables.  This ensures lots of personal attention from servers, but also ensures that you'll never have the opportunity to make much money.  YMMV...it may be different other places in the country.

I can have her answer specific questions if you'd like, just shoot me a PM.

[Teggy]

I don't know, but if you work at Olive Garden don't you have to sing?

[Ironrod]

Isn't Olive Garden one of those places where families go to eat cheap? I'd think the tips would be miserly compared to slightly more upscale casual restaurants -- which is what Granite City looks like. My entirely uninformed opinion says go for the brewpub over the family restaurant.

[Harkonis]

My vote would definitely be Granite City for employment

[CeeKay]

looking at some pictures it seems Granite City has cooler uniforms.

[Gratch]

Isn't Olive Garden one of those places where families go to eat cheap? I'd think the tips would be miserly compared to slightly more upscale casual restaurants -- which is what Granite City looks like. My entirely uninformed opinion says go for the brewpub over the family restaurant.

It's a family restaurant, but isn't particularly cheap.  No idea how it compares to that Granite place (which doesn't list any prices on their online menu).

I don't know, but if you work at Olive Garden don't you have to sing?

Pretty sure they got rid of that nonsense.

[farley2k]

I hope not.  I still remember the song from when I served years ago!

Sounds like most everyone agrees that Granite City would be better.  I wasn't sure because I figured more families come into Olive Garden but it makes sense that the higher alcohol consumption at Granite City would have bigger bills which does translate into higher tips.

[Punisher]

I hope not.  I still remember the song from when I served years ago!

Sounds like most everyone agrees that Granite City would be better.  I wasn't sure because I figured more families come into Olive Garden but it makes sense that the higher alcohol consumption at Granite City would have bigger bills which does translate into higher tips.

Plus, more alcohol means poorer decisions and eyesight! Did I grab a $1 or a $100 for a tip?

[th'FOOL]

Find a non chain restaurant where they serve wine by the bottle. I used to bank at upscale indy eateries.