PT Catering

Has anyone worked PT at a Catering/reception hall? I'm hearing mixed things about it as far as tips/pay so any info would be appreciated. I'm interested, but just wondering if it's a good decision.

TIA!

Message edited 5/12/2008 11:26:09 AM.

Re: PT Catering

i had quite a few friends that did that while on summer breaks from high school and college ... they made OK money, and they worked pretty hard for it.

eta: they rarely made tips

Message edited 5/12/2008 11:32:51 AM.

Re: PT Catering

See, that's what I'm confused about. I thought you'd be guaranteed tips since gratuity is included in weddings and other catered functions but I guess it doesn't go to the waitstaff???

Re: PT Catering

I looked into working at a catering hall and based on what I found out you don't make much on top of an hourly wage.

I now work for a caterer on some weekends. They cater private parties at houses and in offices. I make a lot of money in tips doing that. Maybe look into something like that.

Re: PT Catering

i worked in a catering hall during college, i was making a few dollars over minimum wage, but you don't see any of the gratuity that is charged. if you were the lead waiter, the maitre'd would tip you and other then the random guest who woudl tip you, there was nothing extra.

Re: PT Catering

Most of the time you won't see anything but the salary they give you. They usually pocket in the tip/gratuity paid by the clients.

I worked for a "private" caterer on weekends. Pay is much better (but still very low) and you will be paid tips.

Re: PT Catering

I used to do it-

I would make between $100 and $150 for 8+ hours of work

we never got the tip or the 20% Service charge added to the bill

a few tips I would get tips since I was the bar tender

it's ok- it's alot of work - you have to be there to set up and clean up

Re: PT Catering

I used to work at a catering hall in high school and loved it. It was hard work but fun going to parties/weddings. I almost took a part time job at a catering hall while saving for the wedding to make extra money. The coat check and bartenders make great tips.

Re: PT Catering

I think you can make better money at a nice restaurant with catering that doesn't do a set price for catering. Some places pay you, for example, $50 a party. I worked at a restaurant with catering as well and I was making anywhere from $150-$200 a night. Some days can be more than that, but it averages out eventually.