Sadly, I worked my way through six years of college for gratuities.
Insulting gratuities was more dependable than counting on them to vote democrat.
I never treated them any less than other guests, but if things were busy, they were the first to have corners cut... With one exception. If they told me they were "in the (hospitality) biz.", there was an unspoken understanding, I'd take care of them and they'd take care of me.
Sadly, I worked my way through six years of college for gratuities.
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When my son was 16 years old (1990) he worked Sat, and Sun. nights at a busy Steak and Shake as a waiter. Personable and outgoing, he regularly raked in $200 to $250 per weekend, plus a pittance in hourly wages.