Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 10:17:03 -0400
To: pezzo4balloons@earthlink.net, "balloon" <balloon@balloonhq.com>
From: Steve Brown <steve@theatrefx.com>
Subject: Re: Restaurand down time

At 03:25 PM 07/11/2000 -0700, Jack Finch wrote:
>	What do y'all do when working a restaurant when you find that you have
>covered the entire floor and you are waiting for some turnover for new
>customers?

Jack,

I know where you're coming from, I hate quiet times like this with a
passion.  Even though  I've become great friends with the management and
staff and their families, I still don't like anyone getting the impression
that I'm not working, or have nothing to do.

I think over time, you can develop a feel for these types of things and
pace yourself.  Some things that I do:

If I know that I'm going to maybe hit a dead time ahead, I'll either do
more intricate stuff, or if it's one of those pop prone nights, I'll work
more gags and things in.  At the risk of inviting flames, I've also been
known to intentionally pop a balloon from time to time to get the ball
rolling. ( I DO check around me, and try to gauge the possible consequences
before I'll even consider doing it ) ( On the other hand, there ARE some
regulars where the popping has become a running joke....so....it's a
judement call all around )

Go back and visit with people that you've had a great time with, and/or
regulars that you may have developed a relationship with.

I also do magic, so that can help....

IMPORTANT:
**********************
With any of the above, you also need to keep in mind that the business of
the restaurant is turning tables.  You never want to keep folks at their
table when the restaurant has other people that could be sitting there.
**********************

I'm not one that will do a lot for the staff, while I'm working, in my
opinion, it puts all of us in jeopardy of looking bad.  Don't get me wrong,
we have our own staff only parties and such.  I'll work my heart out there,
and at no charge to the restaurant.  These people are my friends, and I
want them on my side when we're out there "in the trenches".  I'll also
stay after, particularly if it's a special occassion for someone, and do
some cool stuff just for them.  I just don't want that precedent set that
if one staff member asks, that they all can ask...then the restaurant is
paying me to entertain the staff, and that's not why I was hired.  When I'm
"on the clock", I'm there to help the staff, and to work for the customers.

Just my opinions,
Steve


********************************************************
Steven H. Brown      		Ph:  301/791-7646
Theatre Effects		          Fax: 301/791-7719	
642 Frederick St.
Hagerstown,  MD  21740      www.theatrefx.com
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