The Modern Waiter Podcast

Jaksot

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  The Server Tier List: Who's Actually Good at This Job? 10.09.2026 16min

  The Server Tier List is here. We're ranking every type of server you'll actually find on the floor, from the S-tier legends who make every shift look easy to the F-tier disasters who make the whole restaurant sweat. We've been in this business for over 30 years, and we've seen every type of server come through the door. Let us know in the comments who you'd add to the tier list, and where your coworkers land.#ServerLife #RestaurantIndustry #waiterlife Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  We're Servers and We Hate Tablet POS Systems 03.09.2026 21min

  Tablet POS systems are everywhere, but are they actually killing hospitality?Systems like Toast and Square, Management loves the mobility, but servers are losing the rhythm of hospitality, eye contact, and the ability to multitask across multiple tables.We cover why table side payment sounds great in theory but slows down split checks, why that "accuracy" claim is a myth, and why looking at a screen is making service feel like self checkout. Plus the cracked screens, dead batteries, and menu digging that wastes time you should spend with guests.If you work in restaurants, use a restaurant pos system, or are deciding on a POS system for your restaurant, this is the server truth no sales demo will tell you.#restaurantlife #serverlife Do you love or hate tablet POS systems? Let us know in the comments, are you team stationary terminal or team tablet?The Modern Waiter Podcast is hosted by two friends with over 45 years of combined experience. New episodes weekly on server life, restaurant secrets, and front of house vs back of house dynamics.SUBSCRIBE for weekly restaurant industry insightsFollow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  How Servers Are Making $10K a Month Serving Tables 26.08.2026 34min

  Can you really make $10,000 in one month serving tables? TikTok's (https://www.tiktok.com/@kennyonshift) Kenny Johnson did, and he breaks down exactly how on this episode of the Modern Waiter Podcast.We sat down with Kenny Johnson, the Philly-based server and TikTok creator who teaches servers how to hit $5K and $10K months. We get into the real strategies behind his $10K month, why most servers stay broke, and what you can change on your next shift.You will learn why you should stop asking to be cut, why doubling Friday, Saturday and Sunday is non-negotiable, how transition tables during doubles make easy money.Have you hit a $10K month serving? What was your best month?Follow Kenny Johnson on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kennyonshiftFollow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Every Type of Restaurant Worker Explained (Which One Are You?) 19.08.2026 23min

  Every restaurant has them. From the Rockstar Server who never misses a dessert upsell to the Burned Out Manager who mentally quit two years ago, we break down every type of restaurant worker you've ever worked with or been served by. #serverlife #restaurantlifeWorking in a restaurant means navigating a cast of characters unlike any other industry. Which archetype are you? Which one is hardest to work with? We will answer that in the next show.Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Is That Restaurant Credit Card Fee Even Legal? 13.08.2026 14min

  Are restaurant credit card fees actually legal? Learn why these charges are appearing on your bill and where the money goes.More restaurants are adding extra costs to checks, often labeling them as credit card processing fees. If you have noticed these charges popping up over the last five years, you are not alone. In this episode, we get into why restaurants started charging credit card processing fees instead of just raising menu prices, which states like Connecticut and Massachusetts ban it outright, what Florida actually requires for disclosure, and why we believe this fee is going to change how people use credit cards altogether.#CreditCardFee #ServerLife #RestaurantLife See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  TAX MISTAKE EVERY SERVER MAKES 05.08.2026 11min

  These three things can help restaurant servers prepare for tax season. Just a little effort throughout the year can make filing your taxes a breeze. Waiters have in inconsistent income. Worse yet the hourly rate is so low it makes tax withholdings a nightmare. Not Financial Advice. I am sharing the things that I do that takes away the surprise of if you owe taxes at the end of the year or not. Most servers don't know how to file taxes as a server correctly, and it's costing them hundreds (or thousands) of dollars every April. In this episode, we break down the 3 biggest tax mistakes tipped workers makeWe had Barbara Sloan, author of Tipped Finance on our podcast several years ago. I recommend her book which is geared to restaurant and other tipped workers. https://www.tippedfinance.com/Get your free budget guide for Restaurant Servers https://www.themodernwaiter.com/freebieFollow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Budget System for Servers, Bartenders and Tipped Workers 29.07.2026 21min

  Budgeting with irregular income is one of the biggest financial challenges in the service industry. In this podcast episode, we break down a practical 7-step system built for servers, bartenders, and anyone whose paycheck changes every week.#BudgetingTips #ServerLife #PersonalFinance #SavingMoneyGet Your Free Budget Guide: https://www.themodernwaiter.com/freebieFollow The Modern Waiter Podcast:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@UC29jIbBYXKxWMJBDFklmwHQ Subscribe for weekly episodes on server life, restaurant industry insights, and money tips for tipped workers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  The Mistakes That Keeps Most Servers Broke 23.07.2026 17min

  Made $1,000 last week but still feel broke as a server? These three money mistakes that keep servers and bartenders struggling, especially during slow season.Restaurant workers often deal with fluctuating income, lifestyle inflation, late-night spending, shift drinks, and the easy-come, easy-go mindset. Making good tips is only part of the equation. The bigger question is whether your money is still working for you after the busy season ends.Subscribe to The Modern Waiter Podcast for honest conversations about server life, restaurant culture, money, and the hospitality industry. Let us know in the comments: What is the biggest money leak in your life right now?This Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not individualized financial advice.#ServerLife #ServerMoney #Budgeting #PersonalFinance #Hospitality See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  5 High-Paying Side Hustles for Servers (Make $500+/Week Extra) 16.07.2026 15min

  Are you tired of relying solely on tips to survive? In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we are breaking down the absolute best side hustles for servers that actually pay well and fit perfectly around a fluctuating restaurant schedule and inconsistent pay.As restaurant workers, we already have elite skills in multitasking, customer service, and upselling. It’s time to leverage those skills outside of your regular shifts to build an extra stream of income, pay off debt, or escape the golden handcuffs of the service industry. Here are high-paying gig economy secrets to leveraging your hospitality knowledge for freelance income that earns you $50+ an hour. #SideHustle #ServerLife #MakeMoneyOnline See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Waiting Tables vs Corporate Job | Which Career Pays Better in 2026? 07.07.2026 24min

  When you work in a restaurant, everyone says "get a real job." But what if the real job pays less per hour?We ran the full hourly math on a server's income vs a corporate 9-5 job, and the numbers will change how you think about your career.Subscribe to The Modern Waiter Podcast for more real talk about server life, restaurant industry insights, and the financial side of the front of house.#serverlife #restaurantworker #restaurantindustry See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Waitstaff Confessions: Serving Did This to Me 02.07.2026 24min

  Servers deal with more than carrying plates. In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we break down what actually makes this job brutal after 30+ years in the industry. The physical toll, the mental exhaustion of staying "on".New episodes every week.#RestaurantServer #WaitstaffLife #HospitalityIndustryFollow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Pre Tipping Gets You Better Service (Here's Why) 23.06.2026 17min

  Ever feel like restaurant service is a total gamble? In this podcast episode, we reveal a game-changing sercvice industry secret that completely alters how servers treat you: Pre-Tipping.As veteran waiters working in the real world, we discuss the psychological shift that happens when a customer slides an upfront tip to establish a rapport and set expectations right from the start. We break down exactly when you should deploy this strategy. #TippingCulture #WaiterSecrets #RestaurantService #ServerLife See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Hospitality vs. Profit 17.06.2026 17min

  Are restaurant hospitality standards quietly killing your bottom line? There is a real financial and emotional cost of running a hospitality-first restaurant. Hospitality and profitability must find a balance to keep great restaurants alive.Subscribe for new episodes every week and share this with anyone in the food and beverage industry.Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  The secret to turning first-time diners into regulars 10.06.2026 13min

  70% of first-time restaurant customers never return. Here's exactly what smart restaurants do to flip that number and turn one-time guests into loyal regulars.In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we break down the 5-step system restaurants use to increase customer retention, build loyalty, and grow revenue without spending a dollar on ads. We cover the silent signifiers servers use to identify first-timers, the "Inception" farewell technique that plants the seed for a return visit, and the one manager habit that eliminates the need for impersonal surveys.This episode covers real, actionable front-of-house strategy from servers with over 50 years of combined experience.#RestaurantMarketing #CustomerRetention #RestaurantTips #ServerLife #restaurantbusiness Subscribe for weekly restaurant industry insights, server tips, and front-of-house secrets.Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTok See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  4 Hours For 1 Appetizer! Waiters React to Worst Guests 02.06.2026 17min

  Restaurant Campers: The Ultimate Server Nightmare. We've all been there, that table that just WON'T leave. In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, Danny and I dive into every server's worst nightmare: restaurant campers. We're breaking down a viral Reddit post about guests who stayed for FOUR HOURS, ordered only hummus and drinks, lingered an hour past closing time, and thought a 20% tip would make everything okay. Spoiler alert: it didn't.Every service industry worker knows the frustration of campers who treat your section like their personal living room. We explore why this behavior is so problematic for servers who depend on table turnover and tips, the lack of communication from guests who overstay, and what proper dining etiquette actually looks like.#ServerLife #RestaurantIndustry #ServiceIndustryFollow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Top 20 Sandwiches of All Time 27.05.2026 24min

  In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the Top 20 Sandwiches of All Time. Ranked from the perspective of two servers with over 30 years in the restaurant industry. We are joined by Chef Bogdan Tarnowski who at times scoffs at our list. We include classics like the, grilled cheese, pulled pork and BLT to heavy hitters like the classic italian, and fried chicken sandwich. We’re counting down the most iconic sandwiches ever made.This list is built on real experience, what people actually order, what stands the test of time, and what truly delivers.Guest Bogdan Tarnowski - https://www.instagram.com/thechefbogdan/Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  The TRUTH About Mother's Day 13.05.2026 21min

  Mother's Day brunch can feel chaotic, rushed, or just not quite as special as you hoped. After more than 30 years working in the restaurant industry, I can tell you this: Mother’s Day is hands down the busiest restaurant day of the year. Bigger than Valentine’s Day. Bigger than New Year’s Eve. And while most guests see flowers, mimosas, and family brunches, what’s happening behind the scenes is absolute controlled chaos.In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, Danny and I break down what Mother’s Day is really like from the restaurant side of the table.If you’ve ever worked in restaurants, you already know exactly what we’re talking about. And if you haven’t, this episode will completely change the way you look at Mother’s Day brunch.#MothersDay #RestaurantLife #ServerLifeSubscribe to The Modern Waiter Podcast for weekly conversations about restaurant life, hospitality culture, server stories, dining etiquette, and behind-the-scenes truths from the service industry.Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  10 Things No One Tells You About Being a Celebrity Chef | Chef Ryan Rondeno Interview 06.05.2026 31min

  Ever wondered what it's REALLY like to cook for Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Stevie Wonder? Celebrity Chef Ryan Rondeno pulls back the curtain on the unglamorous reality of being a private chef to Hollywood's elite.In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, Chef Ryan reveals the sacrifices, unexpected perks, and behind-the-scenes challenges that come with cooking for A-list celebrities. You lose every holiday and weekend. Chef Ryan Rondeno is the author of "My Creole-Cali Kitchen: Louisiana Roots with California Flavors" GET CHEF RYAN'S COOKBOOK:https://a.co/d/0j9OpkUt - Timestamps -00:00 - Intro01:38 - Client is Watching03:12 - Different Environments 04:13 - Travel 06:15 - Restaurant v Private 07:54 - Staffing12:00 - Perks 13:01 - Dining Out14:29 - Sacrifice 16:25 - Vacation18:21 - Cook BookCONNECT WITH CHEF RYAN RONDENO:Website: https://www.rondenoculinarydesigns.com/Instagram: @nolachef212Follow Me On Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  Top 10 First Date Red Flags 29.04.2026 17min

  What really happens on a first date at a restaurant? As servers with decades of experience, we don’t just take your order… we see everything. From your body language to how you treat staff, your first date is being quietly observed from every angle.In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we break down the top 10 first date red flags we witness every single night working in restaurants. These aren’t theories or dating advice from the internet… these are real behaviors we’ve seen play out thousands of times.Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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  The Truth About Tipping: Cornell Professor Reveals What Really Happens 21.04.2026 42min

  The Truth About Tipping: What Cornell's Leading Researcher Discovered After 40 Years. Have you ever stopped to wonder why you actually tip? The answer might surprise you more than you'd expect. Joining this week's podcast, Cornell Professor Mike Lynn has spent over 40 years and published more than 80 research papers studying the psychology of tipping, and his findings challenge nearly everything most people assume about gratuities.Some of what he found is genuinely counterintuitive. Service quality, for example, accounts for only about 5% of tip amounts. The number one reason people tip is not what they typically say it is. The racial tipping gap shrinks significantly with one straightforward factor. Smiling can have a dramatic effect on tip size. And yes, things like physical attractiveness and even stock market performance show up in the data too.Professor Lynn walks us through the hidden psychology behind tipping, and explains why no-tipping restaurants have repeatedly struggled to survive. #Tipping #PsychologyAbout our GuestWebsite: https://www.tippingresearch.com/Dr. Michael Lynn is a professor at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration and one of the world's foremost experts on tipping behavior. A former waiter and bartender himself, he has spent his career researching why people tip and has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers on the subject. His book "The Psychology of Tipping," brings together decades of his research in one place.The book is available on Amazon https://a.co/d/04MFsQiO What surprised you most about tipping psychology? Do you think the U.S. should move away from tipping like many other countries have? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.Follow Me On Social Media:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.