The Modern Waiter Podcast

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 #ServiceIndustry Follow 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.

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: 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.

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 #ServerLife Subscribe 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: 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.

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 - Intro 01:38 - Client is Watching 03:12 - Different Environments 04:13 - Travel 06:15 - Restaurant v Private 07:54 - Staffing 12:00 - Perks 13:01 - Dining Out 14:29 - Sacrifice 16:25 - Vacation 18:21 - Cook Book CONNECT WITH CHEF RYAN RONDENO: Website: https://www.rondenoculinarydesigns.com/ Instagram: @nolachef212 Follow 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.

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.

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 #Psychology About our Guest Website: 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: 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.

Cocktail Ice: Not Just a Garnish, It's an Ingredient 16.04.2026 20min

Cocktail ice is not just frozen water. It is one of the most overlooked ingredients in your drink. In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we break down why ice is actually the first ingredient, not the last, and how it can completely change the taste, presentation, and perceived value of a cocktail. Why do we have different shapes of ice? Clear ice versus cloudy ice, to large cubes, spheres, crushed ice, and specialty shapes, we explain how different types of ice impact dilution, temperature, and the overall drinking experience. #cocktails #bartenderlife #restaurantindustry Follow and connect: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter Email: themodernwaiter@gmail.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NEW Servers Fired Over These 10 Simple Mistakes? 09.04.2026 26min

Servers see everything… especially when a new hire walks in and makes the same mistakes over and over again. In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we break down the 10 biggest mistakes new restaurant employees make and why they instantly lose respect from the team. Lying about experience and not studying the menu are two of the biggest red flags. If you're new to serving, bartending, or working in restaurants, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and level up FAST. Follow 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.

The 10 Most Popular Birthday Cakes Ranked – #1 Is No Surprise 09.04.2026 15min

What are the most popular birthday cakes in the world? In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we rank the Top 10 birthday cakes people love the most. After celebrating a birthday recently, it got me thinking about the cakes that show up at the most parties. Is it the classic chocolate cake and red velvet or funfetti and carrot cake? We break down the most iconic birthday desserts and why people keep ordering them year after year. Some of these cakes are nostalgic childhood favorites. Others are bakery classics that never go out of style. And a few might surprise you. Follow 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.

Dating a Bartender Exposed the Real Problem 07.04.2026 30min

Dating a bartender sounds exciting, until you live it. In this episode, we break down what relationships with bartenders are really like, from unpredictable schedules and emotional burnout to flirtation, boundaries, and long-term compatibility. Our guest, Andrew Roy, spent years behind the bar before transitioning into restaurant management. As the host of the Serves You Right podcast, he brings an honest, experienced perspective on why bartenders often struggle in relationships, what partners misunderstand most, and how the job reshapes emotional availability. Follow 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.

Servers Make MORE Money Than Cooks 17.03.2026 21min

The restaurant industry has a pay gap that almost everyone argues about but very few people truly understand. Why do servers often make more money than cooks? Is the system unfair, or is there an economic reason behind it? In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we break down the reality behind restaurant pay structures and explain why front of house and back of house wages work so differently. Many kitchen workers feel the system is unfair because they are the ones creating the product. At the same time, servers often rely on tips and sales performance to earn their income. #restaurantlife #serverlife #chef life Follow Me On Social Media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@UC29jIbBYXKxWMJBDFklmwHQ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Menu Lies: Top 10 Foods That Aren't What They Seem 11.03.2026 14min

Ever feel like restaurant menus are trying a little too hard to impress you? In this podcast episode, we break down the Top 10 menu terms that sound fancy but often don’t mean what you think. From “truffle oil” that rarely contains real truffles to “Wagyu” that isn’t always the legendary Japanese beef you imagine, we’re exposing the marketing language restaurants use to elevate ordinary dishes. Menus today are designed like dating profiles for food. Words like artisanal, handcrafted, small batch, farm-to-table, infused, and house-made can sound premium, but many of them have little regulation or real meaning behind them. As longtime restaurant industry insiders, we’re pulling back the curtain on how these terms are used and what they actually mean when you’re ordering at a restaurant. Watch until the end and tell us in the comments: what menu word do you think is the biggest scam? Subscribe for weekly restaurant industry stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from the service world. #RestaurantSecrets #FoodMyths #MenuSecrets #restaurantindustry Follow 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.

7 Things Gen Z Refuses to Pay For 03.03.2026 19min

Is Gen Z really killing restaurants, bars, and club culture… or are they just changing the game? On this podcast episode, we break down the real-world impact Gen Z is having on the restaurant industry. From drinking less at dinner to ordering more takeout. Their impact even goes deeper, from ditching old-school condiments like ketchup and mayo to demanding Instagrammable dining experiences, the shift is real. #GenZ #RestaurantTrends #foodindustry Follow 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.

This Is Why Some Servers Don’t Want Black Tables 27.02.2026 21min

Why some servers do not want black tables. We talk openly about Dining While Black (DWB), how stereotypes are formed, how servers categorize guests of every background, and how poor service can become a self fulfilling prophecy. It is about honesty, lived experience, and the realities servers face on the floor every single shift. From tipping stereotypes and confirmation bias to energy, demeanor, and service expectations There’s a moment every waiter recognizes instantly. A Black table walks in the door, and suddenly servers start playing the quiet game of “not it.” After 30 years in the restaurant industry, I’m breaking down the stereotype that Black people don’t tip, where it comes from, and how confirmation bias and bad service help keep it alive. As a Black waiter, I’ve worked every type of restaurant and served every type of guest. I’ve seen how expectations change service, how service changes tips, and how the industry rarely questions the stories it tells itself. #RestaurantLife #ServerLife #HospitalityIndustry #TippingCulture Follow 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.

Gen Z Isn’t Drinking and Restaurants Are Cashing In 18.02.2026 17min

Gen Z is drinking less, but restaurants are not losing money. In fact, many are making more. In part two of our Restaurant Trends to Watch in 2026 series, we break down the sober-curious movement, the rise of low and no alcohol beverages, and why mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are becoming one of the most profitable menu categories in hospitality. Alcohol consumption in the U.S. is at its lowest level in decades, especially among younger guests. But smart restaurants are pivoting fast by creating intentional mocktail programs, premium non-alcoholic beer offerings, kombuchas, and botanical-forward drinks that feel just as elevated as cocktails. Follow 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.

Hidden Economics of All You Can Eat Buffets (Fixed) 12.02.2026 18min

Veteran restaurant servers reveal secrets of the buffet. All-you-can-eat buffets look like the worst business model ever. Fixed price. Unlimited food. One hungry customer could destroy profits in a single night. How do buffets actually survive? All-you-can-eat buffets almost always wins. We reveal psychological tricks and layout manipulation and the biological hacks. Follow 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.

THESE are the Dumbest Complaints I've Ever Seen 09.02.2026 14min

Restaurant guests who don’t read the menu and blame the server are a common occurrence. As servers we absorb confusion over wine, cocktails, and food. In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we dive into the dumbest, funniest, and most unbelievable complaints we’ve ever heard as longtime servers. We discuss when it’s okay to ask questions vs. when you’re just being difficult. Humor, cringe, and real talk from the server’s side of the table. #Restaurant #ServerLife #serviceindustry Follow 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.

Should Everyone Work at Least a Month in The Restaurant? 08.02.2026 17min

Discover why working in a restaurant might be one of the best life lessons you never knew you needed. In this podcast episode, hospitality industry veterans discuss the invaluable skills gained from restaurant work. Learn what separates those who've worked in the industry from those who haven't. Explore real-world examples of restaurant etiquette gone wrong, and find out whether everyone should spend time in hospitality. #Restaurant, #ServerLife, #ServiceIndustry Follow 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.

Things Customers Say That Make Servers Cringe 21.01.2026 13min

On this podcast episode, we have Kaela, a returning guest to discuss common customer requests that make servers cringe. As veteran restaurant servers, we dive into what servers hear when customers say these lines. Learn about the nuances of customer requests and how they're often interpreted in the restaurant industry.. #Restaurant, #ServerLife, #ServiceIndustry, #Hospitality, #ServerStories #RestaurantComedy Follow Me On Social Media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter More Info https://www.themodernwaiter.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

RESTAURANT TRENDS FOR 2026 Pt. 1: AI 14.01.2026 20min

Discover the 10 AI trends transforming the restaurant industry in 2026. This is the first episode in the series: Restaurant and Hospitality Trends of 2026. Marlon Joseph (The Modern Waiter) and Danny Davila break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from drive-thru ordering to dynamic pricing, inventory management, and even robot chefs in the kitchen. With over 30 years of combined experience in the service industry, we've seen trends come and go, but AI is here to stay. Learn how 82% of restaurants are already using AI technology and what it means for customers, employees, and business owners alike. Follow Me On Social Media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter More Info https://www.themodernwaiter.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.