Can anyone give an overview of the hospitality industry in the Ft. Lauderdale area? (Miami: credit)

[jennj528]

We are considering relocating in the fall from Mystic, CT where we both work in tipped restaurant positions and make a pretty good living doing so. Is it difficult for an experienced server/bartender to find employment there and what can one expect to average in a regular work week? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[Torrential_Downpours]

My husband and I have worked in the hospitality industry here for 6 years now and I can tell you it's not what it once was. The night club he manages has been struggling to keep servers for the last year, especially at night, when the drink prices and inflated. It seems no one wants to pay $12 for a drink, never mind tipping you for bringing it. Most places have been closing their doors or switching hands.

Miami was the place to work when everyone was living off credit and charging whatever they wanted, three years ago. I'm not saying that you won't find jobs here or make money here; Your experience will help you find a job quick, because most places won't hire otherwise. Just realize that there is a high cost of living, and you may not make any more than you're currently getting and your bills will be higher.

[jennj528]

Thanks for the info. I have been hearing that the cost of living there is high but researching it seems that the cost of living is only 75% of what it is here in Mystic, CT.
Do you find that you and your husband are able to live a comfortable lifestyle in the industry or are you struggling in the down economy?
Here, winters can be tough for us as tourism only helps us out 4 months out of the year and the cost of home heating has become astronomically high but we are generally able to pay our bills and enjoy going out a few times a week. I would say that a year round average tip income between the two of us working 4-5 nights per week is about $700 each per week. Is this comparable to what one with experience can expect to make down there? Thanks again.

[CTGirlNoMore]

*waves from CT, also looking to make the move*

[jennj528]

What part of CT are you from?

[vr2]

There are places where you can make $700+/week each. However, nowadays those are few and far between and definitely not a safe bet.

I waited tables for years at many decent establishments. At one point earning $1000 - $1100+/week. When I quit my income was closer to $500 and after trying a few different restaurants it became painfully obvious how hard it is to make that here. Especially as a new employee as you probably already know, new servers don't get the best shifts/sections.

HOWEVER. If you are good, and aggressively seek out a solid position at a solid restaurant, the money is still there, just much harder to find now. You will be hard pressed to find a position outside of landmark restaurants where $700/week is attainable with 4 shifts.

If you are Ruth's Chris caliber server then you may have an easier time pulling this off. If you are Applebees caliber, then good luck.

[jennj528]

Thanks for the reply... kinda hard to believe the industry is so bleak in such a tourist type area...
Is it not customary down there for people to tip 20%?

[vr2]

European, South American, and Canadian tourists tip poorly and are generally rude. Which is why most establishments on South Beach add tip.

It's more about volume at a touristy restaurant. As I mentioned, if you can pick up a job at a landmark restaurant with big time checks - Smith and Wollensky, Ruth's Chris, and some of the others, then you can do well. If not, it can be tough.

You shouldn't have a problem pulling minimum $500 week almost anywhere you go, though. I don't want to be so negative, because this industry is hit or miss, there are restaurants out there where you can make a killing, just harder to find now.

[jennj528]

That's awesome that they add the gratuity. I know I personally cringe when I approach a table and hear the dreaded British accent... or worse, FRENCH!
I have heard stories about bartenders being able to make upwards of 1k per night in high volume places down there which would have been awesome for me a few years ago but in my old age of 31 (yikes!) I prefer to be in the civilized field of fine dining. Good to hear that there is opportunity to make a living that way in the area. Thanks again for the info... I feel better now knowing that it's not absolute doom and gloom in the industry as long as you can qualify at a decent establishment.