For those that worked in the restaurant industry... (tips, job, minimum wage)

[SilverPlatter]

Did you have to memorize the entire menu of the restaurant before the first day you were allowed to work? I have a friend who was just hired at one and he told me he had about a week to memorize this large menu before he could start working. I couldn't believe it!

From my experience, I had always thought that the 1-2 week training period was where you got the menu down, but I guess I was wrong.

For those who got a job at a restaurant or who have worked at a restaurant in the past: did you have to study up prior to working as well?

[veuvegirl]

It depends on the restaurant and level of service. If it is a five star restaurant and your friend is the head waiter, he better know the menu.

[jumper_girl221]

We weren't really required to memorize the menu, but were required to know what each menu item was, and describe it. They actually had a multiple choice test you had to get a 90+ on before allowing to work the floor. You were allowed to tag along with a training server while memorizing the menu, but the trainer got your tips and you made minimum wage.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by jumper_girl221

We weren't really required to memorize the menu, but were required to know what each menu item was, and describe it. They actually had a multiple choice test you had to get a 90+ on before allowing to work the floor. You were allowed to tag along with a training server while memorizing the menu, but the trainer got your tips and you made minimum wage.

As a consumer, I wish more restaurants would do that. It's annoying to ask a question about a menu item and have them say "I'll go ask".

[SilverPlatter]

Originally Posted by jumper_girl221

We weren't really required to memorize the menu, but were required to know what each menu item was, and describe it. They actually had a multiple choice test you had to get a 90+ on before allowing to work the floor. You were allowed to tag along with a training server while memorizing the menu, but the trainer got your tips and you made minimum wage.

This makes since. You learn the menu as you're training on the job. Having to know it all before clocking in on the very first day is just plain stupid.

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

It depends on the restaurant and level of service. If it is a five star restaurant and your friend is the head waiter, he better know the menu.

He's being hired as a server. Don't know if head waiters exist there.

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

As a consumer, I wish more restaurants would do that. It's annoying to ask a question about a menu item and have them say "I'll go ask".

If I see someone doing this, oftentimes I might ask if it is their first week on the job. Sometimes they may even outright say "sorry, but I'm new and am still learning" and I give them a pass.

If they've been there longer, then I'd expect them know everything.