Working as a server can be a challenging but rewarding job, especially when you find the right strategies to maximize your earnings. Thais Rodriguez, a former Olive Garden Server in Florida, discovered some unconventional yet effective methods to significantly increase her tips. In this firsthand account, Thais shares her experiences and secrets to success in the demanding restaurant industry.
The Sweet Strategy: Free Desserts for Bigger Tips
Thais Rodriguez spent two years working at Olive Garden, a popular Italian-American restaurant chain. During her time there, she stumbled upon a game-changing tactic: giving away free desserts. Inspired by a positive experience as a customer where a free dessert led to a generous tip, Thais decided to implement this approach in her own service.
“It all started when I was dining out and our server surprised us with a complimentary dessert,” Thais recalls. “We were so impressed that we ended up tipping her much more than we initially planned. That’s when I realized the power of a small, unexpected freebie.”
At her next shift at Olive Garden, Thais put her theory to the test. She would occasionally offer a complimentary cheesecake to customers, particularly those she connected with and who hadn’t tried it before. Her approach was subtle and selective. “I wouldn’t offer it to everyone,” she explains. “It was more about building a rapport with the customer. If we had a good conversation and I felt they were appreciative, I would offer a dessert ‘on the house’.”
This act of generosity had a remarkable impact. Customers were delighted and felt valued, which translated directly into higher tips. “People were genuinely surprised and thankful,” Thais says. “It not only boosted my tips in the moment but also helped turn first-time customers into regulars.” While a typical tip might be around 15-20%, Thais found that offering free desserts could sometimes double her tips, reaching as high as 40-50%.
Beyond Desserts: Pigtails and Makeup for Enhanced Tips
Thais’s strategies extended beyond complimentary desserts. She also experimented with her appearance to see if it influenced her tips. Inspired by a TikTok trend suggesting that pigtails could lead to higher tips for servers, Thais decided to try it out.
“I saw this trend online about servers wearing pigtails to get more tips,” Thais mentions. “I was a bit skeptical, but I thought, why not give it a try?” To her surprise, the pigtail experiment worked. Whether braided or straight, the hairstyle seemed to resonate with customers, especially older men. Thais believes it projected a youthful and energetic image, which customers found appealing. “It’s funny, but it really seemed to make a difference,” she laughs. “I think it made me look younger and more approachable.”
Makeup also played a role in Thais’s tip-boosting efforts. She noticed a correlation between wearing well-done makeup and receiving better tips. Her theory was that presenting herself as put-together and confident inspired trust and a sense of being well-cared for among customers. “When I made an effort with my makeup, I felt more confident and energetic,” Thais explains. “I think customers picked up on that. It’s like they thought, ‘If she takes care of herself, she’ll take good care of us’.”
The Art of Reading the Room: Connecting with Customers
Beyond freebies and appearance, Thais emphasized the importance of understanding customer preferences and adapting her service style accordingly. She recognized that not all customers are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in the service industry.
“You really have to be able to ‘read the room’,” Thais advises. “Some tables want a friendly, chatty server who engages with them, while others just want you to be efficient and leave them to their meal.” Recognizing these cues and tailoring her interactions accordingly was crucial to providing excellent service and maximizing tips. For some customers, it meant engaging in deeper conversations and building a personal connection, while for others, it meant providing prompt service and respecting their space.
Thais compares being a server to being an actor, constantly performing and adapting to different roles. While she acknowledges the demanding and sometimes exhausting nature of the job, she also admits to missing the financial rewards that came with mastering the art of serving. Her story provides valuable insights into the strategies and mindset that can lead to success as an Olive Garden server and in the wider restaurant industry.
Please note: Olive Garden has not officially commented on the strategies mentioned in this article. This account is based on the personal experiences of a former Olive Garden server.
Alt text descriptions for images:
- Smiling server holding a plate of dessert: Enthusiastic Olive Garden server offering a delicious dessert to restaurant patrons, highlighting the free dessert tip strategy.
- Server with pigtails smiling at customers: Cheerful Olive Garden waitress with pigtails happily serving customers, illustrating the impact of hairstyle on customer tips.
- Server interacting with customers at a table: Professional Olive Garden server engaging with customers at their table, emphasizing the importance of customer connection and personalized service for better tips.
