The Modern Waiter Podcast

The Modern Waiter Bonus Podcast.  Chef Kevin Andraska  (www.instagram.com/chefkev86/) joins us for our very first bonus podcast.  In the upcoming weeks we are checking in with our listeners for a candid chat.  If you would like us to check in with you and feature you in an upcoming bonus podcast episode, direct message me @themodernwaiterpodcast on Instagram or email me at themodernwaiter@gmail.co...

In this week's restaurant podcast episode we adjust to a new life.  The majority of restaurant workers are unemployed to abide by the social distancing mandates.  As we flatten our bank accounts, (ahem), as we flatten the curve we discuss how we are coping with the adjustments of quarantine life.  In part one of a what promises to be a five part series, I make some shocking admissions. The journey...

The Coronavirus pandemic hit right in the middle of spring break.  This weeks restaurant podcast we take a look at the history of spring break.  Producer Danny’s restaurant is right in the epicenter of it all.  Spring break then and now, Ft. Lauderdale FL is at the heart of it all.  Our show has a slightly different sound now that we have the social distancing mandate.  We are doing the show in se...

In this week's episode we discuss the Rona And The Restaurant.  There is a bit of shifting of the finish line as far as how long social distancing will last due to the Coronavirus.  Danny and I start from the beginning and speak candidly about how this all got started.  There is a lot of information that we can consume on the subject, similar to food, some information is better than others.  Some...

In this weeks restaurant podcast we look into the Details.  Niheem Marcomeni, a seasoned veteran in the industry, joins Producer Danny and me.  Banquets, management, high-end steak house and sommelier; we are pleased to get a glimpse into the philosophy of paying attention to the details of serving. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...

This week’s restaurant podcast we explore those restaurant nightmares.  Workplace dreams seem particularly visceral for restaurants.  Whether you work in the kitchen and tickets are hitting the floor or servers getting more and more tables, these dreams occur even past your restaurant days. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#d...

In this restaurant podcast we kick the outdated, ugly and unhealthy menu items to the curb.  We applaud the high margin, great presentation money makers.  The best and the worst of the menu takes a look at food categories and specific items that grab our attention based on performance and execution.  We simplify an otherwise complicated metric. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...

This weeks restaurant podcast vents the FAQs we have gotten over the years.  Freaking Asinine Questions.  The head scratching WTFs of it all.  I get it.  Maybe you are hungry.  Maybe you’re drunk; or, or, or maybe you should have thought before you spoke.  Producer Danny and I share and laugh at some ridiculous FAQs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

This weeks restaurant podcast turns the clock back to your first day on the restaurant job.  What do we remember about our first day.  Mine was over 24 years ago.  In my progression as a service professional, I look back with fond memories of what I did not know. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest restaurant days on the calendar.  In this weeks restaurant podcast we explore the paradox of recognizing the potential to make money all the while knowing it is widely regarded as “amateur night”.  What can you expect from your dining experience on Valentine’s Day?  Give a listen while you brace yourself to work on this holiday. See Privacy Policy at https://a...

Overserved is the theme of this weeks restaurant podcast.  We sell drinks to our guests but where do we draw the line.  When do we stop serving and cut someone off.  We discuss how to tell if someone has reached their drink limit.  We also share times when we were less than responsible with alcohol. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...

Make sure you do your side work because it is my closing shift episode.  In this week's restaurant server podcast, we look at why closing shifts are a P.I.A.  Produce Danny of course, does not mind them.  I on the other hand... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Brunchtown can be a wonderful place.  Mimosas in the early afternoon, breakfast-lunch mash up.  It’s all deadly.  There are however some etiquette and practical guidelines to brunching successfully.  Don’t be that person.  In todays restaurant server podcast we look at the brunch buffet in particular. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co...

Special thanks to our listener Ava Jane.  Her email in response to one of our shows inspired me to do a podcast show on generosity.  Restaurant servers are are no strangers to generosity in the craziest ways.  We may not be able to predict where generosity comes from but it is always fun to guess. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Talk about taking the good and the bad.  Large parties are boom or bust.  We navigate what those pitfalls are in this weeks restaurant podcast.  We also reminisce about the good and bad parties we had once upon a time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode “In The Kitchen”, is the first in a series we created for season two.  The series will feature interesting people in their element with the food driving the conversation and the kitchen the backdrop.  In The Kitchen features Mateo Rodrigues, part nut, part chef, all heart.  Mateo was kind enough to come in and cook for us and share his love for food.  His challenge was to work...

I admit it.  I am a bit of a grinch.  That won't get in the way of today's Christmas episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast.  Producer Danny, as usual, brings some balance to the force.  Fun as always.  Unwrap with no effs given. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

The schedule is the life blood of a server's existence in the restaurant.  Schedule writers have their work cut out for them.  In this weeks podcast we discuss the trends all restaurant schedules seem to follow.  Some good, some need improvement.  There are often over 30 servers to fit into these daily slots.  Kudos to those that do it well.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cal...

Why do so many people fall for the restaurant dream?  More and more restaurants are opening every year.  Many close their doors as well.  Menu, location, employees, overhead and navigating the competition: there is a lot to get right.  We paint with a broad stroke while discussing the many pitfalls of the restaurant dream. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Noti...

Woohoo! Producer Danny and I are celebrating our 52nd show, marking one year of podcasting.  We gleefully look back on our journey, sharing our mistakes and highlights we experienced along the way.  We are excited to bring you more guests and interesting content in the coming year.  Thank you for giving us a chance. Please share the podcast with anyone who may enjoy the show. See Privacy Policy at...

Thanksgiving, is the topic of this podcast episode.  It is my favorite holiday.  We explore thanksgiving traditions, favorite food and even Black Friday.  Many restaurants close on thanksgiving.  It is time for families and friends to get together and eat.  Spoiler alert!  I don't even like turkey.  It is no secret that servers work most holidays.  Someone has to do it... See Privacy Policy at htt...

You have had enough of the service industry and you are ready to move on.  We take a look at the skills needed to be a good server and translate them to other careers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Early is On Time, On Time is Late, and Late is Unacceptable!  I never understood how on time could be late but lets take a look at lateness and how it affects you and others.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

We are joined in studio by the perfect guest for the subject of pets in restaurants.  April, joined by Schnauzer Maui, is a former dog trainer who now works in the restaurant industry "full time".  Danny and I discuss the mistakes pet owners make regarding restaurant patronage. “one thing I think restaurants should advertise is that they are more pet friendly if they are, then if a person who abso...

As a follow up to last weeks episode, we explore the flip side of the coin.  These are the concessions we make as servers.  If you aren't able to get past these potential barriers then it is surely time to get out of the business.  Producer Danny- "because there always those people in life...it doesn't matter what their job was they're gonna complain."   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...