The Modern Waiter Podcast

Are restaurants and bars secretly refilling liquor bottles? Are they pouring off brand alcohol when you ordered premium? In this week's podcast, we reveal the truth behind shady bar practices like substituting cheaper liquor for top-shelf brands and refilling premium bottles with lower-cost spirits. Is this illegal? We breakdown the red flags, the risks and how you can protect yourself. If you’ve...

Stress is a part of almost any job. When you are working in a restaurant that stress can feel like a trap. It does not have to control you. This podcast episode will give you fast and practical ways to manage stress in as a restaurant server. Learn how to reset your nervous system in 30 seconds, communicate under pressure, prioritize when everything feels urgent, and keep your mindset steady throu...

f you are a server, you know double shifts, rude tables, inconsistent tips creates constant pressure. In this podcast, we break down proven, realistic strategies to avoid burnout in the service industry. You’ll learn simple daily systems to protect your energy, set boundaries, and manage stress during rushes. It is important to handle difficult guests without absorbing the negativity, and build a...

Thinking about leaving the restaurant grind for a 9–5? In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we sit down with former restaurant pro Mateo Rodríguez, who went from back-of-house and bartending to beverage manager and now works at a bank with true banker’s hours. We unpack the real culture shock, lifestyle shifts, money differences, and whether the grass is actually greener outside the servi...

Pulling a double shift doesn’t have to wreck your energy, mood, or performance. In this podcast, Danny and I share our tips to stay sharp, avoid burnout, and finish strong. Working in hospitality, retail, warehouses, health care, or service jobs you are no stranger to working the double. You’ll learn how to front-load recovery, fuel for sustained energy, manage micro-rest breaks, and reset fast af...

In todays podcast, Danny and I welcome special guest Mateo Rodriguez, former restaurant manager, mixologist, and chef. We combine forces to debate what is the best thanksgiving dinner plate? We continue our holiday food draft tradition by putting the mains, sides, sauces, desserts and drinks in a face off to decide the ultimate holiday plate. Follow Me On Social Media: Instagram https://www.instag...

Ever wonder what it’s actually like working a holiday a restaurant? Veteran servers with 30 years plus experience discuss what it is like during the chaos; From double-booked reservations to last-minute large parties. Those of you who have ever worked in hospitality will recognize what we reveal behind the curtain. #RestaurantLife #HolidayRush #ServiceIndustry #ServerLife #RestaurantStories Follow...

The Las Vegas Strip has become very expensive. We stayed on the Las Vegas Strip to discover the deals, budget hacks and happy hours that you may not know about. Can we do an affordable trip to Vegas without missing out on the best parts. Follow Me On Social Media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernwaiter More Info  https://www....

They say Las Vegas is empty… so we went anyway. In this podcast, we reveal our findings on our recent trip to the Las Vegas Strip. What is it really like right now: crowds (or lack of them), hotel vibes, casino floors, restaurant waits, and how it feels to visit today. We’ll walk through major spots on the Strip, check out prices and deals. If you’re planning a Las Vegas trip soon, this show will...

If you’ve ever been slammed on a busy shift, you know what it feels like to be “in the weeds.” In this server training, you’ll learn exactly why we get into the weeds and a simple system to stay organized, prioritize constantly, control timing, and recover fast during a rush. Perfect for new servers and veterans who want smoother shifts, higher tips, and lower stress. See Privacy Policy at https:/...

What’s In My Apron: 30-Year Server’s Must-Haves. After three decades on the floor, these are the tools I never work a shift without. In this video, I break down every item I carry, why it matters, and how it saves time, tips, and sanity during a busy service. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Are you handing strangers your “toilet phone”? In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, Veteran restaurant servers discuss how Your Phone Is 10x Dirtier Than a Toilet. Your cell phone has germs you can’t see and we tell you how to clean them. Over 30 years in the service industry has made me aware of the drawbacks from working with the public. People ask me to take pictures with their cell ph...

Does soaking silverware in a glass of hot water actually sanitize it? In this episode, two veteran restaurant servers (30+ years in the industry) debunk the “hot water myth” and explain what really sanitizes silverware, why plastic utensils aren’t a safer alternative, and how to dine smarter without introducing new risks like microplastics. Connect with us: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/them...

As longtime servers in the restaurant industry, we've watched Red Lobster go through quite the journey, from being America's go-to middle-class seafood celebration spot to dealing with pandemic struggles, that whole unlimited shrimp disaster, bankruptcy, and now a complete rebrand under new CEO Damola Adamolekun . Follow Me On: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ Tiktok htt...

Have you ever looked at a menu and thought, "Wait, what does that mean?" Do you know the difference between flammable and inflammable? In this podcast episode, we're breaking down the most confusing words in English that are found in food labels and restaurant menus. We are covering common words that don't always mean what you think they do. From shelled peanuts (does that mean with or without the...

In this podcast, we are ranking the top 10 national breakfast food chain restaurants. Service, nostalgia, and number of locations are among some of the metrics used in our rankings. You may love a classic diner, or you were looking for a new restaurant that serves breakfast. See why these restaurants have earned their spot on our list. Listen as we breakdown what makes each of these restaurants st...

You won’t believe the bizarre things customers ask for. From splitting a check six ways for four people to someone pulling a baked potato out of her purse. We’ve seen it all. In this episode of The Modern Waiter Podcast, we’re sharing the absolute weirdest, funniest, and most confusing requests we’ve ever gotten from restaurant guests. Ever been asked to make a quiche with no eggs? Or a plain fish...

Many restaurants claim their dishes are homemade, but that’s not always the case. We are uncovering the truth behind one of the biggest lies in the restaurant industry: "homemade" food. Homemade pasta may mean pasta made by a local purveyor. Are you being duped by your favorite restaurant? Join the Conversation Got your own story? Email us at themodernwaiter@gmail.com DM us on Instagram: @themoder...

People steal from Restaurants and call it a "Souvenir" and add it to their "Collection". In todays podcast episode, long time career waiters countdown down the Top 10 Craziest Things People Have Stolen from Restaurants. Silverware and ramekins to liquor bottles and even wall décor, we’ve seen it all, and done it all. Follow Me On Social Media: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpod...

Long time waiters tell stories of what really goes down when customers treat waitstaff poorly. We endure threats and poor treatment. Sometime we forget that there are people in the waiter uniform and that they are handling your food. This podcast episode reveals why being kind isn't just polite, it’s smart. Follow Me On: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast/ Tiktok https://ww...

Ordering wine at a restaurant doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this podcast episode Danny and I, waiters of over 50 years combined give you a simple guideline to ordering wine at any style restaurant. We will walk you through everything you need to know; decoding the wine list, how to confidently talk to a sommelier, what to do during the taste test, and even corkage fees when bringing your own...

Ever wondered how much strippers really make in a night? From dancers at high-end gentlemen's clubs to those working at seedy strip joints, we're lifting the lid on the shocking truth about strippers' nightly earnings. We watch exotic dancers count their money and provide a bit of context to their success in their profession. Follow Me On: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast...

What’s the greatest handheld food of all time? In this podcast episode we rank the most iconic grab-and-go bites. Find out if we missed any of your favorites. 🌐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...

Ever wondered what really happens during a restaurant shift? From pre-shift setup to the dinner rush and closing chaos, this behind-the-scenes look will change how you see restaurant workers forever. 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 Polic...

We have all gone to a restaurant and confidently placed our order. We have heard these items many times before, however you may be mispronouncing these common words. Many items in the culinary world are borrowed from other countries that often speak a different language. We are here to boost your confidence and correct these common mistakes so you can order and avoid looking foolish. 🌐Follow Me O...