Comprehensive Guide to Tipping in the Hospitality Industry: Busser and Bartender Pay

The financial support of employees in the hospitality industry often depends on the concept of tipping. This article provides a detailed look at how much busser and bartender employees should receive in tips, along with other relevant information and variations.

Introduction to Tipping in the Hospitality Industry

Tip percentages are a crucial aspect of the hospitality industry, enabling employees to earn additional income beyond their base wages. In this article, we explore the specific pay structures for busser and bartender roles, and analyze how these vary from establishment to establishment.

Understanding Busser Pay

Busser, or busboy, is a position that involves cleaning and resetting tables, ensuring the dining area is presentable for the next customer. Busser pay can vary based on several factors.

Standard Busser Pay

General range: $3 to $5 per table

Some establishments may add an additional percentage (e.g., 5%) for large events or high-volume nights

In some places, the house may receive part of the tip, ranging from $1 to $2

Triple Double Pay (3 2 System)

This system involves splitting the tip among staff. For example, the busser, bartender, and host may each receive 30%, 20%, and 10% of the total tip, respectively.

Example: A table with a $25 tip would result in:

Insights on Bartender Pay

A bartender plays a crucial role in serving alcohol and enhancing the overall dining experience. Their tipping percentage can also differ based on the type of establishment.

Standard Bartender Pay

Service bars may pay a base tip of $5 per table

Establishments with their own customer base might pay $3 or $2 per table

In some cases, the bartender may not receive a tip at all, depending on the establishment's tipping policy

Tips for High-Volume Bars

In bars that see a high volume of customers, the bartender may receive a higher tip percentage to reflect the higher number of tables served.

High-Volume Example

Table Service Average: $25 Bartender: $5 per table (50%) Cashier: $2 per table (40%) Dishwasher: $1 per table (10%)

Proposed Solutions and Pay Structures

Some establishments opt for a more inclusive tipping structure, where all staff members share a pool of tips. This system can benefit busser and bartender employees by providing a more consistent and predictable income.

Example: A restaurant in Orlando, Florida, named Bennigans on The B-Line, implemented a tip share model. In this model, the total tip pool is divided into segments according to the restaurant’s assigned percentage.

Tip Share Model

Total tip pool: $100 per table

Restaurant tip share: 20%

Share for each staff member: 60% - 100%

Thus, the busser, bartender, and host could each receive a percentage of the total tip pool, based on the establishment's specific rules.

Conclusion

The amount of tips received by busser and bartender employees can vary significantly depending on the establishment. Additionally, the implementation of a tip share model can provide a more equitable distribution of tips among staff members, enhancing job satisfaction and overall productivity.

FAQs

Q: Is it legal for employees not to receive tips?

Yes, in some establishments, it may be legal for busser and bartender employees to not receive tips. However, this practice may vary from state to state and should be discussed with the employer to ensure compliance with local labor laws.

Q: How can employees ensure proper tip distribution?

Employees can ensure proper tip distribution by openly discussing the tipping policy with their employer and seeking clarification on any ambiguities. Additionally, maintaining a positive working relationship can help resolve any disputes or concerns.

Q: Can all staff members be included in the tip share model?

Yes, many establishments opt for a tip share model that includes all staff members, such as bussers, bartenders, hosts, and dishwashers. This model can help create a more inclusive environment and ensure a fair distribution of tips.