I’d like to go out to a restaurant for dinner but am running a little low on cash. I’ve always heard a restaurant will provide a meal as long as you compensate by washing dishes for an agreed period of time.
I’m thinking of going somewhere like a Chili’s for the $9.99 trio special. I think 1.5 hours of washing dishes afterward will be fair.
Do I tell the waiter or waitress about this before or after the meal?
2007-01-31 03:55:46 · 8 answers · asked by Billy Jack H 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They are not obligated to allow you to compensate your meal for free work. They could charge you and have you arrested. Is a 10 dollar meal worth going to jail for? Why go out to eat when you can't afford it?
Instead, make some budget changes in your finances and buy food from a store or visit food pantries. There are programs available for people who are on a fixed income. Another idea, get a part time job as a supplement. I would encourage you to find someone to help you with budgeting and meal planning as well.
2007-01-31 04:22:35 · answer #1 · answered by Erica, AKA Stretch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A waiter or waitress doesn't have the authority to make a deal. Ask to speak with the manager and be upfront. But washing dishes is no longer a matter of putting dishes in and out of the sink -- most places have machines for this -- can you operate a machine? If not, then volunteer to man a mop.
2007-01-31 12:01:25 · answer #2 · answered by hawkthree 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do business for a living, not serving people then give them a job as payment. Try to count if 10 people come in a day and do the same as you, after one month, what he have to use to buy all the stocks of the meat, salad etc? by using clean dishes ?
If you are low on cash, why don't you made yourself a sandwich or things like that ?
2007-01-31 12:13:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The restaurant CAN let you wash dishes for the above. They ARE NOT obligated to that or to any other agreement not worked out ahead of time. Nor do they have to agree to your terms. Also, for all you know, they might be overstaffed that day on dishwashers and be sending employees home early.
If you can't pay for the meal, how are you going to make bail when they haul you off for theft?
2007-01-31 12:03:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
After the meal, definitely, otherwise, you probably wont be seated. This way, you at least get a nice meal, though instead of dishes, you might be looking at a badge...?
Also, you may be blacklisted at Chili's permanently, afterward. Hope the meal would be worth it.
2007-01-31 12:02:05 · answer #5 · answered by moonshadow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead, try a small, one-location mom and pop place. Dress cleancut, ask in ADVANCE. Prepare what you plan to say in advance: short, sweet, responsible. E.g. : "Hi! My name is Sam, I live two blocks away and I go to Hoover college part time. Do you ever need a little extra help with food prep or dishwashing? I am a fast worker with a flexible schedule. I am also very interested in any meal exchange because my student food budget is really tight!" They might say yes! And if they say no, be polite but leave your name and tel number with the owner or manager "just in case."
2007-01-31 12:06:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can't afford a $9.99 meal, fill out a job application.
2007-01-31 12:14:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
if you are an honnest person discuss that matter before you order
2007-01-31 12:09:51 · answer #8 · answered by sammy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋