I work at Hooters – how I cash in on big tips from guys, from calling customers ‘babe’ to being sassy
WORKING for tips can be lucrative if you know what you’re doing, and one Hooters waitress shared her employee secrets to making big bucks.
The woman’s savvy secrets may surprise you – it’s not all about how you dress, style your hair, or do your makeup.
According to waitress Aby Lynn, who just uses her first and middle name on social media, using her tried-and-tested “shortcuts” will earn you more tips from every customer.
In a TikTok video, Aby explained her strategies, starting with a guideline for keeping customers satisfied throughout their meal.
“Always keep drinks full,” Aby said. If you can, refill the drinks, or bring out fresh ones whenever you come by the table.
“Even if they’re halfway full, bring them another one, because people are impatient,” she said, and snapped her fingers for emphasis.
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Aby’s next tip can be adjusted based on each server’s comfort level, she said.
“I like to call everybody by these little pet names,” she explained. “It makes them more comfortable, makes them more attracted to you maybe.”
When Aby is interacting with a customer, she’ll add in little nicknames like babe, hon, and sweetheart.
“They eat it up, I’m telling you,” she said. And while you’re at it, she said, laugh – a lot.
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Servers can also earn more tips by laughing at everything their customers say, even when it’s not funny, Aby said.
Conversely, servers can entertain their customers by giving a little attitude during their shift.
“Older men especially like it when you’re sassy,” Aby said. Customers will be more interested in tipping a “feisty” server, she claimed.
As an example, Aby said, she might respond “no” when a customer asks for a condiment, but “make it obvious” that she’s going to grab it and return with a joking smile.
There’s another golden rule Aby finds especially crucial to follow at Hooters.
“If a guy is with a girl, you always greet that girl first,” she said. “You pay attention to that girl, you make eye contact with that girl.”
According to Aby, you should barely interact with a male customer at all if he comes in with a woman.
“The only time you’re going to look at that man is when you take his order or give him the check,” she said.
Aby guaranteed this would result in better tips. “Always make the girl comfortable, especially when you work at a place like Hooters,” she said.
Another sneaky tip: always blame the kitchen, Aby instructed.
“If you forgot to ring in food? That’s the kitchen’s fault,” she said.
Tell customers, “They forgot to drop it, I’m so sorry! Can I get you a free dessert?” and they’ll believe that you smoothed over someone else’s problem.
Finally, Aby’s best advice for bigger tips is to learn the music in the restaurant.
Chain restaurants often play the same songs over and over, so get familiar with the playlist that comes over the loudspeakers.
“Learn the songs, love the songs, sing and dance to the songs,” she said, and you’ll watch the tips pile up.