What is it Like Working the Dinner Shift at Denny’s?

Working the dinner shift at Denny's can be both challenging and rewarding. The restaurant environment poses unique opportunities and demands, particularly when it comes to earning tips. In this article, we delve into the experience of working the dinner shift, explore the typical earnings, and offer valuable insights on when and how to take on the dinner shift.

Overview of the Dinner Shift

Deciding whether to take the dinner shift at Denny’s involves an understanding of the time commitment, the rush of serving dining customers, and the earning potential. Many years ago, I worked the graveyard shift from 11 PM to 7 AM, which allowed me to juggle my college classes and personal commitments effectively. This schedule worked well for me, offering a balanced approach to my professional and personal life.

Tips and Earnings at Denny’s

Tips can vary significantly based on the shift you work. Dinner service at Denny's is known for its packed hours and the corresponding flurry of activities. Unlike the breakfast shift, where customers tend to rush through their meals and leave, dinner customers are generally more leisurely and willing to tip more. However, the tips do not necessarily reflect the amount of time and effort put into serving a dinning table compared to other shifts.

Breakfast Shift: Higher Earnings Potential

When compared to the dinner shift, working the breakfast shift can be more lucrative in terms of tips. The breakfast shift generally sees a higher turnover of customers, with diners often finishing their meals quickly and leaving. This means servers can turn over multiple tables more frequently, resulting in potentially higher tips per hour. It's common to see servers make significantly more in tips during rush hours, such as breakfast hours.

Tips and Turnover

The tip earnings at Denny's are fairly consistent with other restaurant chains. , the company that manages multiple Denny's locations, typically pays their employees a base wage plus tips. The minimum wage for the graveyard shift can be around $6.00 per hour. This base wage, combined with the tips, forms the total earnings for a server during their shift.

Challenges of the Dinner Shift

One of the primary challenges of working the dinner shift is the increased workload and rush. Servers are responsible for managing multiple tables, often simultaneously, which can be stressful and demanding. On busy nights, servers may find themselves overloaded with orders and tasked with maintaining a high level of service despite the pressure. However, the dazzle of getting all the tables and tips often outweighs the difficulties.

Conclusion: Shift Recommendations

Ultimately, the best shift for you depends on your personal situation and preferences. If you have a flexible schedule and can handle the rush of a dinner shift, it can be a rewarding and lucrative choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed environment and higher turnover, the breakfast shift or even the lunch shift may be more suitable. Both the incumbent and graveyard shifts have their pros and cons, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision.

In summary, the dinner shift at Denny's presents a unique opportunity for earning tips and experiencing the bustling atmosphere of a diner during peak hours. Whether you decide to take on the challenge, the breakfast shift offers a different but equally rewarding experience. Both options have their merits, and it's important to weigh your priorities before making your choice.

What shift would you recommend for someone looking to earn more in tips? Tell us in the comments below!