[dishdave]

What's the best (or at least some good) way/ways to ask the owner for a raise?

I've been at my current job for about 3 months now, which, generally speaking, in a restaurant, is that initial period where new employees get to settle in and show what they're worth.

When I was hired, I was assured that hard work and performance would be rewarded with pay raises. I actually got a .50 raise about a week after I was hired. The owner told me he needed to speak with me and pulled me out back - I swear I was sweating, I thought for sure I was about to get fired - but he told me he would be bumping my pay up since after watching me work a little he felt like he started me too low. I still can't believe that happened.

So there's that, and I don't wanna push it. There's never, ever, seems to be a good time to ask for a raise. Seems like in the past every time I get determined to ask for one, something goes all wrong (boss is in a terrible mood, angry at someone else, I screw up something stupid, etc)...

So I've been at this place for a few months, the holiday season is coming up and due to a herniated disc in my neck, EXTRA bills are piling up (and my neck and back hurt like all ****). I recently received a good review for my pizzas in a local magazine via a not so local nationwide food bloggers network. I have introduced new menu items. I come into mgmt. meetings just to sit in. I have tweaked and improved everything about their pizza program. I'm finally running pie specials for them. I think I'm due a little extra pay for the work I've put in.

So what are some good ways to ask for a raise? What has worked for you in the past?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

-Dave

[foodpump]

The boss understands money.

If you have tweaked and improved pizza production and can credit good reviews to your work, make yourself a portfolio, and show the boss, on paper how your improvements have made him money.

Then comes the asking. Ask for about 30% more than what you want. Then talk about what you can do in the next few months to increase sales/decrease food cost.

Bosses are also creative too, they might offer you a cut instead of an increase. Might offer you an incentive if you keep food cost at a certain %.

Smile, never say no, never threaten directly.

But keep a portfolio, it sure comes in handy....

[chefhow]

I wouldnt push it, if you've already received a raise wait for the 6 month mark and sit down with the boss then.

[Rivver]

Originally Posted by chefhow

I wouldnt push it, if you've already received a raise wait for the 6 month mark and sit down with the boss then.

I agree with him, unless your restaurant is super busy and those pizza's of yours are selling like crazy. My bosses for example get pissed off when people ask for raises. It is sad but true, also the higher paid guys are barely even put on the schedule. But I work in a fooked up place. Never work for anyone with Patel for a last name.

Unless you are being really under paid then I would wait for teh 6 month mark like the poster said above.

[leeniek]

I agree..wait for the six month mark and then approach him. We had someone ask today for a raise and they were turned down. The place is new, and the owners aren't comfortable spending extra right now, and honestly, I'd rather have a job than a raise.

[dishdave]

All good advice. Maybe I should wait it out a bit.

Thanks everyone.