Bar staff lack scheduling and operations support from owners
11 posts across 3 communities since Jul 2026; 82% from r/bartenders.
“I'm talking about actual nightmare dreams. Anyone else get random nightmares from places you used to work at? My favorite (sarcastic) is from a bar I used to work at that had multiple doors to enter/exit and I forgot to lock one. It's past closing and more people keep coming…”
“If you choose to offer coffee as an option and do any morning services, bring 2-3 large pots and brewers. Do not rely on a commercial keurig. My Boss found out the hard way this past weekend. I was working the window, went from 2 coffee orders to 35 in 10 minutes. A keurig takes…”
“Getting ready to train the new staff at a restaurant under the company I work for. I was stunned when I saw this cocktail, they said it’s going to sell really well. I’m scared”
Multiple posts highlight the challenges faced by cafe and bar owners, including staffing issues, difficult customers, recipe rejection, and nightmares related to past jobs. There's a sense of frustration with ownership or customer behavior.
SOURCES (11)
“If you choose to offer coffee as an option and do any morning services, bring 2-3 large pots and brewers. Do not rely on a commercial keurig. My Boss found out the hard way this past weekend. I was working the window, went from 2…”
“Getting ready to train the new staff at a restaurant under the company I work for. I was stunned when I saw this cocktail, they said it’s going to sell really well. I’m scared submitted by /u/Pingas0310 [link] [comments]”
“I work at a fine dining bar in the Appalachian mountains. Last night I had a husband and wife walk up to the bar for drinks before dinner. I also had two regulars sitting in front of my well, three sets to the left of this couple. The new couple orders a glass of wine and an old fashioned. I pour the wine immediately (for the woman) and then start to build the old fashioned, while also discussing my quickly growing puppy with my regulars. In less than a minute, as I’m finishing the old fashioned”
At Starbucks - you are often only making one drink at a time.
“(I’m taking about a place without servers). I don’t always have time to bus tables, so it frustrates me when someone doesn’t bring me their empty glass, especially if they’re ordering another round. Even if it’s not their job to do it, it’s such an easy courteous act and makes me think higher of them. Recently my other bartender friends and I were at a bar patio and saw a group of 7 leave like 25 empty glasses at their table. Then when we pointed this out one of them flipped us off. Bastards. &#”
“My owners are making me hold a training for the servers to teach them how to ask better questions when getting drink orders. Things like asking if they want shaken, stirred, wet, dry, up, rocks, etc, etc, etc. What are some things that you think are important for the servers to know to take drink orders correctly? I feel like I could do this in like 15 minutes tops but they are scheduling the meeting for an hour and I need to fill time. TIA. ETA: This isn’t a training to go over the drink menu.”
“We are a modest little cocktail spot by the water. 40 capacity. Childs play if we had the right systems. Ownership is clueless. 4th of July is going to be a shit show. I suggested we 86 table service. Have guests order at the bar, and just run the drinks to them. My boss then asks, “so, you’re saying we have to REMEMBER what people look like AND what they order AND BRING IT ALL TO THEM!?!” My fuck up: “um….yeah. That’s…hospitality.” Apparently, I’m patronizing him. Nevermind how he patronizes me”
“I'm talking about actual nightmare dreams. Anyone else get random nightmares from places you used to work at? My favorite (sarcastic) is from a bar I used to work at that had multiple doors to enter/exit and I forgot to lock one. It's past closing and more people keep coming through the door I forgot to lock while I'm pushing people out a different door. I wake up in a cold sweat and am so happy it's not real (eventually). submitted by /u/TheRealMaBa [link] [com”
“Last night my coworker’s family came in late to pre-game for his birthday and his one brother was being a complete ass. Comes into the place already in a mood and fighting with his family. Most bizarre encounter I’ve had in awhile. I wrote it into a scene. Cast of characters: Me: Bartender Izzy: Coworker, birthday boy Paul: Coworker’s nice brother, super funny, we love him Donnie: Coworker’s other brother Tony: Other co-worker Me: Hey, you need anything? Donnie: No, I’m not drinking. I just want”
“I was on a couple days ago during a game, and I couldn’t get out of the bar. We were understaffed, and it was so so busy. I don’t know why, but everyone was extra entitled, too. One guy reached over into the bar and grabbed a handful of ice (from the ice tub) for his rose. I had to tell him “In the future, please ask me if you would like ice, and don’t reach behind the bar.” And he LAUGHED. Also, I know this is commonplace, but no… I don’t know what wine you had. We have 20 tabs open… you’re gon”