What does it mean when a server has to carry their own bank?

Question

I've just started a waitressing job and i'm a little confused about the "bank" concept. What excatly is it? I know that i will need to bring a few 5's, 1's and some change to my shifts, but for what? How does this work, and what is the purpose?

Answer 1

Basically, your "bank" is simply money you bring to make change. It's an idea to reduce time and to keep servers from constantly bothering the register to make change. Think of it as always being prepared for someone to ask you to break a $10 or a $20.



Best way to do it is to bring change for a $20, preferably two fives and ten ones. I would also recommend bringing coin change as well, a good mixture of about $2-$3 of change.



This also means that you'll be responsible for all cash during your shift, turning it in at the end of the shift. It can be a little daunting at first, but you'll get the hang of it pretty easily. I would strongly recommend that you always double count any money going in or out of your hands, no matter how busy you are. I can't tell you the number of times servers lost money from not counting properly.

Answer 2

Generally, what it mean is that you are responsible for "cashing out" your own receipts after your shift. YOU are the bank. Different restaurants have specific ways of handling it, but basically it means you are responsible for paying the restaurant for all sales, and you walk away with your tips and your bank. If you are short at the end of your shift, you are personally responsible to pay the restaurant that shortage.