Service industry feeling the economic crunch

The economy is hurting almost everyone. The people feeling the struggle the most may be those who depend on others generosity.

In tight economic times, for some, going out to eat has become a luxury. With people trying to do more with less, tipping your server may go by the wayside.

Kristin Masson has worked at Elijah’s Restaurant for the past two years. During that time, she has seen a change in business.

“We’ve had less business. We close earlier each night, because there’s nobody in the restaurant. My income has dropped drastically because of that because I do make tips,” said Masson.

What most may not know, is servers make way below minimum wage because their tips make up for the rest. But with less people opting to eat out, tips are drying up for the people who rely on them.

People usually tend to tip depending on the type of service they receive, but these days that 15 percent tip is spare change many just don’t have.

Local restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen, is seeing much of the same. Servers say in recent months, there has been a sharp decline in their total sales. The restaurant used to generate more than a $1000 during the lunch hour, now it makes about half that amount.

“To get your bills paid, you can’t guarantee on what you’re going to make everyday and it definitely is decreasing,” said Nikki MacNeil, a Hell’s Kitchen bartender.

For many in the service industry, they can only hope the economy will make a turn for the better.