How to Perform in a Restaurant

Learn how to become a restaurant entertainer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A marketable skill such as Balloon Art, Magic, Comedy, Musical Talent, ect.
• Phone

1. Have a skill you want to do in a restaurant. (I twist balloons. You could do walk around magic, walk around guitar songs for people, you could play in a band, or perform some other type of entertainment.)

2. Make a list of all the restaurants in your area. Do not leave any off the list. If there are some you would rather not perform for, call them first so that you can get a feel for how everything works.

3. Call every restaurant on your list, starting at the top and working your way down. For each call, do the following:
   
   *Ask for the GM (General Manager). If they are not available, get their name and a good time to call back. Most importantly, remember to follow through and call back.
   
   *Once the GM is on the phone, get his name and let him know what you do. Offer him a free tryout for an hour to let him see what it is that you do. Let him know that if he likes it you can work something out and if he doesn't you'll part friends. Make sure the GM will be there when you do the tryout!!

4. Go do your tryout, showing them all the cool stuff you can do at their restaurant. At the end of your shift, meet up with the GM and ask to sit and talk for a minute or two. If he doesn't like it, start on the next tryout. If he does, quote him a price and let him know how often you can be there.
   
   I suggest looking in your area, asking other entertainers what they charge to be in a restaurant doing something similar to what you do. I know that I have seen prices vary from $25/hr all the way up to $150/hr with balloons alone. Music can be even more expensive, especially if you have a full band.

5. Continue working with them and building a repertoire so that you can maintain your agreement and so that you can continue to work in the restaurant making money on a weekly basis.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are meeting with a manager, KEEP THE CONVERSATION SHORT. No manager wants to waste their time listening to someone. So, if your pitch is too long, you will never get a free tryout.
• Be cautious of what you are performing and know that it may be necessary to have insurance for some activities in the restaurant.

Resources

• Restaurant Busking Blog with resources

[YourBalloonMan]

on 1/28/2009 Shadowynight23: It is very easy. It still takes work, but it is very easy to do. It is just a matter of getting out there and doing it.

NVChrisGreen: That is very true. It helps to keep things to a minimun until you are with the decisionmakers. Also, keep in mind that once you are in an establishment, you can contact the District Manager and sometimes pick up other nights and locations for the same type of service.

[shadowynight23]

on 12/5/2008 Very interesting. Doesn't sound easy, though. Thank you for the article!

[nvchrisgreen]

on 12/5/2008 I might add to be careful giving too much information about why you wish to speak with the GM when speaking with lesser management. Keep your answer brief and end with asking when it would be best time to introduce yourself to the GM as sometimes the lesser management will act as though they make the decisions or wish to screen unwanted solicitors.