National Hospitality Day is just around the corner on September 29th, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the industry that brings so much joy, comfort, and connection to our lives. At Ginger, our roots are firmly planted in the soil of hospitality. We’re a team of ex-hospitality professionals who have traded our aprons and guest lists for a new mission: helping others find their dream roles in this incredible industry. Join us as we share our love and some hilarious tales from our time on the front lines.
Jodie
Hospitality is a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. It’s hard work, but the camaraderie, laughter, and even the tears make it worthwhile. Working front-of-house, I found a second family among my colleagues. We would support each other through the longest shifts and celebrate our little victories together.
I remember my early days, around the age of 16, working in a restaurant with my best friend. The chefs were formidable figures, always yelling and once even chasing me out of the kitchen for being too cheeky. My friend, however, was a character. She had a knack for messing up orders but could talk her way out of anything. She’d send salmon instead of steak and then convince the customer that they’d love it, usually sweetening the deal with a free glass of wine. It was audacious, and she pulled it off every time.
Jenni
For me, Hospitality is all about the team and the connection with the community. Whether they’re locals or out-of-town guests, forming relationships and sharing smiles is what kept me going.
There was this one time when I was serving a table of seven and opened a bottle of champagne. The cork hit the ceiling, ricocheted back, and landed squarely on the table. Meanwhile, the champagne flowed freely—right onto one of the guests. It was like a comedy of errors in real time!
Hannah
I was supervising a young staff member who had just up sold a bottle of champagne. As she loosened the cork, it shot out, ricocheting off a stone wall and hitting a customer in the temple. The atmosphere turned from festive to funeral-like in a heartbeat. Then, the customer broke the silence with a hearty laugh. We all joined in and shared the champagne, turning a near-disaster into a moment of joy.
Robyn
In this industry, your teammates become your family in the blink of an eye. Even when the shift feels never-ending, there’s always someone to share a laugh or an encouraging word.
We once had a new manager who we decided to initiate with a harmless prank. We panicked and told him we were out of “ice solution” on a busy Friday evening. He was frantically searching for suppliers, ready to place an emergency order for what was essentially water. The look on his face when we revealed the joke was priceless.
On a less busy evening, a colleague and I played a game of ‘Battleships’ but with a twist. We used the restaurant’s table layout and hid under tables, calling out numbers until one of us found the other. It was a hilarious way to make the most of a slow night.
Craig
The joy of hospitality lies in the connections you make and the lives you touch. It’s an ever-evolving field where your personality shines, and every day is an opportunity for growth and exploration.
At a 50th birthday celebration, I struggled to open a bottle of champagne. In my clumsiness, I shook the bottle so much that when it finally opened, it sprayed champagne all over the room. We all laughed until our bellies hurt and enjoyed the bubbly that was left.
Ben
During a wedding ceremony, I was responsible for lighting the aisle candles. Just as the bride was about to make her grand entrance, a gust of wind blew the curtain into one of the candles. The curtain caught fire, making it a wedding no one would ever forget. The flames were quickly controlled, but for a moment there, we all held our breaths.
Josh
Hospitality, for me, is about creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a couple saving up for a special night out or a regular patron, everyone gets the same exceptional treatment.
Once, in an old building filled with fireplaces, I lit all the fires but forgot to turn on the extractors. The entire building was filled with smoke, setting off the alarms and summoning the fire brigade. It was an embarrassing but valuable lesson in attention to detail!
We all hold a collective fondness for the hospitality industry, seasoned with both love and humour. As we approach National Hospitality Day, let’s raise a glass to the tireless professionals who make this industry so extraordinary. Here’s to the chefs, the servers, the managers, and everyone in between. Cheers!
