Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7305
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
We want to have an informal policy for comp meals for musicians...nothing formal, but something that is fair and will be a perk for a musician and guest. What works where you folks play?
1. We don't want to have a dollar limit or time restriction...tacky!
2. We're thinking of picking up the tab for a meal once a week for two for players who work at least two nights that week.
How do we define what we want to do so that everyone understands. Over the years, I've seen employee meal perks abused. One guy would bring his wife and three kids in prime time and expect preferential treatment, not tip, etc.
Most of the time, musicians have been gracious and good guests.
Registered: 06/25/99
Posts: 16735
Loc: Benton, LA, USA
One place I play provides a special meal for all employees at about 4:00 p.m. They open for the public at 5:00. Harrah's Casino here gives a comp ticket for their restaurant for each member of the group each night they work. When I worked it as a single, they gave me two each night, but I think it was because they were used to haveing a duo. I think one meal a week for two would be a great deal. That way I could bring my wife on a night off and we could enjoy ourselves. DonM
[This message has been edited by DonM (edited 02-17-2004).]
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7305
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Thanks!
We're going to give all musicians 1/2 price on their meal night of the performance and a comp meal for two to once a month for the musicians who play multiple nights a month.
Only downside is, occasionally, they'll have to listen to me.
Registered: 12/06/99
Posts: 2133
Loc: Muskegon, MI
Russ,
I too wish I lived in Lexington and you could hire me. It sounds like you are going to treat the musicians with fairness and respect. I do have a cousin who lives in Lexington and we have stayed there a few times. If we ever visit again we'll have to dine where you are playing. My first real gig was at a restaurant where I played 6 to 9 every Friday and Saturday.
Don, don't use the free meal at Harrah's. You'll just waste it on those creepy things that swim in the creeks. Now if they had Lake Michigan perch among the choices you would really have something worth eating.
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7305
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Tom...the main restaurant I work is Merrick Inn on Tates Creek Road. It's one of the premier restaurants in the South.The Murray family has operated this place, located in an old southern manor house, for over 30 years. The other establishment is Murray's. It's also located in an old house on Harrodsburg Road. Your cousin will know where these places are.Murray's was formerly the Homestead Restaurant.
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7305
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
DNJ...that's Bobby, Jen and Libby (Mom) Murray.
This is the old Homestead Restaurant site.
The new Murrays' site will be up in a week or so. We made minor changes to the Homestead site prior to the name change announcing the purchase by the Murrays. The host was supposed to have disabled this site several months ago...glad you looked it up!
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7305
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
DNJ... I've heard of, but don't know Kevin Moreland. To my knowledge, he never performed at the Merrick Inn...at least not in the summer season the last 13 years. It's possible that he worked a night of so in the winter, but I'd be supprised. I'll have to ask the owners if they ever heard of him....