$$How much is a server worth? $$

While I don't maintain that a fine dining server is worth a ton more money than someone at Texas Roadhouse, they are definitely expected to maintain a hirer quality of service. Just from a food/beverage knowledge point of view, if nothing else.

I still think a liveable hourly wage plus a percentage (paid by the employer) of what they sell solves many of the problems discussed in this thread. Giving a % of sales encourages add ons , more time at each table and takes care of the Texas Roadhouse vs Fine dining pay discrepancy sine fine dining usually garners higher entree prices.

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2009/11/daniel_patterson_sf_is_killing.php

Seemed appropriate to this thread, especially the first two questions.

that makes sense, carla. thanks for pointing that out.