Golden Age: Gold Coast chef wants tipping culture to come to city

A WELL-known Gold Coast chef has called for a better tipping culture to come to the Glitter Strip to help sustain our city’s growing food and dining industry.

WELL-known chef Daniel Ridgeway has implored the State Government to reconsider its decision to overhaul its back-to-work program.

Mr Ridgeway is one of the Gold Coast’s biggest hospitality employers, overseeing 120 staff at his five restaurants.

Many of the industry first timers he employs are trained as part of government grant programs. However, that is about to change from June 30.

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Daniel Ridgeway at his restaurant, Gotham Grill. Photo by Richard Gosling

“There are state and federal grants, like the Qgrant which allow us to employ someone who has been out of work or is unskilled,” Mr Ridgeway said.

“It encourages us to hire staff who haven't had a job before, which means over a period of a few weeks the person can find out if they want to be in the industry, and we can afford to train them.

“This way people aren’t thrown in the deep end and we can take our time to teach.”

Mr Ridgeway said the programs had been so successful he has employed eight staff long term and has another 10 in the program.

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Mr Ridgeway said he would like to see a casual tipping culture begin on the Gold Coast.

“The State funding is going to stop on the Gold Coast, which will be a big hit to the industry,” Mr Ridgeway said.

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“Larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to have career hospitality staff, but here it is usually a second job for people — something they do with study or on a weekend.

“Work training programs really help people find their passion, and I just don’t think the government is seeing that.”

Mr Ridgeway’s Gotham Bar and Grill on the Gold Coast Artist impression

Mr Ridgeway says more broadly he would like to see a culture of tipping to assist the industry.

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“This isn’t a blanket price or for a percentage of a meal idea,” Mr Ridgeway assured.

“It is the nature of the beast that people in the industry work nights, weekends and holidays but are paid the same amount as someone who works 9-5,” he said.

“A little bit here and there won’t pay for wages but will be a small way to say thank you on a Sunday and keep the industry positive.”