Latest Email blast.
Ken
It’s finally happening!
This Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET, we’re having the virtual live premiere of We’re So Dead, the horror-comedy made by and for the service industry. It’s happening on Kinema, and there are only 200 tickets.
Here’s how it works:
🍿 We’ll all watch the movie together live. It's a shared streaming event.
💬 There’ll be a live chat window, and that I'll be taking part in (Darron, The Bitchy Waiter) along with the writer and director, Ken MacLaughlin,
🎤 After the movie, we’ll have a live virtual Q&A. You can ask us anything about the film, filmmaking, restaurant life, or share your biggest restaurant horror stories.
Think of it like a Halloween Party! We'll be dressed up and you should too (even though we can't see you.) Let's watch a funny Halloween movie that celebrates our industry. Let's laugh, scream, and cry together!
👉 Grab your ticket now — only 200 seats available.
Even though this is a party and everyone’s welcome, that doesn’t mean everyone’s welcome in your tip pool. Have you ever wondered about the legality of tip pools?
So let's turn it over to our sponsor, Herrmann Law for this installment of our Legal Corner.
🍽️ LEGAL CORNER — Tip Pools & Tip-Outs: What’s Legal, What’s Not
Now, before we all go back to complaining about side work, let’s talk about something that really matters: your tips.
Ever feel like your tip-out isn’t quite right? This week’s Legal Corner from our friends at Herrmann Law breaks down what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to tip pools and tip-outs.
1️⃣ The burden’s on your boss.
If your tips go into a pool, the employer has to prove that every dollar went to people customers actually meant to tip. You don’t have to “catch” them doing something wrong — just asking questions can be enough to shift the burden.
2️⃣ Only customer-facing workers qualify.
Servers, bartenders, and others who directly serve customers? Yes.
Managers, owners, cooks, dishwashers, and anyone who never sees a customer? Nope.
3️⃣ “They deserve it” isn’t a legal reason.
Everyone deserves fair pay — but it has to come from the employer’s wallet, not your tips. Using your tip money to pay non-tipped staff? Illegal.
4️⃣ Bottom line: your tips are YOURS.
Employers can’t take, redirect, or “pool” them in ways that reduce their own labor costs. Ever.
If something feels off:
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📋 Keep your pay stubs and tip-out breakdowns
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⏰ Don’t wait — you might be owed back pay (sometimes doubled)
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⚖️ Talk to a lawyer who knows restaurant law
Herrmann Law represents restaurant workers nationwide in wage and tip-theft cases. You can learn more or get a free consultation at PaycheckCollector.com or call (817) 479-9229.
Disclaimer: This column provides general information, not legal advice. Wage and hour laws vary by state and change over time. For guidance on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Can’t wait to see everyone Wednesday night!
💀
– Darron (The Bitchy Waiter)
INSERT PRESS AND SCREENING UPDATES.
Writer/Director of We're So Dead