This essay as told is based on a conversation with Kai Cowan, a 24-year-old worker in Atlanta. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I am a waitress, hostess and bartender in Atlanta. I studied dance for a year, but dropped out to gain experience. I then spent a few years working in retail and hospitality until the restaurant I worked at closed its doors due to COVID-19.
In September 2020, my dancing career resumed and I now combine my work and caring for my aunt, who recently became disabled. To manage my responsibilities, I take shifts through FrontHouz, a recruiting platform for hospitality workers that allows for a flexible schedule..
This balance has been crucial for me to continue working while still being there for my family.
I first discovered FrontHouz when I met the founder
I met FrontHouz CEO Starr Douglas in February 2023. I worked in a restaurant where days were often slow and I was dissatisfied with my schedule. This meeting was a turning point for me.
I ordered at a bar downtown and couldn’t help but tell the bartender to take his time and that I was a bartender down the street too. Starr heard me order and told me about FrontHouz. I took her card and stayed in touch with her.
I decided to sign up for FrontHouz and apply online, which was a simple process. After submitting my application, there was a waiting period while my account was reviewed and approved. There was no fee to apply, which made the decision to join even easier.
In an average week, I spend between 20 and 30 hours on it
FrontHouz allows me to work for employers who may never have had time to look through my resume. When a restaurant has a call or simply needs additional help, they request it on FrontHouz. I get asked for a lot due to my high rating on the platform, but assignments are listed for workers to pick up on a first-come, first-served basis.
The “pre-team training” feature teaches me the specifics of each establishment before starting a team. It offers a 360-degree view of each establishment and its menus, cocktails, seating charts, weekly specials, etc.
My shifts primarily consist of serving or bartending, although I occasionally take on busser or hostess roles. The variety is one of the things I love about this platform: I work in different settings like high-end event centers, bars and fine dining restaurants. I also enjoy having control of my own schedule and being able to develop a network with the people I meet on shifts.
One challenge is that changes can sometimes be few and far between as local restaurants continue to join the platform, and it’s not yet available nationally.
I earn on average over $5,500 per month
It has also been financially rewarding. FrontHouz doesn’t take a cut of my pay and instead charges restaurants to use the app.
Since using the app more regularly over the past six months, my income has averaged over $5,500 per month. I work around 22 shifts per month.
The flexible schedule allowed me to care for my aunt while simultaneously pursuing dance, acting, modeling, and social media management.
Here are my best tips for making the most money
Having a professional profile that details all your previous experiences is essential to attracting high-end venues. If you can travel, expanding your job search radius by X miles or more could also significantly increase the number of available gigs.
Checking the FrontHouz app at specific times, like every morning or before a rushed dinner, is a strategic decision. This is often when new shifts are posted, giving you the advantage of being among the first to apply.
Speed in handling changes is crucial; If you find a position that suits you, it is wise to secure it quickly to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Restaurant hours are usually posted a week in advance, but it’s not uncommon for a last-minute change to arise that evening.
Consider dedicating specific days or nights to FrontHouz teams, especially when restaurants are busier, like special event nights or popular weekly specials (think: Taco Tuesday or Sunday Brunch). This approach not only increases your chances of getting consistent work, but also aligns your availability with potentially higher-paying shifts.
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