The Tonga Hut Restaurant and Tiki Bar

'The Most Insane Ad for a Restaurant Server I've Ever Seen' | Bon Appétit

"A Palm Springs tiki restaurant and bar drew viral attention after its owner, Claudia Murphy, posted a tongue-in-cheek Craigslist ad listing unconventional “reasons not to apply” (including a quip about being “closer to sane than not”) as a way to screen for dependable, service-minded staff. The role demands navigating a fast-paced environment, working late shifts, operating a POS, and showing emotional intelligence and maturity—being proactive, calm under pressure, and reliable are emphasized to avoid burning out other team members. Murphy says servers start at $15.50 per hour and typically make $300–$600 in tips per shift (with 20% tip-outs to the bar and 10% to the kitchen), kitchen staff earn $17–$22 per hour, and the business also provides bonuses, paid days off when staff are overwhelmed, and paid leave for bereavement or serious personal needs; she describes a mom-and-pop atmosphere where all roles are valued and even a dishwasher contributed a popular dessert. Reactions to the post were mixed—some found it funny and applied, others criticized it—but Murphy reports the humorous ads have helped her attract candidates who fit the culture and have previously led to successful hires." - ByAli Francis