Although I do like the cast of Stranger Things very much, I went on record saying the show didn’t do much for me. My daughter, however, started watching and wanted us to join her, likely to “explain” the 80s to her. I am now all caught up with the series and although my allegiance switches often, my standout favorites became Gaten Matarazzo’s Dustin and Joe Keery’s Steve, specifically their relationship. Beyond just being delightful, the two young men are the hardest working in their bizarre town. In what looks like life imitating art, Gaten has found himself a summer job at a Long Beach Island restaurant while the show’s production is stalled due to the pandemic.
Production was underway in March on season four of Stranger Things when Netflix executives pressed pause due to the COVID19 pandemic, but series star Gaten Matarazzo hasn’t been sitting at home bored all summer. The 17-year-old went to work on another gig … running food.
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed through his rep that the New Jersey native took up a side job by working alongside a few family members at a local restaurant on Long Beach Island as a way to pass the time. But considering that Matarazzo is part of one of the famous TV casts in the business — Netflix reported that 64 million people watched season three in the first four weeks last summer — he did get noticed by some eagle-eyed diners despite the fact that he was incognito in a hat with the majority of his face covered by cloth mask.
[From The Hollywood Reporter]
Excuse my Californian but, Dude! He’s not just waiting tables, he’s running food, that’s a tough gig. And food runners can get really screwed by servers if they ever misrepresent their tips for the night. Not that Gaten’s hurting for cash but it used to really rankle me when servers complained about tipping out to their bartenders, bussers, runners and hostesses. The article said that Gaten is working with some other family members but not that this is their family’s restaurant. I wonder if his older siblings had to beg to get him the job, “Come on, give the kid a break. What else is he going to do?” I honestly think Gaten and his family are probably helping out a friend whose business if having a rough time due to COVID and it just makes me like him all the more. Even if that isn’t the case, I respect any kid that picks up a job in their spare time, especially when they are famous enough to do something much fancier. I can promise you, working in the food service industry will keep Gaten humble.
*MILD SEASON THREE STRANGER THINGS SPOILERS*
Speaking of Stranger Things, the show will come back for a fourth season and according to the Duffer Brothers, there will be at least one more after that. Like all things Stranger, the Duffers aren’t saying how many more seasons or how the show will end, but they do know both those things. As for those coming back, I think we all know Hopper will return in some form, but I think Billy is actually gone *sad face*.
Photo credit: WENN/Avalon and Instagram
I love this! I think everyone should work in hospitality at some stage. Teaches you so much! Good for him.
Truly the reason I’m so effective in my corporate position now is because I spent My formative years balancing ranch and sexual harassment while smiling.
Crowhood, that is both hilarious and horribly awful, and every woman who’s worked in hospitality can relate!
Totally. I waited tables and it was the hardest job. I grew up and at that time lived in a very posh town so the clientele was demanding.
and I will say regarding tipping out to bussers/food runners/bartenders…my feelings on tipping out to them depended on how much they actually helped me. The bartenders were always good, so I had no problem tipping out to them.
but the bussers? THE WORST. all of the servers would have to ASK them to go clear a table (after the empty plates had sat there for a while) and would act like we were asking them to shine our shoes or something when we did ask. IT’S YOUR F*CKING JOB, DUMMY. they’d sit around and chat and goof off (or be drinking in the bar area – a whole ‘nother problem that was rarely addressed by management). it got the point that, at the start of the dinner shift, most of the servers would tell the bussers that they were bussing their own tables that night so they didn’t have to tip out.
This is pretty cool. Props to his parental units.
I never did but probably a great experience!
That’s amazing! Props to Gaten and his family for raising a responsible, sensible young man!
That’s awesome!
That kind of work ethic will get him far in life, alot of teen actors with that kind of money would be spending their time starring into the camera on Instagram.
My kids love this show, its one of the few things we watch together . Good for Gaten, a typical teen summer job is a good learning experience.
Refreshing!
He sounds like a stand up young man! More of this please.
Yeah I can honestly say that your comments about tipping out bussers is quite off. I’ve worked in the industry for quite a long time and it all depends on how the business is run how much actual work is put in. I have found, personally, that tipping out the kitchen is more successful (regardless of them being on salary at most places.) But then again I also know restaurants in town where the servers do bare minimum and the bussers do all the work in the end. I am very lucky I have the ability to pick and choose with where I work due to my experience.
I love this! I think everyone should work at a restaurant at least once in their lives- it truly teaches you so much about hard work and treating people with respect. I can always spot my fellow former waiters when I’m out to eat!
I’m local to this area, and though I don’t know his family personally, I know a few people who do – they sound very down to earth and normal, and this doesn’t surprise me at all. There was a lot of chatter about it, but I don’t think anyone has spilled the beans on which restaurant yet, which is good.
I think it’s good experience for everyone to work a service job and have to deal with the public – it’s hard, but it makes you learn a lot.
I think this is so great. Everyone should work in customer service or retail.
I’m watching stranger things again and it’s still so much fun
I think this is so great. Everyone should work in customer service or retail.
I’m watching stranger things again and it’s still so much fun