How to keep the awesome restaurant gig?

I did my last night at my restaurant gig & they are replacing me with a clown(sorry to all my clown friends out there, but I'm frustrated). I have a clown persona & when they hired me they said the didn't want a clown... anyway(this is sounding like a Where's the Beef, but it's not)......

Does anyone have any advice on how to keep a sweet restaurant gig once you get it?

I was professional, fun, interacted well w/ kids, parents, etc. My face painting was off the charts (FABAIC really inspired me)& everyone loved it & constantly said they'd never seen painting done so well. I & my kit were clean & well groomed, no rude jokes or unbecoming behavior, etc. I was on time & stayed till the last child was done(even if it meant an extra 15 minutes). I went to the tables & did balloons if no one was in my chair. Sorry, so frustrated(it's like finding out the guy you really though liked you, didn't

While I don't have any restaurant experience, I'll wager a guess that she offered to do it cheaper.

Sure you feel like the rejected girlfriend, but try to leave the door open with the restaurant. I'll bet you had regulars, and maybe they'll ask for you, or maybe she won't be as reliable. Or maybe they will be happy with the clown, and you may be able to use one of the managers as a reference.

I'm sorry that happened to you...

That sux babe.
I agree that perhaps someone offered their services cheaper, but if this is the case they won't have your standard and you have a large chance that they will be back in contact with you very soon.
I also agree you should ask them for a reference and maybe you can set up an equally sweet deal with another restaurant.
Maybe they like to change their entertainment with the seasons?

This is business, pure and simple. The restaurant is trying out something they think is a better deal, a better bargain, something that will be a bigger draw for them. I would recommend a letter to the restaurant thanking them for the time that you were there and telling them how much you enjoyed working for them. Make it clear that you are available to return to help them build their kids night business. And if you were on good talking terms with the manager, make an appointment to stop by and talk to him. Ask him/her why they changed and ask if there is anything that you could have done different for them. (clowns are wonderful, I am one) However they do scare the kids that are 2 to 4yo range...this is a plus for you.

Now that you're done being nice, bring out your friends and people from the restaurant to your aid. Phone calls asking for you, people going into the restaurant on your night and then leaving because you're not there, and giving a follow up phone call about why they left and how much they enjoyed seeing you there, and when will you be back. You get the idea.

I'm sorry that this happened to you, Restaurants are such fun and I know what you mean about feeling frustrated. Kind of feels like you were betrayed.

Best of luck, sounds like you did all the right things. Let us know what happens in the future, and what you learn about this restaurant change.

I hope an really great job comes your way to replace this restaurant.

Sending good wishs your way.

Jenny

Thank you all... Just frustrating. I did get a call from them. It seems like the management was not in the loop..... They do want me back, but for 1/2 my rate + tips.... After some coaxing I found another company had approached them & started doing a kids night at their other locations & way under bid me.... I really don't think working for 1/2 my price is worth my time away from my family.... I was thinking of doing it for a month w/ the option to re-negotiate.

You were getting your full rate?! That is great and amazing.

Take a second calculation and see whether the regular gig can be done at the lesser rate and still be profitable to you. If not, just let it go.

Good luck to you however it turns out.

Jenny

Sorry it worked out that way. Would you be willing to take the 1/2 rate and make up the rest in food vouchers (if they're willing)? It's another option.