Julie Skinner

Raising the bar: An inside look at the realities of the restaurant industry

ST. JOHN’S (CUP) — Glancing over her shoulder, Vanessa Stanley smiles back at the young waiter who just took her lunch order. As soon as the server’s out of earshot, Stanley leans across the table and quietly divulges an observation: “He’s new. He seems sweet . . . but he’s definitely new.” Stanley’s spidey sense is impressive, but not surprising, considering her years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry. “I’ve been bartending since Aug. 5, 2008,” Stanley says with pride. “I know the exact date I started.” Stanley remembers how she first got into the business: she was…

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