Line Sitting Becomes Paid Gig for Restaurant Waitlists
6 reported
A single-source report from Eater describes the growing business of paid line sitting, where individuals are hired to wait in line for others seeking popular restaurant tables, Broadway tickets, or viral food items. Professional line waiter Robert Samuel, founder of Same Ole Line Dudes in New York City, told Eater that social media, particularly TikTok, has increased public interest in the service. Samuel started his business nearly 15 years ago after noticing demand for the iPhone, and his company now employs about 35 line waiters. The service charges $25 per hour with a two-hour minimum, plus additional fees for rush jobs, holidays, or overnight waits. TaskRabbit lists line sitters nationally at rates between $28 and $90 per hour, with over 4,900 such taskers in New York City. Samuel noted that some restaurants have resisted his line sitters, though he declined to name them. He also observed that delivery platforms like Uber Eats have reduced demand for some food delivery tasks.
What’s reported
Robert Samuel founded Same Ole Line Dudes in New York City nearly 15 years ago, initially sparked by iPhone demand.
The company currently has about 35 line waiters who take requests across the city and sometimes beyond.
Same Ole Line Dudes charges $25 per hour with a two-hour minimum, plus rush fees of $15 to $25, holiday rates, and inclement weather fees.
TaskRabbit lists line sitters nationally at $28 to $90 per hour, with over 4,900 in New York City.
Samuel said some restaurants have given his line sitters pushback, but he did not name them.
Samuel believes TikTok has increased visibility and demand for line sitting services.
Key figures
Robert Samuel: Founder of Same Ole Line Dudes, professional line waiter in New York City.
Korem A.: Los Angeles-based TaskRabbit line sitter with over 84 completed tasks.
Ahmed H.: San Francisco-based TaskRabbit line sitter with one completed task.
Sources: eater.com
