In a report from Daily Mail, a former waitress revealed the highs and lows of working at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's exclusive club.
Ashleigh Sasson, who worked at Mar-a-Lago from January 2016 to May 2018, shared insights into the luxuries, challenges, and interactions with the Trump family and celebrity guests.
Sasson was initially hired by a Mar-a-Lago chef who noticed her dedication at a small beef and burger joint. Her roles at the club were diverse, ranging from server to bartender during major events and assisting with valet and reservations.
During peak season, Sasson served up to 300 people daily, financially rewarding the job. She noted, "We made great money," with each server taking home around $150 cash on average and some earning significantly more from generous members. The largest tip she received was $800, while the highest she witnessed was $1,200 on Easter Sunday.
The Trump family did not tip, as they were never given checks for their meals. Instead, they showed their gratitude through verbal appreciation. Sasson recounted, "Though the Trump family never saw a check, they were very gracious with their gratitude in the form of verbal appreciation and respect."
Sasson's interactions with Donald Trump decreased after his election in November 2016, as he rarely visited the club. However, she frequently saw his children and their families dining, each with specific food preferences. She particularly recalled seeing Barron Trump playing soccer around the property with his grandmother, Amalija Knavs.
One notable incident involved Donald Trump Jr. rescuing a distressed paraglider by retrieving his lost board. "He didn't have to do that," Sasson remarked, highlighting the unexpected act of kindness.
Mar-a-Lago hosts many celebrities, including Sylvester Stallone, Pitbull, Rod Stewart, Wynonna Judd, and local politicians. The club features top-notch amenities, with staff expected to maintain high standards of cleanliness and service. Sasson described the equipment as "the best pots and pans, the best cutlery and plates and wine glasses, the best espresso machine."
Despite the luxury, Sasson faced several distasteful moments, including a guest attempting to pull her into a hot tub. She revealed that entitlement was a prevalent issue among some guests. "There were plenty of distasteful moments there, which made me a stronger person," she admitted.
Despite the challenges, Sasson valued the customer service skills and relationships she developed at Mar-a-Lago. "I feel that I learned customer service top to bottom," she concluded.
Working at the club also allowed her to establish professional but close relationships with the social elite, giving her confidence and professionalism.
Sasson reflected fondly on her time at Mar-a-Lago, stating, "Most of all: Joy. I have such fond memories of my time at Mar-a-Lago. Everyone was so excited and happy to be there, and we were all so in awe of the place."
Ashleigh Sasson's experiences at Mar-a-Lago provide a unique glimpse into the inner workings of Donald Trump's exclusive club. From generous tips to encounters with celebrities and the Trump family, her time there was marked by luxuries and challenges. Despite facing some distasteful moments, Sasson emerged with valuable skills and fond memories of her time serving the elite.
