People from next door

As a Wies’n waitress, “schnapps is part of the job”

Manuel Kurfner and Melisa Bilibou in the Schladming Alm

(Bild: Holl Reinhard)

18 days full throttle at the Kaiser Wiesn in Vienna's Prater - for some, this is their workplace: Melisa Bilibou and Manuel Kurfner talk to the "Krone" about drinking strength, good footwear and the beer mug.

Krone: Mr. Kurfner, Ms. Bilibou, how did you end up at Kaiser Wiens?
Manuel Kurfner: I've been here for two years and have worked at folk festivals and in the winter season for many years. When I got the call for the position of Alm manager, I accepted.
Melisa Bilibou: I admired the waiters, how they lift all those beer mugs, and I wanted to try it too. So I applied three years ago and have been there ever since.

What do you need for this job?
Kurfner: Stamina, humor and a sense of humor. People like that, even if you come down hard on them. And good shoes. You have to have a feel for all kinds of guests and be a good salesman.
Bilibou: Flexibility and a good drinker (laughs).
Kurfner: The odd shot of schnapps is part of looking after guests.

Guests like to invite waiters for a few glasses.

(Bild: Holl Reinhard)

And how many schnapps do you drink per service?
Kurfner: I try not to drink too many during the week, but rather a splash. But at the weekend I can manage ten to twelve.
Bilibou: For me it's probably over 20 shots. But it's not that much when you're on duty from 2 pm to 1 am. You run a lot, you sweat. Then it's okay.

How much sleep do you get during the Wiesn?
Bilibou: I go to bed around three or half past three in the morning and then sleep until midday.
Kurfner: I only sleep until nine, because I have meetings in the morning.

That sounds exhausting.
Kurfner: The first three days are the worst, then you get used to it. Your feet just hurt a lot.
Bilibou: After 18 days at the Oktoberfest, you're physically and mentally exhausted. You need some wellness first.
Kurfner: I lock myself away for three days afterwards and don't want to see anyone. Then I go on vacation and after a week I'm back to everyday life.

Why do you do that to yourself?
Bilibou: I always say afterwards, never again! But I'll be back next year. The work with the guests is simply fun and the pay is very good.

A full beer mug weighs 2.3 kilos. Bilibou can carry eight without any problems.

(Bild: Holl Reinhard)

How many measures can you carry?
Bilibou: Eight measures are no problem with the right technique. Those who carry 14 are machines.
Kurfner: The biggest muscles won't help if you don't know how. But ten shouldn't be a problem for men.

What are you like in your private life?
Both: Very extroverted.
Bilibou: Otherwise you can't do the job.