Rosie I don't understand what you are stating. Where I worked the Chef was paid a higher hourly rate than the waiting staff. Plate money was what the waiting staff gave to the Chef at the end of the night. It was £2 when I was waiting tables a very long time ago. If there was three waiting staff he got a extra £6.00
I worked for a restaurant chain two nights a week, I was quick efficient and polite, I made good tips and one night made over £30 in tips, this was over 35 years ago, when people tipped in cash. In fact I made so much money in tips the chain I worked rang me and said I had not collected six weeks wages. I would not do that work now though it is hard going and I would not have the patience.