I've hit the same issue that other have which prevents you from even being able to play the game. When I have a restaurant running (one pre-made by the game) I will be well on my way with all guests being 5 stars and then all of a sudden none of my staff do anything. They just stop for hours of the sims time standing in one place. Of course the sim guests get fed up and leave giving be a bad rating. Its gotten to the point where I have to stop playing its so frustrating.
- might have something to do with the critic, she always seems to be in there when they stop
- I try talking to the staff, pausing the game, going into build mode and back, and sometimes it resets them for a bit but not always
On a side note sometimes my hostess won't come into work and then the whole restaurant can't run. Is that a bug too?
p.s. For others comments I believe that for the bar to run your waiters get the drinks themselves and you don't need to hire a mixologist