restaurant industry.
for anyone reading who has ever waited tables (or anyone reading, period), you are probably familiar with the “norms” of going out to eat. however, some people just do not seem to understand that certain things are unacceptable and behave like idiots when they are in a restaurant. it’s rude, naive and dumb of you to go out to eat and not at the very least be decent to your server. so, i have compiled a list of acceptable and appropriate actions that should occur when dining out.
1. During “The Greet”…This is my time to introduce myself, say hello, point out specials and set the tone for the atmosphere of the dinner. If I walk up to your table and I can only get as far as “Hi guys, how are you doing today, my name’s-” and you immediately interrupt and say “I’ll take a Coke,” before I even can say my name, I immediately know you’re going to be THAT kind of table. So for the first 60 seconds, can you just shut up and listen? I’ll get your soda, and we have Pepsi, is that ok? Oh it’s not? Well it’s the same fucking thing. So get over it. Anyways..
2. Kids drinks. As parents, it is your responsibility to make sure that I don’t have to get your kid 10 refills during a 30 minute period. Your kid shouldn’t even be drinking soda anyways…what kind of parent are you? And don’t think for a second that I feel like making 9 chocolate milks. Just order water, or plain milk, or something that the kid will drink just the same and make sure they don’t order 10 of them. Kids drinks are free, and a waste of time for me to get your kid 15 drinks when I could be providing service of things that were actually important to both you and my other tables.
3. Eye contact/answering questions. Seriously, what’s up with the people who can’t look their server in the goddamn eye? Are you a freak? Yes. If I walk up to you and say hey guys, how is everything tasting? Couldn’t you just look up for two seconds and just answer the question? Servers know that if the table doesn’t acknowledge you, you aren’t going to be a good tipper. It’s just how it goes.
4. If the server is required for some reason to go above and beyond “standard” service- birthday sundae/birthday song, lots of kids, getting 6 cups of coffee (plus refills), helping you decide on an entree where you take 10 minutes to make up your mind when I obviously have other tables- you should really tip accordingly. Servers don’t mind helping you out and making your experience a good one…So would it really kill you to show your appreciation in the one way we understand- money!
5. Complaining to your server about your food like they cooked it themselves. OK, it’s a restaurant.A team of people devoted to kissing your ass and getting you whatever the hell you want. You should understand that the person who seats you isn’t responsible for the person who waits on you, who in turn isn’t responsible for the person who cleaned your table and most notably…I DIDN’T MAKE YOUR FOOD. So if something is wrong with it, tell me, and I will get it fixed. But when you talk to me, the server, like I’m the one who personally fucked up your steak or made your food not hot, you are a douche bag and you’re going to get your food spit in.
6. You don’t need a soda AND a glass of water with lemon.
7. Don’t ask stupid questions like “Is the pulled pork shredded or chopped?” It’s a pulled pork sandwich, it’s how it always is, shut up. “Is the coleslaw sweet?” It’s coleslaw, it’s disgusting and has a nasty texture and I don’t know if my definition of sweet is the same as yours. Figure it out.
8. NO, we do NOT have strawberry lemonade.
9. Standard tipping:
15% for service that was decent, but not outstanding. Your plates weren’t cleared and you had to ask for refills, but the server was nice, she took care of you but not above and beyond.
18% for service that was good. Your server was knowledgable and friendly, brought refills once or twice, and you felt that they were doing everything they needed to be doing. however, you weren’t exactly “impressed”
20% for great service. You had refills before you even noticed you needed one, your server was upbeat, made suggestions about the menu, was constantly on the floor walking by, but not pestering, Your server offered dessert, manicured the table, cleared away all plates, trash and napkins and made a genuine personal connection. You take note of their name so next time you can have the same server because they did everything they were supposed to.
Is it that hard to do???????? Working in “the biz” for almost two years I still just don’t understand how some people treat their server like total shit. We make $3 an hour//we RELY on your tips as part of our job. Hopefully this reaches someone and makes a difference……
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