The New York Times ran a story recently on 50 things a server should never do, with 50 more to come this week. They're mostly logical and appropriate, though there are several I could go either way on. See what you think here. And don't miss the comments -- more than 1,000 of them -- since they are the most entertaining part. Personal fave: "Bruce (the author), you seem like the kind of diner whose food would get spit in." Most surprising: "Profanity in a nice restaurant is almost a guaranteed extra 5% (tip) from me."
Monday, November 2, 2009
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10 comments:
I would add, don't call your customers "guys" as in, "how can I help you guys?". We're customers, not bar buddies. I don't know how and when this started - it's probably some ill conceived corporate idea to create an informal atmosphere - but now that I have reached "upper middle age" I think "sir" and "ma'am" are far more respectful and better received.
Thanks for sharing this article! I think most people go to restaurants to eat but also for the service, which is sometimes forgotten. If I try a restaurant and the food is not so great but the service is good I will go back for a 2nd look. If it is the other way around, probably not. However, having worked in the industry for many years, I do think a "good customer" suggestion list is appropriate. My motto is, "Unless you have worked in the kitchen, don't critize the cook."
I would add....
#1 If you are a girl, dress like one, so the server knows what to call you.
#2 If you leave your credit card and don't see the server chasing after you before you leave the parking lot, it's because you left a bad tip.
#3 Keep your kids seated and quiet, and if they don't know how to feed themselves, leave them at home.
#4 Don't mention you are a good tipper, you never are.
#5 If you want to drink coffee and chat after you finish your meal, go to Starbucks.
#6 It is polite to respond when the server asks how you are doing.
#7 Specials....don't get me started.
I HATE when some snot nosed youngster walks up to my table and proudly tell me his or her name. I could care less what your name is. What I do care about is you doing your job well. Now take my order and bring me what I asked for. When it is time for me to tip, I will consider all the meal. I do not need your input on what I am to tip on. Coupon? Tough take it up with your manager. If I pay $70 for a meal, that is what I tip on, not what the price is "normally".
Never lick your fingers before or after serving a dish.
Even reading the comments on the NYT article page, I've noticed that the servers are all mad as hell that such a list exists. "How dare the paying customer demands good service from me"! Get one thing straight, if you want the damn job, provide the service that the job and your boss REQUIRES or sit at home and play your video games! You are a server and the reason you are working is because patrons are coming in spending money! The diner has every right to expect great service and NOT to be rushed just so you can 'turn the table' and demand more tips.
I am not a server, but I will say: Keep your damned children at home. If you need to take them somewhere, go to Chuck E Cheese or CiCi's pizza where it's like a zoo! Remember: Just because you love children doesn't mean everyone else does.
Waiters, waitresses, bussers, hostesses, and whoever else: As long as we are the customer and we are spending the money, we will sit and talk as long as we'd like. You are an hourly employee with no authority and should be glad you have a job. You don't make the rules and if you don't like the rules, get out!
In response to this comment...
Anonymous said...
Waiters, waitresses, bussers, hostesses, and whoever else: As long as we are the customer and we are spending the money, we will sit and talk as long as we'd like. You are an hourly employee with no authority and should be glad you have a job. You don't make the rules and if you don't like the rules, get out!
You are right. We are hourly employees. We make $3.13/hr. When people like YOU sit at one of OUR tables for 5 hours and do not tip well, then we do not make money!! Our paycheck is always $0 after taxes so we only make money off of tips. DUH!
I agree that some servers are horrible at their job but most servers are there so they can pay their bills just like you!
I think it goes both ways. Yes, expect great service as you are a paying customer. However, don't expect it if you are RUDE. Most servers actually have a full-time career but are working for the extra money. Get off your high horse and why don't you try to work in a restaurant? Trust me, it will be an eye opener and you will realize what an ignorant person you are.
The bottom line here is that customers are the ones who pay salaries. When service is sub par to poor most of them will not leave a tip or return at a later date. I have been on both sides of this issue and I always try to leave a good tip, depending on what kind of service I get.
Firsthand I have seen servers/waitresses yelled at or cursed out because of something beyond their control. I once hugged a young girl who was waiting on the table behind mine because the witch she was trying to take care of made her cry
and was totally out of line. Even though she wasn't my waitress, i slipped a $5.00 bill in her pocket.
Waitstaff are people too. Put yourself in their shoes before you blow your top over something stupid or trivial. Often people abuse others simply because they are not in a position to fight back without losing their jobs.
I have always said that everyone needs to work in the restaurant or retail industries at least once in their lives. Then they would develop a better appreciation for what sales clerks, waitresses, and cashiers have to endure and would treat them with the respect they deserve.
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