A while ago, there was a little discussion about being polite to servers. Since I spend A LOT of time in restaurants (okay-just seven days a week), I thought I might be a bit of an expert on the subject.
Being observant as I am (Josh is laughing out loud), I have come to notice that being polite to the server from the eyes of a customer is oh so different than from the eyes of a server. Since I don't think a lot of people are rude on purpose, I just want to let people, in general, know what I think is rude to me, your server.
I don't give a flying leap if you say please and thank you when you ask me for your food etc. I do, however, think it is extremely rude to tell me that you are ready to order then proceed to make me wait until you decide what you want. Here's my suggestion-are you ready to order? Then order. Not ready to order? Tell me that you aren't ready to order. I'll be back; I promise.
I find that a lot of times, the people who waste my time are the same ones that complain about their food taking too long to get to the table. How rude is that? By making me wait at their table while they decided what to order, they have slowed down my service to other customers, and ultimately to themselves.
In that three to five minutes that I stood in front of them I could've been: getting drinks for other people, taking food out of the kitchen, cleaning tables, getting desserts, getting take-out boxes, putting food orders into the computer, or collecting/returning money.
I'm not saying that I don't want to help you decide what to order if you need help; I am quite happy to give advice or explain the menu better. I just think it is stupid for customers to tell me they are ready then read silently in front of me for three minutes-or worse yet-have a conversation with each other while I'm waiting, but that rant is for another time...
If I don't stop now, this post will go on forever. Stay tuned for more helpful hints in making your (and my) dining experience better!
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3 comments:
Whoops. I tend to take longer to order - I think because I'm just flaky. Flip flopper and all. Sorry! :)
Can't wait for part two of this little rant!!
Isn't it annoying when people ask for a little bit of one dish and a little bit of another? I've never waited, but it annoys me when my friends do this.
I feel for ya, sister. I just left my bartening gig two weeks ago and this is the first time in 14 years that I have not worked in the food service/hospitality industry.
Have you checked out www.stainedapron.com? hours of enjoyment for you (and education for those not in the industry...)
:-)
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