We’re servers, not servants
I started working at a Fargo restaurant about nine months ago, and I work with some awesome people and made many great friends because of it. This job also pays about 80 percent of my bills.
However, never in my life have I ever come in contact with as many rude, disrespectful and ungrateful people as I have when dealing with customers.
Now although I think the movie “Waiting” is an exaggeration of the restaurant business, it definitely has some logic to it in some areas.
We (servers) are the people who deal with your food; do you really want to make us mad?
There are a few guidelines that I got in an e-mail once that I think explain how restaurant guests should act. I shortened the list to what I think are the most important ones to remember when going out to eat.
First and foremost, tipping is probably the most misunderstood concept when guests go out to eat.
You should always give at least a 15 percent tip when you pay your server.
We run back and forth refilling your drinks, making sure your food is done correctly and that you get all those other little things like extra pickles for your burger or extra ranch for your fries. Please tip us accordingly.
For those of you who have trouble understanding this, just take whatever dollar amount you were going to leave, multiply it by two and that’s probably closer to the right amount.
If you’re not getting every single one of your desires one second after you ask for it, just look around; if you see a lot of people sitting around you, we’re probably doing the same for them as well, so be patient.
Next, please show us the same courtesy you show anyone else when we greet you.
This means get off your cell phone, stop talking to your friend and listen up.
If I’m talking to you, it’s probably something you’ll want to hear like what my name is and what the specials are for that day.
Also, don’t cut us off when we’re talking with comments like, “Can we get a plate of breadsticks,” or “ We’ll all just have water, thanks.”
If you would give us a second, we’ll eventually get to that part.
Last but especially not least, please be timely when you’re dining out. This means, don’t “camp out” at the table. If it’s a busy time, get in, eat and leave.
By sitting and talking at our table for hours, you’re preventing us from having other customers.
So unless you’re planning to tip us way more than usual, go somewhere else to finish up your conversation.
These are only a few examples of what customers should keep in mind when dining out.
If you treat us nicely, we’ll give you good service. Just remember we’re doing the best we can.
We want you to enjoy your experience at our restaurant so please don’t make it difficult for us to do that.