I've worked at the same restaurant for two years, almost three. I've been a hostess, and a waitress. You would think it's a breeze, doing the job we do. I suppose in all reality, it could be, but then you involve people.
1. Do not seat yourself, even if the hostess hasn't gotten to you.
You would think this would be pretty obvious when there's a sign by the door that says "Please wait to be seated.". However, you would be amazed at the people who just walk in, seat themselves, and then get angry when they have no silverware or menu. The host/hostess is most likely busy seating someone else and will be up to seat you in the next couple of minutes.
2. We have a rotation we're trying to stick to.
Little be known fact that 88% of restaurants follow a "section" rule. This is where each server has a set number of tables, that they will serve at all night. Following this rule makes it easy for the restaurant to stay evenly spaced, and to ensure that your service will be quicker because your server will be in the same general area. However, when guests feel the need to seat themselves we cannot follow the rotation. The rotation system ensures that each section/server can have an even number of tables as the rest of the servers all night, therefore make an even amount of tips. Another reason the rotation system is so important is because it keeps the tables coming in at a steady pace, so servers aren't receiving 4 new tables in 10 minutes, because that's stressful.
3. I don't care how big or how small, leave a tip.
Most servers make approximately $4.25 an hour. Yes, that is significantly less than minimum wage. However, buisnesses can do this because servers are expected to make the difference between our hourly wage and minimum wage in tips. Granted most of the time we can succeed at this, there are always a few tables that don't tip. No tip is to small, if all you can afford to leave is a dollar, then leave a dollar. Don't be that person that doesn't tip the waitress for something they couldn't prevent. (See #4). Unless your server obviously wasn't good, you should tip, it's the right thing to do.
4. I cannot help what happens in the kitchen.
If your food is taking to long, doesn't taste right, has onions when you asked for none, or is cold, do not blame your server! As a waitress, there is nothing I can do about the kitchen. If you don't like something about your food the best I can do is bring you out a new one. I cannot help the speed that the kitchen cooks, most of the time they're slow because they're busy, not because they're screwing around. Whatever happens, try to understand that your server most likely didn't have anything to do with the way your food turns out, and if you have a real problem with it ask to speak to a manager.
5. Yes, people have to clean up after you.
For all you lovely people who thinks the restaurant magically cleans itself, or that don't care to attempt to wipe up your spill, we have people, actual human beings that have to pick up after you. So, next time your small child dumps their whole meal all the floor, consider picking it up, or leaving a tip for whoever will clean the table after you. there are several common things to be left at tables that you really can pick up yourself: diapers, dirty tissues, toothpicks, and band aids, to name a few. To the very rare and special people who stack their plates for us, you are the actual best customers. You make our job so much easier.
6. It's OK to eat all your food.
As crazy as it sounds, one of the most common things I hear while working is customers saying "I don't want our server to think I'm fat if I eat all this food.". Honey, go for it. The probability of me even realizing you ate all your food is unlikely, the possibility of me remembering the next time I see you that you ate your whole burrito is slim, and the idea that the word "fat" would run through my mind as I take your empty plate is impossible. Honestly, as a server I almost never take note of who ate how much of what, or who didn't finish their plate. I promise we don't pay that much attention to you. Eat what you want.
7. It's impossible to please every table.
The reality of it is that you are not our only table that we are taking care of. We are going to do our best to meet all your needs but it's impossible to treat you like our only table. We might not be able to take your order right away, because we have to bring another table their drinks. We have to try to please everyone, but it's nearly impossible. It's very possible we will forget your side of ranch, just politely ask again and we will have no problem getting you one.
8. Watch what time you come in.
Please be mindful of the time we close. No one wants to serve the people who come in anywhere after 20 minutes before we close. We are trying to clean, so we can go home. Do not expect us to stay open for you, be mindful of what time you're coming in. We would love to serve you any other time of day, but when closing time comes around, we aren't looking forward to staying for you.
9. Some of us can carry 5 plates at a time, some of us can carry two.
We all have our own levels. Please don't be angry when we have to take multiple trips to take all your food out. Its more important to get the food out to you without dropping or spilling it than it is for us to carry all five plates out at the same time.
10. As much as we hate our job, we wouldn't ever trade it.
I've only ever worked at a restaurant, but I could never imagine having a job anywhere else. Restaurant business is what we know. As much as I hate every minute of my job, I also wouldn't trade a single minute with my favorite coworkers, and customers. It's truly such an exciting and entertaining job.
