Being a server is a lot of work. I've only been doing it for a little over a year, but I now have a greater appreciation for those individuals who have made a career out of it. Having a job that involves customer service is no walk in the park. Don't get me wrong, I've met a lot of nice people in this line of work. However, I've met a lot of jerks and inconsiderate people so this piece is dedicated to them.
1. Customers seating themselves.
This is the most annoying thing in the world. Just because the restaurant may not have a 'Please wait to be seated' sign does not mean that you can pick what seat you want. Also, if you are going to seat yourself then PLEASE do not complain that the table is dirty. You were the one that decided to be impatient.
2. Greeting a table and attempting small talk, but they aren't having it.
I understand that many people that come in are extremely hungry but please understand that chatting with you is part of my job. If I just came to take the order, then you would probably complain that I'm rude. So humor me a little.
3. Those people that let their kids do whatever.
So you're really going to let your kid sit there and rip open every single sugar packet? You're going to allow them to empty the salt onto their plate because they want something to do at the table? No. You can't let your kids do whatever just because you tip me at the end of your meal. Teach them the correct way to act and oh, I don't know, maybe ask for a coloring sheet.
4. That one table who thinks they're your only table.
In the middle of the lunch rush, I know we all get that one table that is SO DAMN NEEDY. You could just go into the back from being at that table and they'll send another server back to find you. They'll also interrupt you while you are with your other table and keep you at their table for what feels like an eternity. You are not my only table if you didn't notice the full section around you.
5. "We're in a rush".
I work at a restaurant right by a movie theatre, so lots of people come in saying they are in a rush so they can make it to their show on time. Other people just claim to be super hungry and ask to rush the cooks. Sorry but if my cooks are backed up, I'm not going to ask them to hurry. They most likely have other tickets before yours. If you wanted fast food, you should have went to a drive thru instead of a sit down restaurant.
6. Ordering while talking on the phone.
This is literally the rudest thing ever and it annoys the hell out of me. As I said, you are probably not my only table so what makes you think I have the time to sit here and wait for you to finish the conversation. Just tell the person you will call back after you order. Please.
7. Sending a meal back after eating most of it cause "it wasn't right" or you found something in it.
Do I have "Lie to me" written on my forehead? I must because people always think that saying that their food was cold or didn't taste right will help them. I can tell when someone is lying just to get free stuff. Also, when you claim to find something in your food and can't show me it but still expect it to be free know you are a joke to all of us in the back.
8. You said you were fine all the times I asked you, but call the manager over while I'm in the back.
When I ask if everything is going okay, just be straight up if it isn't. Bringing my manager into it this when it is just a small problem makes me look bad. I can handle the issue you are having but you've gotta let ME know.
9. Trying to use more than one coupon on a check.
This is what it looks like when big parties come in and try to use coupons to get all of their meals free or the majority of the bill paid for with coupons. I have had many tables try to use more than one coupon on their check. I am not being rude or mean when I say you can't, those are the rules. And no, you can't split the check so you may use all of them.
10. Split checks = Splitting headaches.
When it comes to splitting checks, I don't mind splitting it two or three ways. Even four isn't that terrible. However, when a big party comes in and wants the check split 15 different ways, I'm throwing in the towel. You guys should figure out the money situation before you come in so that way more than one person can be on each check. Remember, he more checks you have the longer it'll take me to cash you out.
11. Terrible tipping/No tipping.
Personally, this is my biggest pet peeve that I have on this list. Do not leave me nothing and tell me to get a real job, this is a real job. If it wasn't for me, you'd have nothing but fast food restaurants. Do not give me a verbal tip, that ain't paying my bills boo boo. Don't leave me a "Jesus loves you" pamphlet, I am at work not church. Do not leave me your pocket change, I will chase you down and give it back. People need to learn how to tip 20 percent when they go out. Oh, and for those people who "Don't tip", you might as well eat at home. It isn't funny not to tip, this is the difference between some people's electricity being on or off. What's funny about that?
To my fellow servers out there, stay strong through every shift when faced with these pet peeves and probably many more! If you aren't a server, please remember these things next time you go to a sit down restaurant.
