Servers don't get as much credit as they deserve. We work extremely long shifts with some of the most arrogant and self-absorbed human beings created. Sure, the money can be good for a college student in the right restaurant. However, it's not always worth the degrading comments, lack of respect, demanding customers, and sometimes terrible co-workers. A lot of servers are actually very intelligent individuals just trying to pay their way through college, and the way they are treated by customers and co-workers can create more stress than one can handle. For all of you servers out there, you are not alone in the fight against this disgraceful workforce. Here are 16 moments anyone who has ever served will absolutely hate.
1. When I ask how everyone is doing and the first person replies with "Diet Coke."
Why do I even bother trying to be nice? Normal people respond with something along the lines of 'I'm doing fine, thank you for asking." Did your mother ever teach you how to have a conversation with someone? Clearly not. I wonder how these people function in the real world.
2. "Can I have a water, a coffee, and an orange juice."
Anything else? Do you want me to just bring a soda gun over here for you too? There is no way you will drink all of that. I promise you. It's even better when a whole party comes in and orders all three of these drinks.
3. Yes, we close at 11. No, you cannot come in at 10:55 and expect a three-course meal.
Is this your first time at a restaurant? That sign on the front door that says "Closed" means you cannot come in. The grills in the kitchen are off, and this is the time when I can stop being friendly to customers. So don't expect me to greet you with a smile.
4. When customers get mad at us for their food coming out late or wrong.
So this is probably going to blow your mind, and don't tell anyone I told you, but there is this group of people that we keep in the back called chefs. These are the people who are trained to make your food. Believe it or not, I don't even know how to make grilled cheese. So next time you get mad at your server and take money out of their tip for the kitchen putting swiss on your burger instead of provolone, remember there is a 95% chance it is not our fault.
5. When we walk up to a table and the customers ignore our existence.
I know for a fact you see me standing half a foot away from your table. If you don't then you should go get your eye-sight check out immediately. I have other tables I have to go help. Tables that are probably much friendlier than you. Please do not make me stand here and listen to the conversation you are having with your husband about a text message you found in his phone.
6. When customers force us to make seven trips back to back for them.
I do not mind getting you butter, mayo, an extra fork, a refill, some hot sauce, and more napkins. Just help me out and tell me all at once so I do not have to take five minutes making multiple trips for you. Although, I can't really complain because this is how I stay in shape. I don't even need to go to the gym because your table wants everything under the sun every ten seconds.
7. When it is so slow that you find yourself counting sugar packets in the sugar caddies.
Side work is hands down the worst part of being a server other than the rude customers of course. The nights when you have three or four tables the entire shift and then you have to still look busy for the boss is the worst. Sometimes I find myself wiping down the bar eight times without anyone sitting there.
8. When customers say they are ready to order and then take another four minutes to read the menu in front of you.
"Are we ready to put those orders in?"
"Yes, absolutely."
*Four minutes of awkward staring and doodling in my notepad later*
" Okay, I'll have the grilled salmon. Or should I have some spaghetti? No that's too many carbs. You know what? I'll just have a burger. Nevermind, forget it, I'll have the grilled salmon."
9. When a customer orders food and then modifies the whole thing.
"Can I have the grilled chicken club. Hold the bacon, tomatoes, and pickles. Add banana peppers, jalapenos, and extra provolone cheese. Instead of a hamburger bun can you put it in a wrap and add mayo? Also, instead of grilling the chicken can you blacken it?"
So no, you don't want the chicken club at all.
10. When customers start telling me their whole life story.
When I stand there and nod my head to make it seem like I'm listening, I'm not. At all, actually. I'm usually running through a list of things in my head that I have to bring to table seven. But thank you for viewing me as someone who cares...
11. When customers threaten to send their food back if it doesn't come out right the first time.
"I want my steak medium rare. If it's not, I will send it back."
Just for that I will make sure your steak comes out well done. You're welcome.
12. When people ask us if we spit in rude customer's food.
Yes, we are all heartless monsters who only work here to sabotage your food. You caught me!
After working in the restaurant business for four years I have never done a single thing to a customer's food. Nor have I ever seen someone do something to a customer's food. Even if you are the biggest hassle we have ever come into contact with, most of us have a soul and wouldn't even consider doing that.
13. When customers get hostile about too much liquor poured in their drink.
Are you serious? When my bartender gives me a heavy pour I leave them a bigger tip. So why do I have grown men complain that I poured too much Captin Morgan in their coke? Are you fifteen or fifty? You sure are acting like a little girl.
14. When customers pay cash and leave a tip on the receipt.
Again, I ask, have you ever been to a restaurant before? Please explain to me where those nine dollars are supposed to come from if you took the cash with you. You never know how rare common sense is until you start working in the restaurant industry.
15. Those 12-hour shifts with no breaks and on your feet all day.
Being a server entails being on your feet all day long. On the super busy shifts, we usually don't even have time to sit down and take a break to eat. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? This is when I start to steal a fry or two off of every plate before it goes out... Yes, most servers do this. Thanks for your donation of feeding the hungry! We all greatly appreciate the sacrifice you didn't know you were making.
16. When customers tell you they are never coming back to your restaurant.
Is that supposed to be a threat? Jokes on you, I don't want you back here anyways. You can go cause hell at some other restaurant far, far away from here.
