Throughout high school and college, I made my money serving. I enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere of the food industry. I enjoyed talking with new customers and catching up with the regulars. Ultimately, I just enjoyed watching others enjoy themselves. It was the perfect job for a young girl who needed to make quick money in a short period of time.
That being said, this money was not always easy to come by. I believe that everyone should get a taste of what it’s like to be a server at one point in their lives. Servers do not always get treated with the respect that they deserve. We are told that the customer is always right, even if they are wrong. We are told to smile and get the customer whatever he or she is requesting, even if it doesn’t come with a please and thank you. Being a server takes a great amount of patience, a good attitude, and a strong work ethic.
I understand that every customer is entitled to excellent service and a good meal, but let’s not forget that every server is also entitled. They are entitled to respect and appreciation from the customer. So next time you’re out to eat, please remember these little things. I promise you it will make all the difference on both ends.
Ask us how our night is going.
Get to know us. We may be busy, but a quick conversation might just make our whole night; after all, we have our own stories. too.
Do not use your cell phone when we are trying to take your drink order and force us to read your lips to see that you want an iced tea.
We could have waited until you hung up instead of playing a round of "read my lips."
Even if you don’t care about our specials, make eye contact with us and at least pretend you’re listening.
Do not fight with your kids in front of us because you told them they couldn’t have soda to drink.
It’s pretty awkward when we’re just standing there pretending to write in our notepads because we don’t know what to do.
Save your little nervous habits for when you’re home.
Example: ripping up your straw wrapper into a million tiny pieces or shaking the salt onto the table and drawing shapes in it with your finger.
Do not complicate your order.
If you want a salad without the vegetables, cheese, and dressing, just say, “I want lettuce.” That was easy.
If you see we're burning our hands off trying to give you your food, please make room on your table.
If you don’t like your food, we will gladly take it back.
Being rude about it isn’t going to expedite the process. Plus, we aren’t the ones who cooked it.
When we give you the check, don’t fight over who’s going to pay it.
You look like psychotic little birds fighting over a the catch of the day.
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