For those of you who work in the restaurant industry, you know all too well how complicated guests can be. Although we have to refrain from saying the things that come across our minds, I'm here to prove to you, that we all think alike.
1. I have no interest in serving you while you're talking on the phone.
Not only is it rude, but it's annoying. I approach you to introduce myself and to hopefully get your drink order as I'm immediately hit with the index finger because you're on the phone. Because my tip depends on you, I will politely smile and signal for you to take your time and I will go to the back of the restaurant and talk to my coworkers about you and then patiently wait for you to get off the phone. Yay me!
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2. The "Call Server" button isn't needed as soon as a host seats you at your table.
Talk about mind-blowing. If any of you are in restaurants that have adopted the Ziosk, or Kiosk to allow people to cash out and play games at the table, you guys should be familiar with this. There's a little tab you press called the "call server" button. You press it, and a red light flashes indicating to the restaurant staff that you need something or someone immediately. What is totally uncalled for is pressing the button as soon as you sit down at the table. I have literally watched people sit down at the table and press it immediately. Once you approach the table, for some reason people are quick to say, "I've been sitting here for almost ten minutes," and I'm very crunched on time. It's not okay guys. If you want fast food, there are thousands. But in a restaurant setting, the fast pace you need may not happen all the time.
3. Stop trying to seat yourself. That is what hosts are for.
In a restaurant, there are sections. Each server usually has a three-table section in which there are responsible for. Some sections may be open, and some may not be. If a host takes you to a table that the computer assigned them, please refrain from moving to another table voluntarily. Here's why: they may have to find a server willing to take your table, and usually it's frustrating because they have to take yet ANOTHER table outside of their section because you just had to have a booth. It's also stressful for the host team because they have to go find a server and ask them to take care of you. If you prefer a booth or table, tell your host as soon as you enter the building so there is no confusion.
4. I would LOVE to get my manager for you so she can tell you exactly what I just did.
This one is my favorite. I'm not sure why people love to come into a restaurant with a well knowledgable service team who not only know how to do their jobs, but also know the products and the menu like the back of their hands. Please understand that in some restaurants, the menu changes almost every three months. Something that you had in December might not be around in March and there are even some things that the kitchen is no longer able to cook. If I explain to you that something isn't available because we've completely removed it from the menu, I'm begging you to take my word for it because I assure you that when you ask to speak to the manager, they will tell you the same thing.
5. Can I borrow your child so they can help me clean my section?
This one is pretty simple. If you have a child that is unable to eat properly with a fork/spoon, please feed them yourself. Usually what happens is, you hand your child a small plate of spaghetti, and when you leave, all of the spaghetti is scattered over the table and floor. We are then left to pick up pieces of noodles and grapes off the floor which puts a strain on the time we have to take care of other tables.
These are just a few of my favorites, and I'm more than positive that there are a million more. People who don't work in the restaurant industry, don't think too much into what they do when they are guests, and I certainly think we should do a better job at doing so.
