Having been a waitress for the past couple of years, I have learned a few things. For example, if the food is taking especially long, it is probably not your server's fault. There may have been a mix up in the kitchen or something of that nature. I also learned that just because the restaurant is closing, that does not mean people will not come in and expect to be served. I feel like things could go much more smoothly if servers were able to provide customers with a little insight. So here it is, a list of things your server wants you to know.
1. I am glad you came!
Even though I may look stressed out, because I probably am, do not take that as me not being happy to see you. It is always nice to see regulars, or even customers trying the restaurant for the first time. It makes me happy to know that you chose our restaurant over others. As much as I try, I do not always look happy, but I promise that I am excited to see you.
2. Please, please, please do not come in 30 minutes before close.
As much as I love seeing customers come in, there is not much that disappoints me more than starting the close process only to have a party of 10 walk in. Closing time does not mean doors locked, lights off, everybody go home. Closing severs usually have to stay around 30 minutes to an hour after the last customer leaves. Not to mention that the kitchen staff cannot begin their lengthy closing process until all orders have been cooked. It is not cool. Please do not do it.
3. I genuinely want you to enjoy your food.
If your steak is not cooked the way you ordered it or there are onions on your pizza when you ordered it with olives, please tell me. I will fix it or get you something else. I do not ask if everything is cooked right or looks right for no reason. I want you to get what you ordered, nothing more, and nothing less. I promise that I will not bite your head off for telling me, so long as you are not rude about it. I want the food you ordered to match your expectations as much as possible.
4. Tips make up most of my pay.
your server
I make $2.13 an hour. That is about average for servers. This means that if I do not make good tips, I barely make any money at all. Please take that into consideration. Do not think that expect those extravagant tips that you see on social media where someone pays for their server's vacation or anything like that. 20 percent will do. 15 to 20 percent is what most servers expect. Anything less indicates to your server that they did not do well, or that you are just a bad tipper. Servers remember that, just saying.
5. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Like I said before, I really want you to enjoy your food. That means you need to know what you are getting! If you are unsure of what something is or what comes on it, please ask me! I will not lie to you or get irritated. On the other hand, I cannot guarantee that I will always know the answer. However, I can guarantee that I will find out or find someone who does know. I want you to know exactly what you are getting.
6. If you are rude, you will not be a priority.
Is this unprofessional? Yes. Do most servers do it? Absolutely. I am in no way saying that I will ever intentionally give you poor service, but my other, more well-behaved tables will probably come first. For example, if both you and another table need refills, I will get theirs first. I am still going to make sure that you get everything you need, but I probably am not going to bust my butt to do so.
7. I want you to come back.
Regulars are my favorite customers. I love seeing the same ones on a regular basis, especially the nice ones. I enjoy having actual conversations with customers and learning more about them. I love being on a first-name basis with my customers. It really establishes a feeling of mutual respect. I especially love knowing that you enjoyed your experience enough to come back.
8. I am your server, not your servant.
Nothing angers me faster than when customers treat me as a lesser person because I am serving them. I am providing you with a service, as most professions do. Remember that I more than likely am taking care of multiple tables at one time. I cannot drop everything I am doing to be at your beck and call. I will get you what you need as quickly as I possibly can, but I am also doing the same for my other tables. Please do not take me for granted.
9. At the end of the day, I love my job.
I love the people I work with, most of the time. I love when people enjoy their food and experience. I love seeing families bonding over dinner. I love seeing the looks on the customers' faces when they see their food coming, especially kids. I love when customers tell me how much they enjoyed everything. I may not be changing the world or doing anything super important, but knowing that I aided in a good experience for a customer makes me feel all fuzzy on the inside.
I want everyone to enjoy their dining experience. The better you treat your server, the better your experience will be. Who knows, they may even slip you some complimentary dessert.
