I do understand that my job serving tables entails making sure your needs are met and that you are having an enjoyable dining experience, but please, a few manners and a little common courtesy go a very long way.
In my year of serving tables in Maui, I am continued to be shocked by how many people lose their manners when entering a restaurant.
Or maybe they didn't have any manners to begin with.
I'm flabbergasted by how many people don't say "please" or "thank you" when I am waiting on them. I'm also surprised by how many people will try to grab me by the elbow and ask me for something when I'm in the middle of talking to a table right next to them. This strikes me as unbelievably rude--to myself as well as to your fellow diners. Wait your turn, and I will take care of you when I am done speaking with the people directly in front of me.
I know that that as the paying customer you feel that you are in control, but this is merely a well-constructed illusion.
The one who really controls your dining experience is me. I control how quickly you receive your food and drinks. I control what modifications and substitutions can be made to your meal. I also control when you get your check so you can leave.
If you're being surly, rude or arrogant, I'm going to be less inclined to tell you how far I can modify your meal to make it just the way you want. If you say "please" and "thank you" and come across as a pleasant person, I'll bend over backwards to modify your meal to the point where it no longer resembles anything stated on the menu. If you're not going to play nice, then there is no way I'm going to battle it out with our cooks on your behalf to change your food.
Last night, I had a customer whistle at me to get my attention. I have been snapped at before as well as frantically waved at. I'm not a fan of a customer snapping at me, but I'm okay if you feel you have to give me a little wave to catch my eye. Hopefully I'll be on my game enough that I can cruise by every table every few minutes to make sure you have everything you need, but being whistled at was a new experience, and it was definitely not okay. I'm not your dog. There is really no good reason to stoop so low as to whistle. It's demeaning to me as well as disruptive to the other guests enjoying their food.
The guest that whistled at me was the same table that asked me, "Approximately what time will our food arrive?" a mere five minutes after I had taken their order.
I told them, "This isn't a fast food restaurant. We cook most everything on our menu fresh, so it takes about fifteen to twenty minutes for food to reach your table. I ordered your food a little over five minutes ago, and it should be on the grill as we speak. When your food is ready, I'll make sure it gets here as fast as it can."
I had another table grab my elbow to get my attention. This is always a bad idea. Please don't ever touch your waiter. Especially when they have a stack of dirty plates in their hands. I didn't drop anything in this case, but this guy almost had a steak knife tumble onto the top of his head. Dangerous.
If I ask for you ID when you order an alcoholic beverage, please do not be offended that you possibly look underaged. Be flattered. Then fish your ID out of your wallet. I'm not trying to offend you or inconvenience you, I am trying not to lose my job and pay thousands of dollars in fines to the Maui Liquor Commission. If you don't have your ID when I ask you for one, please be ready to order something else to drink. I'm not ready to empty my savings account so you can drink a $3 Mai Tai.
Thank you so much for understanding.
Sincerely,
Your Waiter
PS: This letter to the dining public was written by someone who received a review of excellence on her service by customers and published online. Thank you so very much.
0 comments:
Post a Comment