Ok all,
I just have to put up a post of common logic that should be used when you go to a restaurant. Working in the dining service industry you see a lot of obnoxious and rude things, along with a lot of mishaps. Here's a few tips I'd give to you all because frankly, it can be annoying to the business.
1. Read the Menu: This seems like a fairly logical one, but for a lot of the customers I run into on a daily basis, most don't and then the company is faced with the burden of taking care of YOUR mistake. Yes, they are willing to do it, but they are losing money when they do. And in this economy, it's not entirely fair to put the burden of blame on them.
*If you have a question about an item you want to order, please ask. Most staff should be knowledgeable about the menu and should be able to easily answer your questions.
2. Be kind to the server: I've worked in dining services that range from full service to food court settings, and I'll tell you A LOT of gossip and mud slinging about customers happens behind the scenes. But it's more likely to happen if you get ornery at the server. Remember, they are just doing their job. If they've done a lousy job, then you have every right to be upset. But more often than not, they are normal people trying their best to do a good job. Do that, and you will probably get better service and a more willing server.
3. Listen to the server when they speak to you: I currently work in a fast-causal dining environment where the customer orders up front and then takes a seat and the food is brought to them. Similar to Kneaders or Zupa's. And I can tell you, one of the number one causes of messed up orders is neither party listening to each other. A lot of my customers will rattle off what they want then walk off because someone else is paying or they will half-listen to me when I try to read back the order. PEOPLE! If the server reads back the order it's because they don't want to mess it up. Pay attention and be helpful because that is the key to making sure that you get exactly what you would like.
* The term the customer is always right can be frustrating in a situation like this. You have a right to get the food you want, but if you fail to pay attention. Please don't act like a jerk, sometimes it is your fault and it also makes the staff want to be less helpful if you're rude. Remember, they're not paid enough to do what they do, so please be fair.
4. Don't get ornery if your server approaches your table and asks a question: Sure, it's kind of annoying to have your conversation put on hold for a few seconds. Especially if you were onto something good, or if you're talking about something private. But the server doesn't know that and they are there to make sure you are taken care of. And if that means clearing your dishes, then that is the best they can do to make you more comfortable. Take a few seconds to listen and talk to the server because if you don't want them to take your plate, they need to know.
5. Be kind when questions are asked: I know that "Do you want a recommendation from the menu?" or the server talking over the menu quickly with you if you haven't been to the restaurant before can get a little annoying. But once again, remember they're doing their job, and awkward body language from you makes it difficult to do that. When I worked at a full service restaurant, part of the "routine" was to describe two meals from the menu, I could seriously get in trouble if I didn't, because the goal is to make money and sell food. (Sorry if that burst your bubble in any way) And I can tell you that I can't keep on one hand how many times I've gotten the annoyance look or the glares because they don't want to hear it. And what makes it more frustrating, is when I could have cleared up questions the first time and they are later asked because you refused to listen to what I had to say. Sorry, but that is frustrating for the server and makes you run the risk of being part of the gossip circle in the back room.
6. A smile or a thank you can make a difference: Most servers are students just trying to survive, they're worn out and tired, yet they are there, missing dates, movies, and other activities to make sure you are being taken care of when you go and eat. Take the time to show some appreciation. A thank you, a smile or some form of gratitude can change the server's day. Especially if they were really wanting to go to the movies with their roommates and instead are working on a Saturday night. Remember, sometimes people are put to work so you can have a good time. Yes, they're willing to do it, but the gratitude can do wonders for your service.
7. Don't let your bad attitude/day be taken out on the server: Unless you have a Seriously Real Reason to get angry at your server, don't do it. Once again, they aren't generally paid a lot and they are there working hard to make sure you're taken care of. They have lives too, boyfriends, drama, homework, and they don't need more stress than necessary. If you are ornery or demanding to the point you are a serious pain in the butt. This is probably the Number one thing that will get the mud flying in the back. Food service is a stressful job and they are trying their best. Being a pain will only frustrate your server and might cause them to give bad service because they want you gone. Sorry, but true.
8. 90-95% of the time, it's not the server's fault: Everyone makes mistakes, it's what makes us human. But the most frustrating thing is when the server gets the blame when it wasn't their fault for the mess up. A large majority of the time it is something else. Largely, it can be the cook's fault (I'm not trying to pass the blame unfairly, but it's true) for whatever reason. They made the food wrong, added a side you didn't want etc. One time I took the fall for the cooks not replacing the paper in the kitchen printer and my order got lost in limbo. And even after they replaced it, the order didn't come through and I had no clue until 20 minutes later when I went to get the food and it wasn't there. And the table got angry at me, and it was frustrating. Try to remember that honestly sometimes there could be another factor to why something has messed up, and try to be understanding. Please.
9. Be honest with the server: If a problem arises and the server asks what they can do to remedy it, be honest. If you seriously don't feel like you need to be reimbursed or something, let them know that and let it go. Don't stew over it then complain to someone later. I once had a situation where some food came out cold and I offered to fix the problem. I was told many times that it was ok, and then later the person who told me that went and complained to my manager that I had been the one to try and fix the problem. My manager had been really busy that evening and hadn't had time to talk with the table and gave me specific instructions to take care of it, which I tried to do. Also, if you don't like what you ordered, that's fine, tell us and we'll take care of you.
*Not to mention, a free dessert is never bad.
10. Be patient with the business if the restaurant is busy: I run into so many grumpy people when we are the busiest. And it can be very stressful because there's a million things that need to be done, and frankly, we are trying our best to take care of everyone. Also, don't approach your server while they are doing something else and ask them to do another task. 90% of the time, it's going to be forgotten. If they approach your table to bring your food, or to clear dishes etc. That is the best time to ask a question, because they can make sure it gets taken care of instantly because they are finishing a task. Or they will make sure that someone else gets it done for you.
11. If the sign is not lit up, that means they're closed - that is fairly self explanatory. And don't get upset if it doesn't fit into your schedule. You're not really fitting into theirs either and they REALLY would like to go home at the end of the day.
They probably seem very similar, but I promise, if you use some of these things you will most likely get better service and a nicer staff. They are willing to take care of you, you need to be kind and approachable.
The customer is always right, but that doesn't mean you need to act like a jerk.
No comments:
Post a Comment