Restaurants and You

Let me tell you something. I made $62 last night (a Saturday night). I sold over $900 in food. That comes out to around 6%. I'm not a bad server, and nights like that are not normal. I've made 20% after tip out a few times. So last night was a bad night. Thus, this entry is to let people know a few tips for dining out without treating your server like shit.

1. Never, ever tip less than 10%. Even if the service was terrible. Servers make $2.15 an hour, and sometimes, they're trying their best even if it doesn't seem like it. Also, you're not making a point if you leave less than 10% because then it just seems like you're a mean person.

2. Try to understand that the average restaurant is intended for families, which is to say that restaurants are designed to have 6 or fewer people come in and all pay on the same ticket. That means that it's not simple to get separate tickets. Applebee's is probably one of the best restaurants about that, and it's still difficult. It takes superhuman memory and a long time uninterrupted on a computer.

3. Please speak up. Seriously, mumbling is ri-goddamn-diculous. And if you're kid is too scared to speak up, please repeat what they said so I can get your order right.

4. If you're in a big party with separate tickets, don't pay with cash unless you don't need change. Getting change for 18 $20 bills for $8 tickets takes me at least five minutes, assuming I have enough change on hand. And I probably don't.

5. Please only talk to me one at a time because I would genuinely like to get your order right.

6. Don't change your order five minutes after you've ordered. Because it's already in the computer.

There are more, but it basically comes down to this: Yes, I do genuinely care whether I get your order right. I care whether you're comfortable and happy. I care whether you enjoy your night out. If it's necessary, I will get your food recooked, even though 5 cooks will yell at me that the food was just fine. I don't want your drink to go empty or for you to have to look around for me when you're ready to pay and want your plates out of the way. I don't mind taking the time to type in special orders letter by letter. But all of that is going to take time and sometimes patience on your part.

I'm sorry if I sound whiny. The truth is I like my job, and I like more than anything when I surprise one of my guests with excellent service, but sometimes I'm not perfect, and it would be nice if my guests were understanding as well.