[Rokinronda]

OK, this is way too long, but you can leave now if you want. I am giving fair warning!. Many of my dining experiences here have been great. A few, not so. Consistancy lacks at times. Example: DQ gave my hubby a kiddy hot dog for a chili dog once. It should have been a foot long. BLT-5 strips one week, 2 the next.....FOOD CONSISTANCY IS CRUCIAL! Management are mostly professionals, whom have families and need housing and good schools for their children. Outside developers would be building if the need for housing is proven. TV does have a family section for professionals that could and probably should be expanded and advertised to the commercial developers. For 25 years restaurant service was my chosen profession. I loved it and had a huge following. Good restaurant help is very hard to find anywhere. It is a very tough job!! I witnessed hundreds come and go. It is a great job for a mom or dad that wants to be home during the day for children or to work a lunch shift when they are in school or at night when the dad is home. My children were my reason for choosing this profession. College students are another good example of possible employees. Restaurants should be flexible. I spent my last 15 yrs. at a fine dining, oceanfront, historical restaurant in RI. I was the lead server for my last several years. I trained everyone, served stars, politicians, athletes, and even a princess, gave exceptional tableside and wine service, and was very very well rewarded by my patrons. $400 tip from a party of 10 is one example. (owners were nice, but I never had health benefits, 401k, a raise or a good-bye PARTY!!!!) The owners lived in a multi million dollar home, have a home in Palm beach, several condos, etc........ My main reason for leaving was to come here, but if I had been treated as a valued employee, I might have hung in longer. (the restaurant has lost most of its repeat business since I left and are hurting badly, I wonder why??) The small restaurants here don't pay well. The tips add up slowly. Great 1st job for high school age. I went to human resources when we moved here and I applied to my favorite Country Club restaurant. They were hiring, but I was not hired. I am flexible, but didn't want 35-40 hours. The body is very tired. The CC and Villages owned restaurants want you available every Fri., Sat., and Sun. and EVERY holiday. That kind of demand is detrimental to its being able to hire staff. They should have some leeway on that rule. Work some of the weekend, and holidays rotated amongst staff works. I can tell you a thousand ways things within the restaurants could change for the better, but instead am saving it for my book. Look for it someday. "The Restaurant Diaries". What is lacking?? There should be extensive training in customer service and satisfaction, a detailed manual, mandatory testing, and a manager always available to the public. Management needs to be aware of what needs improving. There should be a short meeting before each shift, to discuss daily specials, and to maintain teamwork. Teamwork is vital. I could go on and on......... I truly enjoyed giving a great experience to every person I ever waited on. I miss it, but then again I don't...........I have found a less stressful job. I guarantee I am having a waitress nightmare tonight