Dining Out

[sjg1219]

I think a prerecquesite to life should be that all individuals male and female should have to be a server in a restaurant on a busy weekend night. Why, you ask? Do you realize that the servers are not the ones who have made the lines so long that you have to wait to be seated, the server is not the one who left the bathroom dirty (you can thank your peers for that) and would you really want your server cleaning the bathroom, the server is not the one cooking your food an no the server is not authorized to take a deduction off of your bill because you didn't like something. However, servers do realize that they are for the most part, the only person you come in contact with while dining in the restaurant, but really people, servers do their best to see to it that you have everything you need to have a pleasant dining experience so don't take out your frustrations of the world, or your horrible day your having on the server. They are human just as you, they are not beneath you because they are "just a server" in fact many servers I have had contact with do the job because they love it. They are paid a mere $3.50/hr plus tips. How many of you would work for this because you love your job? Be respectful, the restaurant business is hard work both physically and mentally.

[BogeyBoy]

Many people work in many different jobs that deal directly with people and their story is the same.

And as much as I appreciate what they do I have no desire to be a server, policeman, nurse, paramedic, sales clerk, receptionist, telephone operator, etc., nor do I feel the need to work any of the jobs before receiving their services.

Sure there are rude and inconsiderate people who may take it (whatever "it" is today) out on the service person. Unfortunately that person is often the only contact you have with the establishment and if there is a problem they undoubtedly will be the first to hear about it. If it escalates they need to get their manager involved.

I speak with some knowledge of the service industry (not food service). I had hundreds of employees who had direct contact with tens of thousands of customers every day. If things got out of hand they were instructed to contact their supervisor. If the supervisor couldn't handle it I got a call. When an employee started to complain about the job and/or customers I had this response: "Did you know the job involved customers and dealing with the public when you accepted the position?" (Of course the answer was yes.) "If what you are telling me is you don't like working with customers then perhaps this job is not for you." Then I would proceed to tell them about some undesirable job that paid a lot less than what they were making. My point is - if someone accepts a job at $3.50 plus tips and later thinks it is not enough perhaps they are in the wrong job. If that person really loves the job it should come across that way to the customer, who in turn leaves a nice tip. I would like to be optimistic and think the good customers will outweigh the bad, otherwise all of us would be eating at buffets.

[784caroline]

Bogey Boy

I do have some empathy for sjg1219 and after my first read, I thought he/she wrote a good note...especailyl for first posting. BUT then I read your response and thought this guy has been there and done that.

OUCH!!!! Talk about being direct..but you are right on the money. Some of these local establishments could probably use you as a consultant.

GOOD RESPONSE...

[gemorc]

The only complaint I have with Bogey Boy's response is this. With the employment situation so bad in this area, service jobs are all that is available. Proof being, the long lines of applicants applying for the jobs at any new restaurant.

[784caroline]

gemorc
I may agree with you regarding the job situation BUT Bogey Boy's points are still valid !!

[Boomer]

I think a prerecquesite to life should be that all individuals male and female should have to be a server in a restaurant on a busy weekend night. Why, you ask? Do you realize that the servers are not the ones who have made the lines so long that you have to wait to be seated, the server is not the one who left the bathroom dirty (you can thank your peers for that) and would you really want your server cleaning the bathroom, the server is not the one cooking your food an no the server is not authorized to take a deduction off of your bill because you didn't like something. However, servers do realize that they are for the most part, the only person you come in contact with while dining in the restaurant, but really people, servers do their best to see to it that you have everything you need to have a pleasant dining experience so don't take out your frustrations of the world, or your horrible day your having on the server. They are human just as you, they are not beneath you because they are "just a server" in fact many servers I have had contact with do the job because they love it. They are paid a mere $3.50/hr plus tips. How many of you would work for this because you love your job? Be respectful, the restaurant business is hard work both physically and mentally.



Hi sjg1219,

I read what you said. I understand. There are times when you can size 'em up pretty quick and you just know you might as well have introduced yourself by saying, "Hello, my name is sjg1219, and I am your scapegoat this evening."

I know this might be easy for me to say, but sometimes if you just keep smiling and paying attention, it really can lighten the mood. I know sometimes you just can't fix it, but often a little positive interaction can really help. But I know you already know all that stuff. You are a server. And servers are students of human nature.

I hope you will read the book "Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip -- Confessions of a Cynical Waiter" by Steve Dublanica. I think you would like it.

And yes, I have fulfilled the prerequisite. A long time ago. A golf course restaurant.

Boomer