Don't people realize the damage when they criticize a restaurant?

[Northwoods]

I just read a post on a Villages Restaurant Review Facebook page. This person complained that a server wasn't wearing a mask and said the manager was "rude."
This person didn't mention it's an open-air restaurant (essentially outside seating). A number of people stated they would no longer go there.

Here's my issue - most restaurants are barely making a living. If you have an issue, talk to the manager or don't go back. If they're not wearing a mask ask them to put it on. If they won't - leave. Do you need to write a negative post and put it on social media? Do you understand you are potentially impacting the viability of that business? Do you want to put people (waitstaff) out of work? They have families to support. Please know that your negative post could impact the livelihood of the waitstaff at that business.
Many times people don't tell the whole story. Yet people read and make decisions because of their post.

[retiredguy123]

I'm not sure I understand your issue. I sounds like the complainer did talk to the manager who was rude. That may be why he/she made a negative post. If you are saying that people should refrain from making negative posts to keep bad restaurants in business, I don't agree. Restaurant reviews, both negative and positive, are often very interesting and helpful. And, at least on this forum, people who make negative reviews are often contradicted by other posters, which actually helps to promote a good restaurant.

[Art cov]

I don’t believe that at times a restaurant should receive a bad review because an employee didn’t meet a customers expectation. A employee could have had a hard day or been stiffed a number of times in a day by some creepy customers who were to cheap and inconsiderate to leave a decent tip. If you can’t leave money for a server to eat and help them, then eat at home! I have never waited tables but I have told some servers (that cheap b......., wouldn’t want me doing your job because I would have had a slight accident and dumped the picture of water all over him) Some customers are so arrogant and rude and they should have a bad write up. Now then, there are some terrible workers in all occupations everywhere, and sometimes a restaurant or any other kind of business has one, but it may not have the reflection of ownership. They may be the most wonderful people and not deserving of a bad rap. Just recent a large party was at a restaurant and stayed 3 hours and left an enormous tip of $7. About $50 should have been the least. The group took up many tables in a side room and the girl worked hard to supply their every whim. I like to be generous to the good workers but at times laziness is on display with bad service and they won’t get the same generosity. Please folks, treat people right! If we were in their shoes we might think a little differently. Everyone should in a lifetime work retail or worked a job to see how it is. Lol forgive me for this rant but some folks will know what I mean

[Two Bills]

I don’t believe that at times a restaurant should receive a bad review because an employee didn’t meet a customers expectation. A employee could have had a hard day or been stiffed a number of times in a day by some creepy customers who were to cheap and inconsiderate to leave a decent tip. If you can’t leave money for a server to eat and help them, then eat at home! I have never waited tables but I have told some servers (that cheap b......., wouldn’t want me doing your job because I would have had a slight accident and dumped the picture of water all over him) Some customers are so arrogant and rude and they should have a bad write up. Now then, there are some terrible workers in all occupations everywhere, and sometimes a restaurant or any other kind of business has one, but it may not have the reflection of ownership. They may be the most wonderful people and not deserving of a bad rap. Just recent a large party was at a restaurant and stayed 3 hours and left an enormous tip of $7. About $50 should have been the least. The group took up many tables in a side room and the girl worked hard to supply their every whim. I like to be generous to the good workers but at times laziness is on display with bad service and they won’t get the same generosity. Please folks, treat people right! If we were in their shoes we might think a little differently. Everyone should in a lifetime work retail or worked a job to see how it is. Lol forgive me for this rant but some folks will know what I mean

Two or three years ago wife and I went in the old Son Rise Cafe for lunch.
We were seated behind a table of eight ladies who had finished a mornings golf. They were arguing if a dollar a head was to much for a tip, as some thought 50 cents each was nearer the mark as there were eight of them after all.
Sometimes you cannot beieve what you hear!

[Garwood1]

I find the people who complain the most never dealt with public in a customer environment , I can personally say after 45 years in the grocery business as a manager that the public can be the most rude people alive if they’ve never worked in those conditions, I have had associates threatened, I’ve been cursed more times than I can count and posting negative comments is the typical keyboard courage so imho take the time to personally speak to a manager or the owner and do it like a standup person instead of laying your wrath on an entire staff because they all aren’t the same

[dewilson58]

I believe Yelp provides a good service........both good & bad reviews.


If you understand how to use, very helpful.

[bilcon]

I love it when some people complain about the food then screw the waitress or waiter out of the tip like it was their fault. Just an excuse to be cheap. When my granddaughter was in college, she worked as a waitress in NY when she was home. She made $19,000 working during her breaks and summer. She was lucky. She worked in a very popular restaurant on LI. Thank god for the tippers.

[Number 10 GI]

My wife and I have eaten out a lot in our life, especially when we were working. My experience with dining out is there are far more jerk customers than servers. One episode that sticks out in my memory is we were at a buffet type restaurant one evening. A family of pigs, maybe too much of an insult to actual pigs, had slid two tables together to seat all of them. They had covered the table with dirty dishes and glasses stacked 3 and 4 plates high. Food was slopped all over the table and floor. One woman had given her small child a bowl filled with candy and the kid was throwing the candy on the floor instead of eating it. It took 3 servers 10 minutes to clean up the mess these slobs created. They left a $2.00 tip on the table.

[graciegirl]

I love it when some people complain about the food then screw the waitress or waiter out of the tip like it was their fault. Just an excuse to be cheap. When my granddaughter was in college, she worked as a waitress in NY when she was home. She made $19,000 working during her breaks and summer. She was lucky. She worked in a very popular restaurant on LI. Thank god for the tippers.

We always tip 20% even if the waitress is not good.

If we don't like the restaurant we don't holler and bellow and carry on publicly. We just don't go back.

We notice that big complainers are not those who would make it in competitive employment. They probably have tenure somewhere or work for the government.

If the restaurant is not good, it will close. That is how it works. You don't need to have a green fit or a bad spell. It is wise to point out when there are foreign objects in your food or that your shoes stick to the floor, but do it quietly to the manager and don't act like you are expecting a free meal or a comp.

[Stu from NYC]

I just read a post on a Villages Restaurant Review Facebook page. This person complained that a server wasn't wearing a mask and said the manager was "rude."
This person didn't mention it's an open-air restaurant (essentially outside seating). A number of people stated they would no longer go there.

Here's my issue - most restaurants are barely making a living. If you have an issue, talk to the manager or don't go back. If they're not wearing a mask ask them to put it on. If they won't - leave. Do you need to write a negative post and put it on social media? Do you understand you are potentially impacting the viability of that business? Do you want to put people (waitstaff) out of work? They have families to support. Please know that your negative post could impact the livelihood of the waitstaff at that business.
Many times people don't tell the whole story. Yet people read and make decisions because of their post.

They seem to have gone to the manager about their issue and they claim he/she was rude.

I think that when someone rights a review others will answer and usually will have a very well balanced discussion.

I do not understand why tipping became a part of this thread?

[npwalters]

We always tip 20% even if the waitress is not good.

If we don't like the restaurant we don't holler and bellow and carry on publicly. We just don't go back.

We notice that big complainers are not those who would make it in competitive employment. They probably have tenure somewhere or work for the government.

If the restaurant is not good, it will close. That is how it works. You don't need to have a green fit or a bad spell. It is wise to point out when there are foreign objects in your food or that your shoes stick to the floor, but do it quietly to the manager and don't act like you are expecting a free meal or a comp.

I definitely do NOT tip if the service is bad. I do tip if the service is good even if the food is not. That is a very rare occurrence. A tip should be compensation for a job well done - or at least adequately done.

As a former government worker - 26 active military and 16 as a civilian working for the military and husband of a teacher with tenure, I cannot appreciate your comment above. There were far more good employees than bad in my slice of the government and far more good teachers with tenure than bad.

[npwalters]

Like a few others I appreciate feedback on a restaurant both good and bad. I don't let just one critique sway me but a pattern will.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

If a restaurant has bad food or bad service or both, perhaps they deserve to go out of business.

If I had a bad experience with a business, I'd tell my friends warning them not to do business there. Social media has made it possible to tell hundreds or maybe thousands of people. In the long run, it should make not only restaurants, but all businesses more concerned about getting a bad name and working harder to be better.

On the other hand, we should also be telling people of good experiences and good deals when we have them. Unfortunately, human nature has us complain about bad experiences than we praise good ones. I think that when things go well, we feel that's just the way it should be and don't mention it to others.

So maybe we should report the good as much as the bad, but we don't.

[TedfromGA]

For me the best review is “how busy is the parking lot” around the restaurant at meal times? An empty parking area is a sign to “make another choice”.

As for restaurant reviews - a string of negative with a few positive would cause me to think twice; a string of positive and a few negative would not be a deterrent. A limited number of reviews (say less than 10) would indicate an adventure.

When it comes to a review about price I generally ignore it. What is expensive for me might be ok with someone else. Most times you get what you pay for, but there are exceptions which are usually born out by a string of positive or negative food reviews.

In my opinion the restaurant manager who responds to reviews adds a lot of credibility. This would increase my probability of giving the restaurant a try.

[gatorbill1]

I am thankful to get reviews of restaurant before I waste my time and money going to one that needs improvement and manager will not listen to suggestions.

[Velvet]

I read reviews before I go to a restaurant and I appreciate them. If one person complains it doesn’t mean much but if two or more say similar things then that means something.

[Jima64]

I do believe a customer has a right ot give a bad review if that is what the business warrants. I also learned to take into consideration that this customer is giving a bad review on their own experience. I would not quit going based on one review. It is like all the ratings online you see for a product and the stars from one to five. You have to balance out the good with the bad and see what the bad ones are based on and the numblers.

[Topspinmo]

I love it when some people complain about the food then screw the waitress or waiter out of the tip like it was their fault. Just an excuse to be cheap. When my granddaughter was in college, she worked as a waitress in NY when she was home. She made $19,000 working during her breaks and summer. She was lucky. She worked in a very popular restaurant on LI. Thank god for the tippers.


See qualified to be movie star :icon_wink::) Hollywood full fo of ex waiters and waitresses. :clap2:

[Stu from NYC]

It helps me when we know the people on here doing the review.

Some people can never be satisfied.

[rlcooper70]

If a restaurant wants to get through this then they should be pretty focuses on service ... the manager should make sure that the servers are all masked ... period. Masks prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing one is part of the service industry. Any restaurant with unmasked waiters ... its their choice .... and the customers have a responsibility to inform all others. My opinion.

[Scott O]

I find the people who complain the most never dealt with public in a customer environment , I can personally say after 45 years in the grocery business as a manager that the public can be the most rude people alive if they’ve never worked in those conditions, I have had associates threatened, I’ve been cursed more times than I can count and posting negative comments is the typical keyboard courage so imho take the time to personally speak to a manager or the owner and do it like a standup person instead of laying your wrath on an entire staff because they all aren’t the same
Amen, there is plenty who love to sit pompously behind their computers and scold those that they have had just a brief moment of their life spent with, then try and ruin it...it’s pathetic and it’s becoming rampant...some love to feed off the negativity!

[Scott O]

If a restaurant wants to get through this then they should be pretty focuses on service ... the manager should make sure that the servers are all masked ... period. Masks prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing one is part of the service industry. Any restaurant with unmasked waiters ... its their choice .... and the customers have a responsibility to inform all others. My opinion.
Blah blah blah...please ordain yourself...so your saying anyone who writes a bad comment is always correct? I’ve seen plenty who thrive off of negativity, where deserving or not...

[HeleneGB]

Staff should wear masks even if outside. Most restaurants here do this. I agree, if not, leave.

[HeleneGB]

I'm not sure I understand your issue. I sounds like the complainer did talk to the manager who was rude. That may be why he/she made a negative post. If you are saying that people should refrain from making negative posts to keep bad restaurants in business, I don't agree. Restaurant reviews, both negative and positive, are often very interesting and helpful. And, at least on this forum, people who make negative reviews are often contradicted by other posters, which actually helps to promote a good restaurant.
Staff should wear masks even if outside. Most restaurants here do this. I agree, if not, leave.

[giorgio1948]

If you are serving food to the public during COVID and the staff is not wearing masks is a sign management lets their employees make their own rules. IMHO, it shows a lack of respect, especially to seniors who are susceptible.

[Rsenholzi]

Let me begin by saying I am an excellent tipper. Most of the time I over tip by more than 20% . I do have to say though I resent having to do so. It should be the restaurants responsibility to pay the servers a decent wage. It should not be the customers responsibility to supplement their salary. A customer should not be expected to tip at all unless a server goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is their job and they chose it. Does the normal person get tipped for doing their job? Not usually! They might get a Christmas gift if it’s someone who does something for someone all year but to tip every time you go out is ridiculous. They don’t do it in other countries and actually find it offensive when you do so. I was actually told by one restaurant server that they were paid well and there was no reason for me to give them extra money. It should be the same in the states. It should be the owners responsibility to pay his employees , not the customers.

[npwalters]

Let me begin by saying I am an excellent tipper. Most of the time I over tip by more than 20% . I do have to say though I resent having to do so. It should be the restaurants responsibility to pay the servers a decent wage. It should not be the customers responsibility to supplement their salary. A customer should not be expected to tip at all unless a server goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is their job and they chose it. Does the normal person get tipped for doing their job? Not usually! They might get a Christmas gift if it’s someone who does something for someone all year but to tip every time you go out is ridiculous. They don’t do it in other countries and actually find it offensive when you do so. I was actually told by one restaurant server that they were paid well and there was no reason for me to give them extra money. It should be the same in the states. It should be the owners responsibility to pay his employees , not the customers.

Yep - what they said. This is the way it is in many countries. The cost of service is included in the cost of the meal.

[PennBF]

I believe it is a terrible idea not to tip and would add the tip should be generous enough
to help the server. I believe that if you get a carry out you tip the person who gave it to you. The only point I would add that if the server is rude then tip but don't go back. You have no idea what that server has been through and the experience's they just add. Only once have I ever broken this rule and made up for it. My wife and I were going to an event and stopped at a small restaurant for a dinner. The service was terrible. When we left, I left a small tip. The whole evening I felt bad and made it a point to drive quite a few miles out of the way to go back to that restaurant and give the server the remaining portion of what should have been the tip and then added a little more for my error in judgement. I swore I would never do that again and haven't. In many instances that is their lively hood and not leaving a tip is a form reducing their standard of living because you are angry. It's the old story we all learned when we were young."Have Compassion".
I have never worked in a restaurant but understand the implications of Tipping. :popcorn:

[BumpaOompa]

Every business should be held accountable for the product or service they provide. Writing a review, good or bad, is a method to do that. Additionally, every worker should be held accountable for the work they do. Tipping, large or small, is a method to do that. Allowing business’ a pass when they do poor service is an injustice to others and entitles them to continue their bad behavior. I routinely use reviews to make decisions on who I use and will always filter out the outliers (top 5 and bottom 5). The Better Business Bureau is also an excellent resource when you are unable to get resolution on an issue after running it up the flag pole. Most reputable businesses will respond to a BBB complaint.

[airstreamingypsy]

Now, for the rest of the story. " I asked why she wasn’t wearing a mask, especially because she was serving food. She went to get the manager, who admitted he didn’t know how to put on a mask properly. Then he asked, “why aren’t you wearing a mask?” I said because I was going to eat. He said in his restaurant wearing a mask was a courtesy and did not have to be worn, per the governor. Ok, true. We were told that If we didn’t like it we could leave, we did." When a manager says, "If you don't like it leave" I can't imagine many people would stay.

[1948JDG]

I agree 100%.

[wamley]

Dealing with the public in an industry that revolves around there food is the toughest of all. People don't understand when something is prepared not to their specific taste or order. I'm sure there own kitchen has issues from time to time. Things happen and they aren't done on purpose. Somethings get cooked too much and some don't get cooked enough. Be polite and give others a break as you would want to have one given to you.

[justjim]

If a restaurant wants to get through this then they should be pretty focuses on service ... the manager should make sure that the servers are all masked ... period. Masks prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing one is part of the service industry. Any restaurant with unmasked waiters ... its their choice .... and the customers have a responsibility to inform all others. My opinion.

If a server doesn’t have a mask on (like us) we will be in the restaurant just long enough to leave. We take our mask off just long enough to eat and we put our mask back on as we are being served. It’s a two way street. There are chronic food complainers who are rarely pleased dining out. We never blame a server by leaving an inadequate tip because of the quality of food. There is something wrong with a person that does. If the food is very bad ask for the manager and tell her/him and be polite and discreet about it for best results.

[Number 10 GI]

Let me begin by saying I am an excellent tipper. Most of the time I over tip by more than 20% . I do have to say though I resent having to do so. It should be the restaurants responsibility to pay the servers a decent wage. It should not be the customers responsibility to supplement their salary. A customer should not be expected to tip at all unless a server goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is their job and they chose it. Does the normal person get tipped for doing their job? Not usually! They might get a Christmas gift if it’s someone who does something for someone all year but to tip every time you go out is ridiculous. They don’t do it in other countries and actually find it offensive when you do so. I was actually told by one restaurant server that they were paid well and there was no reason for me to give them extra money. It should be the same in the states. It should be the owners responsibility to pay his employees , not the customers.

In these other countries the restaurant customer does pay the employees, through the price they pay for the meal that covers the overhead for the establishment. If a server gives bad service they get the same pay. Other than the threat of job loss there isn't much incentive for a salaried server to provide good service.

[Nevermore]

Two or three years ago wife and I went in the old Son Rise Cafe for lunch.
We were seated behind a table of eight ladies who had finished a mornings golf. They were arguing if a dollar a head was to much for a tip, as some thought 50 cents each was nearer the mark as there were eight of them after all.
Sometimes you cannot beieve what you hear!

I have hated that for a long time. Villagers are cheap tippers and complain a lot. I have heard this from many sales and servers. It is really disturbing to here that 8 entitled women gave server a $4 tip. They know. Minimum of 15%.

The issue of the mask is interesting to me. Are these people removing their masks to eat? If you are concerned about the virus, do not go to restaurants. Pick it up and go home.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I tip how I've always tipped: first - it is *exclusively* dependent on the service provided, regardless of the quality of food.

For the absolute minimum - making sure the glasses don't have lipstick smudges on them before they bring them to the table, making sure there's no food on the utensils, making sure the table is clean before we sit down, the chairs don't have crumbs on them til we start eating, bringing the hot food while it's still hot, the cold food still cold, a reasonable wait time between being seated and being served, and then between finishing our meal and paying the bill -

That all gets 15%.

If they do it with a smile, look us in the eye, check back once or twice during our meal to make sure we're satisfied - it bumps up to 18%.

If they are especially friendly while maintaining a professional presentation, go out of their way to make us not merely satisfied, but actually GLAD that we chose this place, and was rewarded with this server...it's 20%.

If they do even more than that, it's 20% and we let the manager know what an absolute gem they have with this employee.

Anything less than the minimum, and I then include the quality of the food and overall atmosphere of the place. If it's as bad as the service, I won't bother telling the manager. If he doesn't know already, then he's buried his head in the sand already. If it's all bad, they get a Google review (I'm a certified Google reviewer). If it's just the server who was bad, and everything else is at least acceptable, if not stellar, I let the manager know, and the server gets no tip at all.

[EviesGP]

They seem to have gone to the manager about their issue and they claim he/she was rude.

I think that when someone rights a review others will answer and usually will have a very well balanced discussion.

I do not understand why tipping became a part of this thread?

Actually, this post, and the original customer's post, is really about mask wearing, not restaurant service(food, etc). Obviously, they felt uncomfortable that the server wasn't wearing a mask. Instead of just leaving, they felt they needed to correct their behavior, then when they didn't get the result they wanted, they posted a review. I'm seeing all kinds of businesses with either no masks, or masks that sit below noses and mouths. If I had to correct everyone of them, I'd never have time to read these posts. Wait, what???

[Cranford61]

If a restaurant has bad food or bad service or both, perhaps they deserve to go out of business.

If I had a bad experience with a business, I'd tell my friends warning them not to do business there. Social media has made it possible to tell hundreds or maybe thousands of people. In the long run, it should make not only restaurants, but all businesses more concerned about getting a bad name and working harder to be better.


On the other hand, we should also be telling people of good experiences and good deals when we have them. Unfortunately, human nature has us complain about bad experiences than we praise good ones. I think that when things go well, we feel that's just the way it should be and don't mention it to others.

So maybe we should report the good as much as the bad, but we don't.
If all the restaurants that have been cited for bad service/food were eliminated, there would be a very long line outside Golden Corral..or a mighty annoyed Mrs in the kitchen.

[Beyond The Wall]

Most of the restaurants in TV are ok. You get what you pay for

[Stu from NYC]

Actually, this post, and the original customer's post, is really about mask wearing, not restaurant service(food, etc). Obviously, they felt uncomfortable that the server wasn't wearing a mask. Instead of just leaving, they felt they needed to correct their behavior, then when they didn't get the result they wanted, they posted a review. I'm seeing all kinds of businesses with either no masks, or masks that sit below noses and mouths. If I had to correct everyone of them, I'd never have time to read these posts. Wait, what???

They said the manager was rude when they brought it to his attention. If that point was not made my post would have been entirely different.

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Why does the restaurant industry continue to get away with not paying their employees at least the federal minimum wage, and then relying on the public (customers) to make up the difference?

[Velvet]

I never ask why a person (who would like my business or money) is not wearing a mask. I simply ask them to put one on. Not up for discussion. If they don’t, I get away from them. They can do what they want but not near me.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I find the people who complain the most never dealt with public in a customer environment , I can personally say after 45 years in the grocery business as a manager that the public can be the most rude people alive if they’ve never worked in those conditions, I have had associates threatened, I’ve been cursed more times than I can count and posting negative comments is the typical keyboard courage so imho take the time to personally speak to a manager or the owner and do it like a standup person instead of laying your wrath on an entire staff because they all aren’t the same

great advice from an expert from experience. I do often times commend people in public customer service jobs for their patience with the general public. We can have unrealistic expectations for many reasons.

[Stu from NYC]

Why does the restaurant industry continue to get away with not paying their employees at least the federal minimum wage, and then relying on the public (customers) to make up the difference?

Simple answer, Because they Can!

[Skip]

I believe Yelp provides a good service........both good & bad reviews.
If you understand how to use, very helpful.

You can't rely on Yelp. I personally know of restaurant owners that pan the restaurant across the street with mis-information and bad reviews in an attempt to gain market share in their neighborhood. On Yelp, you never know WHO is writing the review (both positive and negative).

In magazines, like STYLE, the reporter will always write a nice review because they want that restaurant to advertise more with them. Conflict of interest in magazine reviews.

I rely more on friends and neighbors but I realize everyone has a different taste. Just because they served a baked potato wrapped in aluminum foil (for me) is not a reason to pan a restaurant. I don't mind unwrapping the still-hot potato first. Others might complain. We're all different when it comes to saltiness, spice level, doneness, greasiness, etc...

Skip

[retiredguy123]

Two or three years ago wife and I went in the old Son Rise Cafe for lunch.
We were seated behind a table of eight ladies who had finished a mornings golf. They were arguing if a dollar a head was to much for a tip, as some thought 50 cents each was nearer the mark as there were eight of them after all.
Sometimes you cannot beieve what you hear!
That is bad, but what is even worse is restaurants that charge a mandatory gratuity for large groups, thereby removing all incentive for the employees to provide good service. I think the restaurant should make up the difference if a large group short changes the servers.

[Velvet]

I think that if there was a mandatory gratuity, and I really wish that the price of decent wages was reflected in the food instead, and you received lousy service, you could complain at the time to the manager. If that didn’t help, you could do a real number in social media (last resort).

[retiredguy123]

To the topic, isn't the purpose of a negative restaurant review to inform people of a problem with a particular restaurant, and thereby potentially reducing their business? It's free speech, and entirely appropriate as long as the reviewer is being accurate, fair, and honest.

[Mikef99]

I think people are entitled to their opinion and while I consider it, but I also believe some in the parking lot idea. I think it is more of one strike.... once or twice more and I do not like it . I will probably not be back.

[retiredguy123]

I think that if there was a mandatory gratuity, and I really wish that the price of decent wages was reflected in the food instead, and you received lousy service, you could complain at the time to the manager. If that didn’t help, you could do a real number in social media (last resort).
I have a real problem with a mandatory "gratuity" and won't accept it anywhere. It makes no sense.

It's a contradiction of terms and an insult to the customer.

[Velvet]

K, I understand about mandatory gratuity, but the problem to me is that the servers are not paid a proper wage in the first place. It is assumed that they will get a gratuity. Some people won’t give it to them for any number of reasons; they are curmudgeons, cheapskates, or too poor to afford to eat out... whatever, the server ends up being short changed even after they give great service.

[Aloha1]

Why does the restaurant industry continue to get away with not paying their employees at least the federal minimum wage, and then relying on the public (customers) to make up the difference?

Because servers make more in tips than from their base wage which adds up to substantially more than minimum wage.

[Stu from NYC]

If people were not satisfied with their earning while working at a restaurant they would find other jobs.

[Marshaw]

This there's a tough call. I've been in a situation before where a particular establishment really had a bad policy for seating people during the days of heavy lines. They had tables left open all the time and just didn't hire the staff and didn't care. I never could find the owner of that establishment to ask him what he thought about three or four large tables going unused every time we were there. I did post that because I didn't feel that it should go unnoticed since the management team just literally put their nose in the air and walked away and I don't do that sort of stuff very often. So it's up to the management not in all cases but in most cases to respond at least in a nice way or give an excuses to why something is not dealing being dealt with properly if they don't I think they've created their own noose

[Rosie1950]

Just curious. Should the health dept. stop posting health and safety issues for the public to read.
Got news for ya, poor management is poor all the way to the kitchen. The buck stops with management, if they could care less, it’s time for health and safe inspectors to show up. Let them be uppity with health inspectors. You would definitely see who has the upper hand.

[Velvet]

Because servers make more in tips than from their base wage which adds up to substantially more than minimum wage.

Some servers may make more tips than minimum wages some times. I would like to see every server, cook etc. properly paid and if they don’t do a proper job, fired. This dependence on stranger’s generosity has to go the way of the dinosaurs.

[HJBeck]

I just read a post on a Villages Restaurant Review Facebook page. This person complained that a server wasn't wearing a mask and said the manager was "rude."
This person didn't mention it's an open-air restaurant (essentially outside seating). A number of people stated they would no longer go there.

Here's my issue - most restaurants are barely making a living. If you have an issue, talk to the manager or don't go back. If they're not wearing a mask ask them to put it on. If they won't - leave. Do you need to write a negative post and put it on social media? Do you understand you are potentially impacting the viability of that business? Do you want to put people (waitstaff) out of work? They have families to support. Please know that your negative post could impact the livelihood of the waitstaff at that business.
Many times people don't tell the whole story. Yet people read and make decisions because of their post.

Think about Salmonella, Herpes, Hepatitis, .... need I go on.

[Stu from NYC]

Some servers may make more tips than minimum wages some times. I would like to see every server, cook etc. properly paid and if they don’t do a proper job, fired. This dependence on stranger’s generosity has to go the way of the dinosaurs.

For better worse tip jars are spreading and out of control.

Not to mention as you travel around the world more and more employees are tipped or expecting tips

[npwalters]

In these other countries the restaurant customer does pay the employees, through the price they pay for the meal that covers the overhead for the establishment. If a server gives bad service they get the same pay. Other than the threat of job loss there isn't much incentive for a salaried server to provide good service.

The service I received in Germany and Austrailia, for instance, was good and they include the service in the cost of the meal. The owner/manager makes sure it is so in order to retain customers. Poor servers don't keep their jobs if the manager is on top of it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Be careful what you wish for with regards good tips/bad tips. If you don't like the service, tip nothing and complain to the manager. If it's not bad enough to tip nothing and complain to the manager, then it's good enough for the customary 15% tip. If you tip less than 15%, and don't talk to the manager to complain, then don't expect good service the next time you go to that restaurant.

Servers DO rely on tips in this country, like it or not. If you treat them badly even when they give you good service, they WILL remember you when you try to become a regular. I had an aunt who always tipped 50 cents, no matter what she bought. She complained of bad customer service everywhere, said no one was worth more than that. My thoughts - if she had tipped more appropriately she probably would've discovered the service is actually pretty good, but why bend over backward to please someone who will just insult you for their efforts?

[coffeebean]

I never ask why a person (who would like my business or money) is not wearing a mask. I simply ask them to put one on. Not up for discussion. If they don’t, I get away from them. They can do what they want but not near me.

How do you get away from a person who refuses to wear a mask if they are your server in a restaurant?

[Velvet]

How do you get away from a person who refuses to wear a mask if they are your server in a restaurant?

I stand up and leave.

[Eg_cruz]

I just read a post on a Villages Restaurant Review Facebook page. This person complained that a server wasn't wearing a mask and said the manager was "rude."
This person didn't mention it's an open-air restaurant (essentially outside seating). A number of people stated they would no longer go there.

Here's my issue - most restaurants are barely making a living. If you have an issue, talk to the manager or don't go back. If they're not wearing a mask ask them to put it on. If they won't - leave. Do you need to write a negative post and put it on social media? Do you understand you are potentially impacting the viability of that business? Do you want to put people (waitstaff) out of work? They have families to support. Please know that your negative post could impact the livelihood of the waitstaff at that business.
Many times people don't tell the whole story. Yet people read and make decisions because of their post.
They did ask about the mask, they did talk to the manager, outside eating doesn’t excuse you from wearing a mask, Restaurant Reviews are for both positive and negative. Could you image if a food critic only wrote positive review they would lose their credibility.

[coffeebean]

I stand up and leave.

Good move. That sends a message to management, I'm sure.

[PennBF]

I worked for awhile in Europe (e.g. Paris and London) and their system was much better than ours. In most cases the tip was already in the bill and you didn't have to try to make a decision. In some case's being rude was a culture thing, with France being the leader and so you learn to tolerate it and move on. A good measure is to remember that in a "red rope" restaurant the amount of insults you will get are directly related to the price you are about to pay! You quickly learn to suck it up and enjoy life. :popcorn:

[DIver0258]

If we go to a restaurant and receive poor/great service the tip reflects the service. Word of mouth about restaurant experiences is appropriate. I am very skeptical of online reviews, sometimes a disgruntled employee will leave a bad review as a form of retribution. Conversely management may stack good reviews in an effort to improve business. There are those folks that can never be satisfied.If we dine somewhere and are not happy we just don't return. The only comments we make to a manager are positive comments about a server.

[Red Rose]

Had lunch and a glass of wine at Mezza Luna today and it was excellent. The waiter was great also. Try them out. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Pairadocs]

Two or three years ago wife and I went in the old Son Rise Cafe for lunch.
We were seated behind a table of eight ladies who had finished a mornings golf. They were arguing if a dollar a head was to much for a tip, as some thought 50 cents each was nearer the mark as there were eight of them after all.
Sometimes you cannot believe what you hear!

I've heard them too ! LOL, also stood mesmerized listening to a group of 6 arguing over a $5 "tip" after a $42 ride from the airport (not in Florida).....LOL ! Now, some argue on here that people who can not afford a tip (like a family of four with one adult working making $12 an hour) should NOT eat out EVER ! ? If they saved up to take the kids for pizza and can't afford a tip, that they should just "stay home". Personally, I think even minimum wage workers try to tip what they possibly can, but stay OUT of a restaurant if you can't afford a tip... doesn't sound like a free country to me.

[Pairadocs]

Dealing with the public in an industry that revolves around there food is the toughest of all. People don't understand when something is prepared not to their specific taste or order. I'm sure there own kitchen has issues from time to time. Things happen and they aren't done on purpose. Somethings get cooked too much and some don't get cooked enough. Be polite and give others a break as you would want to have one given to you.

I agree, just be polite ! I also do NOT understand this whole "mask thing" at all. Help must wear them )according to some people, not according to laws). But what I don't understand is the people going to the restaurants are asked to have masks on to enter, then may take them off to eat. Is the virus then instructed that it is NOT to pass to the severs who bring the food from the unmasked people who are going to eat it ? HOW does the virus know NOT to infect the people while they are eating ? Does the virus know when those eating then pay and put their masks back on that the "time out" is now over and the virus can go back to attacking people ? Same thing with the face shields that are completely open on the top and all around. Does the virus really know it is not allowed to enter all this open space ? So if it is floating in the air at the grocery from the person who went down the isle a few moments before, and sneezed, how does it know NOT to settle on the face of the person with the big piece of plastic in front of their face with nothing but open space all around ? I don't even know how a microbe is trapped by a piece of quilting cotton from JoAnn's with Disney characters on it. Don't read this wrong, I am NOT refusing to do it, I had a family member who died in the 1918 flu epidemic, but I just can't see how the virus can keep straight what and especially WHEN, it can and can not "attack". When I sit in a restaurant and see the people at the next table take off their masks, eat, talk with friends, laugh, even cough and giggle, in other words, acting perfectly normal, I wonder, does the virus know it can not spread at that moment ? What about when the servers can not make themselves understood and pull down their masks to speak, just like the cab drivers, and others, like normal people.... does the virus know and pay attention ?

[OpusX1]

I agree, just be polite ! I also do NOT understand this whole "mask thing" at all. Help must wear them )according to some people, not according to laws). But what I don't understand is the people going to the restaurants are asked to have masks on to enter, then may take them off to eat. Is the virus then instructed that it is NOT to pass to the severs who bring the food from the unmasked people who are going to eat it ? HOW does the virus know NOT to infect the people while they are eating ? Does the virus know when those eating then pay and put their masks back on that the "time out" is now over and the virus can go back to attacking people ? Same thing with the face shields that are completely open on the top and all around. Does the virus really know it is not allowed to enter all this open space ? So if it is floating in the air at the grocery from the person who went down the isle a few moments before, and sneezed, how does it know NOT to settle on the face of the person with the big piece of plastic in front of their face with nothing but open space all around ? I don't even know how a microbe is trapped by a piece of quilting cotton from JoAnn's with Disney characters on it. Don't read this wrong, I am NOT refusing to do it, I had a family member who died in the 1918 flu epidemic, but I just can't see how the virus can keep straight what and especially WHEN, it can and can not "attack". When I sit in a restaurant and see the people at the next table take off their masks, eat, talk with friends, laugh, even cough and giggle, in other words, acting perfectly normal, I wonder, does the virus know it can not spread at that moment ? What about when the servers can not make themselves understood and pull down their masks to speak, just like the cab drivers, and others, like normal people.... does the virus know and pay attention ?

It sure does, it a very very intelligent virus! :pepper2::pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[Dgizzi]

I just read a post on a Villages Restaurant Review Facebook page. This person complained that a server wasn't wearing a mask and said the manager was "rude."
This person didn't mention it's an open-air restaurant (essentially outside seating). A number of people stated they would no longer go there.

Here's my issue - most restaurants are barely making a living. If you have an issue, talk to the manager or don't go back. If they're not wearing a mask ask them to put it on. If they won't - leave. Do you need to write a negative post and put it on social media? Do you understand you are potentially impacting the viability of that business? Do you want to put people (waitstaff) out of work? They have families to support. Please know that your negative post could impact the livelihood of the waitstaff at that business.
Many times people don't tell the whole story. Yet people read and make decisions because of their post.
Well said. I never take the opinion of others regarding restaurants. Just cause they don’t like it doesn’t mean I won’t.

[Velvet]

Well said. I never take the opinion of others regarding restaurants. Just cause they don’t like it doesn’t mean I won’t.

Amazon, Yelp, hotels etc almost everything is rated and reviewed. Can I presume you always ignore them also?

[Gulfcoast]

In this case, the so called negative review would be a green flag to me to visit that open air restaurant. I'm o.k. with a lax view on masks in an open air environment in particular - take them off, be free for goodness sake. I also think that the masks are unsanitary and are not healthy for the employees forced to wear them for hours on end. I've seen studies that say that extended mask wearing leads to a higher rate of respiratory infections. They are better off breathing circulating, fresh air.

[Gulfcoast]

I agree, just be polite ! I also do NOT understand this whole "mask thing" at all. Help must wear them )according to some people, not according to laws). But what I don't understand is the people going to the restaurants are asked to have masks on to enter, then may take them off to eat. Is the virus then instructed that it is NOT to pass to the severs who bring the food from the unmasked people who are going to eat it ? HOW does the virus know NOT to infect the people while they are eating ? Does the virus know when those eating then pay and put their masks back on that the "time out" is now over and the virus can go back to attacking people ? Same thing with the face shields that are completely open on the top and all around. Does the virus really know it is not allowed to enter all this open space ? So if it is floating in the air at the grocery from the person who went down the isle a few moments before, and sneezed, how does it know NOT to settle on the face of the person with the big piece of plastic in front of their face with nothing but open space all around ? I don't even know how a microbe is trapped by a piece of quilting cotton from JoAnn's with Disney characters on it. Don't read this wrong, I am NOT refusing to do it, I had a family member who died in the 1918 flu epidemic, but I just can't see how the virus can keep straight what and especially WHEN, it can and can not "attack". When I sit in a restaurant and see the people at the next table take off their masks, eat, talk with friends, laugh, even cough and giggle, in other words, acting perfectly normal, I wonder, does the virus know it can not spread at that moment ? What about when the servers can not make themselves understood and pull down their masks to speak, just like the cab drivers, and others, like normal people.... does the virus know and pay attention ?

But, but, but....the experts say that these homemade cloth masks save lives. Surely that must be true :boxing2:.

[Mardarlowe]

Excellent post. Everyone should work a week in a restaurant. A good restaurant owner welcomes a legitimate complaint. It's an opportunity to correct a mistake. The chances of serving hundreds of people each day without a mistake is zero. If you give me a chance to fix a mistake, that gives me a chance to make a customer for life. A bad experience gets told about 100 times usually with some extra jam. A good experience only about 10 times. Been there. Done that. Wrote a paragraph

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Restaurants that serve poor food, have bad service and insanitary conditions should be damaged by reviews. They should either clean up their act or go out of business.

This is the same for all businesses.

[Gulfcoast]

The only time I have ever called corporate on a restaurant is when I walked into a popular chain restaurant and saw trash and pieces of food (like half eaten chicken nuggets) all over the floor. Balled up napkins were literally rolling across the floor as the understaffed servers scurried from the tables to the kitchen.

I suppose I could have asked to speak to the person in charge but that seemed to be pretty pointless given what I was seeing in the main part of the restaurant. Can you imagine what the kitchen looked like?

It seemed that in that case a call to corporate was in order. Let them handle it. Better to call corporate than have the health department shut down a usually well run place.

[Villageswimmer]

We always tip 20% even if the waitress is not good.

If we don't like the restaurant we don't holler and bellow and carry on publicly. We just don't go back.

We notice that big complainers are not those who would make it in competitive employment. They probably have tenure somewhere or work for the government.

If the restaurant is not good, it will close. That is how it works. You don't need to have a green fit or a bad spell. It is wise to point out when there are foreign objects in your food or that your shoes stick to the floor, but do it quietly to the manager and don't act like you are expecting a free meal or a comp.


A restaurant review is someone’s opinion/experience. I appreciate posters taking the time to opine—good or bad. It’s my decision what action to take. I don’t throw money around and choose carefully how I spend it. I like to read honest reviews. No one is forced to.

As a former government employee, I take issue with the harsh words and fail to see the analogy drawn. Hmm.

I’m far more interested in someone’s review than in knowing how they tip. Did that belong in another thread?

[Velvet]

I believe when it comes to business, your reputation is your single most valuable asset. Just look at eBay.

[valuemkt]

If you have had a bad experience with a restaurant or a contractor, you have every right to put it into a blog. Same as if you had a good one. Much like google or yelp reviews, if in general the service provides was overwhelmingly good, that negative review would be insignificant and fall into the minority. If you;re a newcomer, wouldnt you like to be told about Good neighbor (formerly Service Smart ?) I would.. No difference with a restaurant. Most people that give negative reviews drone on about the issues encountered. I generally discount pizza and Italian food reviews, or consistent complaints about pricing or short pours (CHATBRAT where are you ?). But I'd rather hear opinions and then make my own decision. But if I decide not to go back to a restaurant, I'll only give one review. others can pile on after every experience

[J1ceasar]

I remember about 5 years ago being at a California restaurant and the wait staff and manager were discussing a bad Yelp review, while I am sure one review will not hurt the restaurant, it actually helped them understand what they were doing better and what they were not doing better. This is a place with probably a one or two million dollar capital investment in the building. My point is not whether it's an expensive place or not but that other people are definitely entitled to know what's going on before you spend your money. After all if you're going to put in a $20,000 kitchen you want to make sure the contractor is a good contractor maybe he screws up one time but the fact is we all do and I'm sure there would be 20 good reviews otherwise. When I travel extensively and eat out I always look at the reviews and I know that two or three bad reviews will not make my decision but when it's every other review I'll skip a place and go where there's mostly four and five star reviews because I don't need to have a bad stomach in the next morning or bad experience spending my money whether it's $10 at a fast food place or $100 at a steakhouse. And by the way is a certain dunkin' donuts on 44 with 100% bad reviews of their employees that I'm never going to most of the time that's because there's no management in house

[J1ceasar]

Gratuities are mandatory in many European countries. Just the opposite in Asia and interestingly enough if you go to Japan you will find some of the best service anywhere whether it's a restaurant server or a bell captain carrying your luggage up to your room it all depends and what is being instilled by the businesses and the culture of the country. Unfortunately in the US it's laissez-faire who gives a damn. However that said I am going to many upscale restaurants where you can tell the service have been well trained and give you service.. you can also go to a great little restaurant family owned like Stavros on 441 / 27 and find all of the servers more than willing to help you whether it's not quote on quote their table. Now that's a good well-run restaurant packed on Fridays and reasonably priced

[J1ceasar]

And I have to admit there's a lot of cheap people that live in Central Florida that are seniors. Ladies just tip 15% each minimum and rounded up to the next dollar. I have a men's breakfast group and none of us give less than two to three dollars for a tip for breakfast. Remember the servers are either your neighbors or someone's daughter or son trying to make a living