13 Things Your Waiter Won't Tell You article (and my side)

[krazybartender]

From the readers Digest, August 2008 (http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-ho...icle82785.html)

1. Avoid eating out on holidays and Saturday nights. The sheer volume of customers guarantees that most kitchens will be pushed beyond their ability to produce a high-quality dish.


2. There are almost never any sick days in the restaurant business. A busboy with a kid to support isn't going to stay home and miss out on $100 because he's got strep throat. And these are the people handling your food.


3. When customers' dissatisfaction devolves into personal attacks, adulterating food or drink is a convenient way for servers to exact covert vengeance. Waiters can and do spit in people's food.


4. Never say "I'm friends with the owner." Restaurant owners don't have friends. This marks you as a clueless poseur the moment you walk in the door.


5. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Yes, people need to be reminded of this.)


6. Don't snap your fingers to get our attention. Remember, we have shears that cut through bone in the kitchen.


7. Don't order meals that aren't on the menu. You're forcing the chef to cook something he doesn't make on a regular basis. If he makes the same entr?e 10,000 times a month, the odds are good that the dish will be a home run every time.


8. Splitting entr?es is okay, but don't ask for water, lemon, and sugar so you can make your own lemonade. What's next, grapes so you can press your own wine?


9. If you find a waiter you like, always ask to be seated in his or her section. Tell all your friends so they'll start asking for that server as well. You've just made that waiter look indispensable to the owner. The server will be grateful and take good care of you.


10. If you can't afford to leave a tip, you can't afford to eat in the restaurant. Servers could be giving 20 to 40 percent to the busboys, bartenders, ma?tre d', or hostess.


11. Always examine the check. Sometimes large parties are unaware that a gratuity has been added to the bill, so they tip on top of it. Waiters "facilitate" this error. It's dishonest, it's wrong-and I did it all the time.


12. If you want to hang out, that's fine. But increase the tip to make up for money the server would have made if he or she had had another seating at that table.


13. Never, ever come in 15 minutes before closing time. The cooks are tired and will cook your dinner right away. So while you're chitchatting over salads, your entr?es will be languishing under the heat lamp while the dishwasher is spraying industrial-strength, carcinogenic cleaning solvents in their immediate vicinity.


__________________________________


I have been a server for about 10 years. Here are my comments on this story in the same numbered order:

1. It's true that on busy nights the kitchen does get backed up. It's common sense. That means the quality of the food is not as consistent. This doesn't mean that it's always a holiday or Saturday night. In fact, most restaurants staff more to make up for the increase in business. Sometimes your worst food is at 3:30 pm on a Sunday. Why? Because restaurants typically use sundays as a day to save money to make up for any losses in labor during the week. That means, less hosts, less servers, less cooks, and less bussers. I experience longest ticket times during "changeover" periods. Typically they cross between lunch and dinner when the kitchen is the least staffed.

2. Employees call in sick just like any other job. It's easy to cover your shift usually. Oh, and the busboy only takes away your dirty plates, if he handles your food it's to wrap it, and you ALWAYS have the option to wrap it yourself.

3. Somebody watched the movie "waiting" and thought it was real. Sure, it's easy for anybody to spit in your food. It's also very easy for them to slash your tires, piss in your soup, stir your martini with their ballsack, and give you caffeinated coffee when you wanted de-caf. The absolute worst thing i've ever done to a table that pissed me off was pass gas as I was walking by. Seriously.

4. Our restaurant has many "friends" and as their server I get a v.i.p. slip and usually their meals are payed for by the house. They are noticed when they come in and everyone makes an effort to visit their table and say "hi", especially management.

5. Finally, something that is true.

6. True. As a rule, NEVER snap your fingers, in fact, never raise your hand up, be patient! NEVER say "hey waiter guy", NEVER interrupt us when we are talking about the menu/specials either.

7. You are a paying customer. Any decent restaurant will allow substitutions WITHIN REASON. If you don't like the sides it comes with then don't be afraid to ask. Unless the restaurant is heating up frozen banquet dinners, they should be able to accomodate your needs. Of course, there are limitations. Don't be ridiculous. And some substitutions mean extra cost, be prepared to pay for a premium side or upgrade.

8. Most servers are annoyed with customers who order water with lemon but I see it as an opportunity. Sure, we'd like to increase our check by selling you liquor or even a coke, but truthfully I'm glad you're drinking water and who knows how much food you'll order? One out of every 500 tables will make their own lemonade. Let 'em if it will help them sleep at night.

9. True, true, true, and even more true. If you get good service at a restaurant get that servers name and ask for them next time you're in. Or even better, make reservations and request their section. Unless, of course, you'd rather roll the dice and hope you don't get that 16 year old kid who just got out of training.

10. True. I love the customers who throw $100 bills at me and then leave less than 10%. Take the total, double it and move the decimal point, that's 20%. If the server's performance was under par, than deduct. If the server's performance was above average than leave more than that. It's how we make our living. My paycheck reads, "THIS IS NOT A CHECK". And it has for the past 3 years. I make a living soley on tips.

11. Any parties of 7 or more at my restaurant are automatically charged 18% gratuity. Not only does it say that on the menu but we have a bright red stamp on your check that reads, "18% GRATUITY ADDED" and it's also restamped on your credit card receipts.

12. This is true. I can turn a table in a little over an hour on a night shift. That means, if you hang out and chit chat for an hour or so after your meal, I could have had another table in your place. In this case, you need to leave more than 20% because you cost that server money. Oh, you're called "campers" by the way.

13. As a server, if i'm closing the restaurant, and a table walks in 15 minutes before we close I see it as an opportunity to make more money. It doesn't bother me one bit. You will have the same service 15 minutes to close as you would 15 minutes after opening. As I'm waiting for your food to come out i'm doing my closing work and by the time you pay your bill i'm finishing up. However, in the kitchen it's a different story. I agree with the article and that most kitchens are shutting down and cleaning. There is NO WAY my restaurant would put a steak on a grill that we just sprayed chemicals on because we're not in the business to make people sick. However, in all the restaurants i've worked at I will say that personally, i would NEVER go to a restaurant within 30 minutes of closing, EVER. The quality is just not there and i'll leave it at that.

[4nicate]

Enjoy your studio apartment.

[collector]

wow, an insightful thread in the misc?

Nice post OP.

[V8 Muscle]

i waited tables for one summer and bussed for 2 summers. that was enough to make me hate restaurants.

looks like you'll be one of the "lifers" who works there until you're 60

[krazybartender]

Originally Posted by 4nicate

Enjoy your studio apartment.

If that was a comment about a server's income you are mistaken big time.

[krazybartender]

Originally Posted by V8 Muscle

i waited tables for one summer and bussed for 2 summers. that was enough to make me hate restaurants.

looks like you'll be one of the "lifers" who works there until you're 60

You are 20 years old. That means you were an 18 year old busboy. How much did you expect to make? Oh, and if i'm 60 and working, let alone, in a restaurant shoot me.

[booopooo]

number 10=win.


Tempted to say something racially charged, but I won't. Instead, I'll just repeat the obvious implication that everyone knows is true, and shame it.

[mcxk]

Originally Posted by booopooo

number 10=win.


Tempted to say something racially charged, but I won't. Instead, I'll just repeat the obvious implication that everyone knows is true, and shame it.

Say it.

[booopooo]

Originally Posted by mcxk

Say it.

certain people don't tip. And they should be ashamed of it. "It's a cultural thing" isn't a valid excuse. You're an American now, and civilized Americans tip 15-20 percent for good service. If you aren't willing, take the first plane back to country X

[SWOLE PLAYA]

Originally Posted by krazybartender

If that was a comment about a server's income you are mistaken big time.

You prove a point:

First servers will say oh boohoo tip us thats how we earn our living im poor i dont get a real paycheck then booya your braggin bout stackin mass chips doing that work.


And for closing down the kitchen, restaurants should close earlier then or extend the time so that the quality of food is the same all around. Or how about not even seating someone if they come in 25 minutes before the place closes if you guys are already sprayin **** around the kitchhen at that time.

[booopooo]

Originally Posted by mcxk

Say it.

certain people don't tip. And they should be ashamed of it. "It's a cultural thing" isn't a valid excuse. You're an American now, and civilized Americans tip 15-20 percent for good service. If you aren't willing, take the first plane back to country X

[thek1d]

Originally Posted by booopooo

number 10=win.


Tempted to say something racially charged, but I won't. Instead, I'll just repeat the obvious implication that everyone knows is true, and shame it.

Does it involve a country nearly connected to South America? Maybe that's just my experience considering my location.

[mcxk]

Originally Posted by booopooo

certain people don't tip. And they should be ashamed of it. "It's a cultural thing" isn't a valid excuse. You're an American now, and civilized Americans tip 15-20 percent for good service. If you aren't willing, take the first plane back to country X

Which culture is it? If it's a countries culture you are talking about it's not racist.

[krazybartender]

Originally Posted by SWOLE PLAYA

You prove a point:

First servers will say oh boohoo tip us thats how we earn our living im poor i dont get a real paycheck then booya your braggin bout stackin mass chips doing that work.


And for closing down the kitchen, restaurants should close earlier then or extend the time so that the quality of food is the same all around. Or how about not even seating someone if they come in 25 minutes before the place closes if you guys are already sprayin **** around the kitchhen at that time.

If a restaurant closes at 10pm and you come in at 9:45, then technically you have only 15 minutes to eat and get out. It's not humanly possible. Obviously, a restaurant wouldn't kick you out at 10pm, but would wal-mart or target, or a store in a shopping mall kick you out and have you make you puchase before close? ABSOLUTELY. So we are doing you a favor by leaving our dining room open so you can enjoy your food, and maybe even coffee and desert, over an hour after closing!

[thek1d]

Originally Posted by SWOLE PLAYA

You prove a point:

First servers will say oh boohoo tip us thats how we earn our living im poor i dont get a real paycheck then booya your braggin bout stackin mass chips doing that work.


And for closing down the kitchen, restaurants should close earlier then or extend the time so that the quality of food is the same all around. Or how about not even seating someone if they come in 25 minutes before the place closes if you guys are already sprayin **** around the kitchhen at that time.

I waited tables and still tip based on quality of service. If you didn't do a good job, I'm not GIVING you very much of my money. I wasn't a good waiter and that's why I don't do it anymore. I don't give pity tips, you gotta earn it.

Sidenote: I ate out the other day and our waitress actually sat down at our table and asked the 3 of us "Tell me one thing about you that no one else knows." WTF? Who the hell asks that? You really don't want a good tip do you? Wow.

[booopooo]

Originally Posted by BillyDeanM

Does it involve a country nearly connected to South America? Maybe that's just my experience considering my location.

no

Originally Posted by mcxk

Which culture is it? If it's a countries culture you are talking about it's not racist.

hmm. Urban. Yeah. Urban.

[Gmoney23]

I agree with the OP pretty much all around. Also the spitting thing I have never seen another server spit or done something to a customers food. Sometimes we might steal a few french fries off the plate in the back but thats as bad as it gets..

[Bulker]

Why should I tip when I know the waiter is going to get paid anyway? Not all people are ballin'

[otrebmu]

Originally Posted by BillyDeanM

Sidenote: I ate out the other day and our waitress actually sat down at our table and asked the 3 of us "Tell me one thing about you that no one else knows." WTF? Who the hell asks that? You really don't want a good tip do you? Wow.

LOLL

[XsongX]

people give 40% tips? damn thats too ballin for my taste. on the other hand i am a poor high school kid going on to be a poor college kid. i usually tip 15%. 20% max.

[Andre-n-Andre]

Originally Posted by Gmoney23

I agree with the OP pretty much all around. Also the spitting thing I have never seen another server spit or done something to a customers food. Sometimes we might steal a few french fries off the plate in the back but thats as bad as it gets..

x2, the worst i've seen is name-calling back in the kitchen.

[DRMAN54]

very good post!

i used to tip like 5 % percent but as i matured and learned american way I made may parents tip 15%.

but I disagree about teh waiting thing. My friend serves at restaurant and if people piss her off, she sneezes on berad and serves it to them... but thats the worst she does.

[prady]

Originally Posted by booopooo

certain people don't tip. And they should be ashamed of it. "It's a cultural thing" isn't a valid excuse. You're an American now, and civilized Americans tip 15-20 percent for good service. If you aren't willing, take the first plane back to country X

i know wat u mean here.... but its not cultural thing... its mostly in people from asian countries.... its just that there is no concept of tips there and primarily coz of lack of money... Its mainly because ppl could barely afford to eat out once in a while let alone tipping on top of that... Its not cultural its just the diff between a developed and developing nations..... There's absolutely nothing racist in this.... But i agree that the ppl should learn american system after coming to US... most of them do but some dont....

[fromnewyork]

Great.... a WAITER telling the CUSTOMER what to do. The waiters are being paid to serve the customer. Waiters are subservient to the customer..

[kmachate]

People also don't seem to understand that 15% is no longer standard. 20%+ is. It was 15% back when your grandma was slinging hash browns at the diner. (Hello, $4 gas?)

Always remember #5. Regardless of who you are, you're no more important than the person delivering your dinner with a smile.

[Bulker]

Originally Posted by kmachate

People also don't seem to understand that 15% is no longer standard. 20%+ is. It was 15% back when your grandma was slinging hash browns at the diner. (Hello, $4 gas?)

Always remember #5. Regardless of who you are, you're no more important than the person delivering your dinner with a smile.

Dude wtf? Don't tell me what to do, just do your job and go your way, I'm paying for my dinner not for your kids!

[Irishpandah]

Originally Posted by Gmoney23

I agree with the OP pretty much all around. Also the spitting thing I have never seen another server spit or done something to a customers food. Sometimes we might steal a few french fries off the plate in the back but thats as bad as it gets..

same with my experience, never seen any food spit on. If foods dropped, everyone jokes around about taking it out anyway, but it never actually goes out.

French Fries "fall" off plates all the time

Originally Posted by Andre-n-Andre

x2, the worst i've seen is name-calling back in the kitchen.

This happens alot even if the table is 100% fine, if they do something weird or look a lil funny, etc etc.

nice name btw, song was just on as i read ur post

[jmoh]

I was a waiter this summer at this mexican bar and grill, made good money but I hated being a waiter. I will always remember though that I got a $50 dollar tip the last night I had to work.

[kmachate]

Originally Posted by Bulker

Dude wtf? Don't tell me what to do, just do your job and go your way, I'm paying for my dinner not for your kids!

It applies to more than just eating in a restaurant. If you don't know how to treat people, then do the rest of us a favor and move somewhere where you don't have to come into contact with us.

[CR123]

Originally Posted by 4nicate

Enjoy your studio apartment.

Funny thing is being a server is the best job out there for someone who is 18-25 in school or couldn't afford to go to college or training.

I serve and bartend at a popular restaurant to pay my school loans off 4 nights a week and make at least $600 cash a week and only work 20-22 hours.

If I need money, I can get dressed go in and someone will be willing to leave so I can work. If I need off someone is always there to pick up a shift.

To make the make the kind of money I make serving for a 5 hour shift ($150) you would need a job that makes $30 and hour, which you ain't going to find with out a degree or working there for 20 years.