I want to start by saying that working in a restaurant does have many great perks. You can make some great friends along the way, whether they're your fellow employees or regular customers.
Many nights you may stay later and talk with your work buddies and have a pretty good time. Some people that come in can truly make your day and make you feel assured that you do your job extremely well.
I believe that I speak for a lot of individuals that work in a restaurant when I say that there are some days when it is so hard that you cry and break down, just because you have dealt with so many incredibly rude and disgusting people.
Do not be someone's reason to cry at work. Some people may say to get a better job, but it's not that easy. What is easy is treating people with respect. What is easy is not being frustrated over things that are not the end of the world.
Say "please" and "thank you" when you can. If you didn't learn it, it's not too late. Do not whistle or snap at other people like we are animals. It is not cute and it is nowhere near respectful.
Trying to "cheat the system" into getting free food by complaining about literally everything is so low, and especially when the service and food are nearly perfect. Complaining to complain and make someone's day hell is annoying, so don't be that person. Another thing to be cautious of is talking over people, especially with unnecessary attitude.
If you don't understand something, that's okay. What's not okay is getting mad over food/drinks/etc. and yelling at someone who cannot control what you're upset about.
Also, please refrain from making a gigantic mess just because it's not your job to clean it up.
Picking up soggy food and mashed potatoes on the floor is not fun and it's easy to keep your food on the table, at least. Kiddos have an excuse because, well, kids can be messy. But teens and grown adults should not be leaving food on the floor.
And please, please tip. 33 cents is unacceptable. A two dollar tip on a one-hundred dollar ticket is unacceptable. If you don't have enough money to tip, don't go out to eat.
If the service wasn't as amazing, that is understandable. But if the food and service were good, you should have no excuse. Take yourself to McDonald's instead next time.
In summary, try thinking of other's feelings in situations, and that includes thinking of a server's feelings.
Coming to a restaurant is actually really simple: You come in, sit down anywhere (I promise your food will taste the same wherever you are), treat people with respect as you would and should everywhere, eat, pay, and leave.
Sometimes, you may have complications and that is normal. People who work in restaurants are human. Remember that the next time you get the wrong side with your meal. It's an easy fix.
No reason to raise your voice. People make mistakes sometimes and 9.9 times out of 10, they are more than willing to make sure your experience is amazing and much better!
Be kind to your waiters/waitresses/hosts/hostesses/bartenders/managers/etc.
