As a host, and having many friends who also work in the restaurant business, I have noticed and heard about many things that customers do that are just not polite. The thing is though is that these customers do not realize that the things they say and do are somewhat rude and can cause some problems for restaurant employees. I even used to do some of these, and did not realize how much of a hassle they were until I started my job as a host.
So without further adieu, here is a list of some things you should think twice about the next time you go out to eat.
1. Huffing about the wait time
If the restaurant is busy, it's busy. There's nothing anyone can do about it. If it's anyone's "fault", it is most definitely the customer's, which includes YOU. YOU are also contributing to the wait time. Do not yell at the host or the manager if you are upset.
2. Asking to sit at a different table/seating yourself
The host is seating you in a specific spot for many reasons. One is that the table you want to ask to move to is in another server's section. That server may have just gotten a table before you, and would not be able to properly handle another table because they have too much on their hands at a time. Another reason is that the table you want to move to may be in a closed off section. No, there might not be caution tape and signs indicating that the section is closed, but it is. This means that there is not a server assigned on that area. This means that if you do sit there, another server will have to assist you, which is very inconvenient when checking up on tables, especially if it is far away from their actual section. Another reason is that the table you may want is being saved by the host for another party (which might be larger than yours). Yes, on the phone the host may tell you that you cannot reserve tables for your party, but they do have to have an idea of where to put you when you arrive.
3. Interrupting on the phone/while on the phone
Host: "Hello thank you for calling Chimne..."
Customer: "TAKEOUT"
This is not only basic restaurant manners, but human interaction manners. You might think that you are saving time and the host's breath by cutting them off to tell them what you want, but it doesn't matter. It is just plain rude to interrupt. Also, when you come into a restaurant, and the host is on the phone, it is also not okay to interrupt. They are talking to another customer, but just not in person.
4. Treating servers like servants
Yes, they may be taking your order and bringing you things, but that does not mean you can order them around. Don't interrupt them to ask for drinks when they are introducing themselves, do not snap or whistle them down to get their attention. Pleasantly and politely ask for what you need, and don't get angry if it takes awhile; they have many other tables that they are also attending to.
5. Not being understanding when mistakes are made
Restaurant employees are humans too. Simple as that. When was the last time you made a mistake? How would you feel if someone yelled at you for it? Remember that next time you get angry when a mistake is made when you go out to eat.
6. Cutting the wait line
Just realize that when you walk into a restaurant, you are not automatically first priority. If the restaurant is on a wait, there is a line of people who already are on the list, and there is a line of people who are waiting to get on the list. Do not cut the second line.
7. Unnecessary complaining (and to the wrong people)
Like number five, try to be as understanding as possible. However, when there is an issue, there is no need to loudly and obnoxiously complain about it. For example, if the lights are too bright in your dining area, there is no need to go off on a tangent. One time when I was hosting, a woman came up to me and screamed "WHY IS IT SO BRIGHT IN HERE? THIS IS NOT A DANG BOWLING ALLEY, WE ARE NOT CHILDREN! AND TURN THE MUSIC DOWN, I CAN'T HEAR MYSELF THINK!" First, please lower your voice and talk to me like a human, because I am one. Secondly, I would love you help you with your problem, but it is not my fault. I did not decide on the dimness of the lighting and the loudness of the music.
So in the end, please keep these things in mind the next time you go out to eat. Employees are people too, and we deserve respect.
