I'm going to start off by stating this fact: People love going out to eat.
As much as it may hurt every month when we receive our credit card statement and realize that approximately 90% of the transactions were at food establishments, you can't deny that going out to eat is one of the best past times.
Who doesn't love a good time and a full belly, right? Whether you're enjoying some half price apps or a few drinks, restaurants are the go-to chill spot.
However, we all seem to overlook some very important people that enable us to have such a good dining experience. They can be referred to as the superheroes of the food industry. The ones that make all the magic happen. Our undercover heroes.
Servers.
Without servers, how would the kitchen know how I like my burger cooked? How would my margarita arrive in such a timely fashion? How would the cook know that I like my sauce on the side? That's the thing; they wouldn't.
So here's a salute to our servers.
I'm talking about the one's up late on a Friday night even though they have a double in the morning. The one's that can't seem to get the smell of mozzarella sticks out of their hair. This one is for you.
Here's a few things we should all remember when going out to eat in order to be more courteous to our servers!
1. Tips matter.
Some people don't realize that tips are a servers main source of income. Typically, servers will be paid about two dollars an hour, which covers taxes taken out of their paycheck. Tips are the only way that they will bring home money. This is why it's always important to tip at least 15% on your bill, especially if you believe they did a good job! No good deed should go unnoticed. Let them know that you appreciated their service!
2. Table timing!
This is something that no one usually considers. A good way to explain table timing would be this: NJ minimum wage is $8.38 an hour. Say you go to a restaurant, sit at the table for two hours, and end up with a $15.00 bill. In this case, it would be unfair to tip a server only 15%. Customers have to consider the fact that the amount of time they spend at a table affects how many other people can be seated at the table throughout a server's shift. So if you only tip $5.00 when you sat at a table for two hours, that server is technically losing money. Just something to consider for those who like to take their time!
3. Servers are not cooks.
Your burger comes out medium well instead of medium rare; who is the first person you address it with? That's right, the server. If food is messed up, it doesn't always mean the server entered the order wrong. There's a lot of things that happen in the kitchen, and the cook could have made a mistake. Always take this into consideration before you begin to yell! Addressing the situation calmly and politely always results in a quick fix.
4. Be polite!
Going out to eat is way more enjoyable when you can actually talk to your server and carry casual conversation. Be polite, and interact with your server and I guarantee you will get the best service they can provide. It makes the job so much more enjoyable for everyone.
5. If you're in a rush, let them know.
As cool as it would be, servers are not mind readers. Let them know if you're in a rush or on your break, or else your food and service will not be as fast as you want it. It's okay to keep them in the loop.
6. Sorry friends, we can't "hook you up."
Everyone loves a good discount, however it's rarely possible in food service. I need six different manager approvals to remove an order of french fries off someones bill. I'm sure if your server friend had to choose between giving you a 10% discount and keeping their job, the answer would be pretty obvious.
7. Ordering your beverage without ice, doesn't mean you'll get more alcohol.
This one is just self explanatory. Servers don't make alcoholic drinks typically, and the bar has measurements they have to follow. Don't be surprised when your "large red apple sangria with no ice" comes out in a shot glass.
8. Please. Keep your kids in their seats.
Have you ever tried balancing six plates while walking across a crowded dining room where children feel the need to play tag? Well, let me tell you something, it's quite difficult.
9. Asking for extra costs extra.
Nothing is free. This is so sad, but so true.
10. Servers, not servants!
All in all, servers are human too. Treat them with the same respect you would like to be treated with at your job. Yes, they are there to make your dining experience enjoyable. However, a line is drawn when you start asking for them to cut your steak for you. Come on, people.
Take these into consideration next time you go out to eat!
Remember, some heroes wear aprons instead of capes.
