After three years in a restaurant, in five different positions, I have had just about every customer experience imaginable. Plenty of people seem oblivious to restaurant etiquette, otherwise known as manners. Below is a list of common things your server wishes you knew.
Disclaimer: most customers are kind and considerate. They are very much appreciated and are not annoying in the slightest. If you are one of these customers, feel free to disregard most of the things on this list.
1. I have little to no control over the speed at which your food is prepared.
2. You need to speak up. It is loud and busy and you have a complicated order. Speak loudly.
3. While tipping is technically optional, it is expected.
4. Don’t let your child run around the restaurant. People are carrying heavy, hot plates, and we don’t want them to spill on your child.
5. If you’re in a rush, tell us soon. Especially if it is busy. Otherwise, I will give you time to relax, like I’m supposed to.
6. Allow the other members of the party to order for themselves. I have questions for them about how they want it.
7. Tell me if you need something or something is wrong, rather than getting angry about it after the meal.
8. Your substitutions are not annoying. I’m used to it. Don’t worry. Really.
9. I don’t cook or make drinks. So while you may have carefully explained it to me, and I have carefully explained it to the kitchen. It sometimes turns into a game of telephone, and it is not exactly what you wanted.
10. I am not annoyed that it is busy. It’s fine, I promise.
11. I don’t make the prices.
12. If you write a review and use my name, I love you.
13. We have a lot of customers, so I can’t change the temperature in the restaurant just because you are hot or cold.
14. If you have an allergy, tell me immediately.
15. If you order more food after your original order was placed, they will not come out at the same time. Food is made in the order it is placed. Unless it is dead, you will get it later.
16. Don’t ask for something while I’m with another table.
17. Don’t write mean things on your check if you had a bad time.
18. Don’t sit there for hours after you finish eating.
19. Don’t sarcastically clap when a cup breaks.
20. It is okay to say that you don’t like what you ordered. I will fix it.
Report this ContentThis article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.