While I was in New York for the summer, I was a hostess as a restaurant in Chelsea, Manhattan. Chelsea is a very artistic part of New York and our restaurant was located near all of the local art galleries. My favorite part of the job was meeting tourists from all over the world. However, no matter how different they all might have been, they would all end up following the same patterns. The majority of the people I met were wonderful, but there were those inevitable few every day that really pushed my buttons. I found myself thinking the same things every day.
1. "Sure, just seat yourself."
One of my biggest pet peeves was if a customer walked into the restaurant, ignored me, and then lead the way to their table of choice. No, sorry, we have these things called "sections" and you're about to double seat a waitress.
2. "Do I look like I'm your server?"
Sir, does it logically make sense in your mind that because I lead you to your table, I am also obligated to take your order? That's definitely not my job, but sure, I'll relay your request to your assigned waiter/waitress.
3. "Please don't mime to me the signing of a receipt."
That is also not my job. You can't just make eye contact with the first employee you see and assume they will tend to your every need. Our whole staff is working as hard as we can on our assigned jobs already. Be patient.
4. "No, you absolutely cannot have a four top if you're eating alone."
It's bad enough when a couple comes in and wants a table when they are there just for drinks, but it's even worse when you think you can table a table for four at a cramped restaurant in Manhattan. What in the world?
5. "Where the hell did they go?"
Sometimes, I am honestly concerned for people because they think they can just up and move after they have already been seated without notifying anyone. I'm not even your server, but it stresses me out too because I'll be blamed for not knowing where the party is sitting.
So, I advise those of you who might be going out to eat in the near future to be conscious of how you interact with both the person hosting and the server. Chances are, it will only brighten the staff members' day.
