As a server, you should understand there are hundreds of thoughts that run through my mind every couple of minutes. Having so many tables and customers who all need separate things can make it difficult to focus on one specific thing. One second I am on my way to get a refill, but somehow end up across the store cleaning up a spill at a table that is nowhere near my own.
Considering there are endless amounts of things that run through our brains at once, here is your chance to step inside the mind of a server and see what we deal with.
1. New day, new shift, new customers—let's do this.
2. Wait, he was in here yesterday.
3. So was she.
4. Maybe they know each other?
5. Nope. Definitely not!
6.Ooh, construction workers! Big tip!
7. Two dollars? Really?
8. I'm being double sat, I can handle that.
9. Hold on! Not another table! I'm still at table number one!
10. How am I suppose to get drinks for all three tables!
11. I need to get Ranch for this table. "Be right back!"
12. Crap, his tea was suppose to be unsweetened.
13. OK, got their order. On to the next table.
14. Another table?!
15. So. Many. Kids.
16. Dang it! I got him sweet tea again! There goes my tip.
17. Forgot the Ranch! OK, headed there now.
18. Oh, it's her birthday! Don't forget her dessert.
19. RANCH! OK, forgot it again, but now they finally have it.
20. Where is their appetizer? Did I forget to ring it in?
21. How are they already done eating? You just got your food!
22. "I'll be right back with your ticket, I just have to drop these drinks off."
23. You don't like the unsweet tea? You want sweet tea instead? Are you kidding me!?
24. Why did that boy just throw mac and cheese across the table? "I'll be back to clean this up."
25. Why are they cashing out up front? Oh man! I forgot they needed their ticket!
26. $6 tip, not too bad.
27. Oh, your child just pulled my shirt and made me spill your drink. Yes, it's my fault.
28. New table. It looks like a first date!
29. Mac and cheese! He is spreading it everywhere!
30. Nope, not a first date! I didn't mean to hear that!
31. Yes, I do think it's adorable that you allowed your son to spread mac and cheese all over the table and seat.
32. Another new table. Wait. There's how many?
33. Please be all on one ticket... Please be all on one ticket... Please be all on one ticket...
34. Aw, they seem nice!
35. You want to make a substitution on a menu that specifically states: "NO SUBSTITUTIONS." I don't think we can, but let me go ask about that.
36. Six separate tickets. Not so nice anymore.
37. You know the owner? So does this gentleman. You two should talk.
38. I went and asked my manager about the substitution and she's going to tell you the exact same thing I just did, but you are going to believe her and act like I never said any of it.
39. "Can I get you anything else?" "A MILLION DOLLARS!" Haven't heard that one before...
40. Oh, it's her birthday! Right, I knew that. Her dessert!
41. You need more Ranch on top of the six ramekins I gave you earlier? Please allow me to give you the entire container.
42. Oh no, a young couple. That usually means barely any tip.
43. Here comes the manager, look busy!
44. This couple keeps to themselves! Awesome!
45. Not again! I spilled Ranch down my shirt!
46. This isn't what you ordered? "Please remind me again what it is you wanted." That's what is on the plate.
47. Wow, that couple was super easy!
48. This stain is never going to come out.
49. Super nice, really laid-back, and they stacked their plates correctly?
50. $10 tip?! They must be servers!
BONUS: The only thing I think about when my shift ends:
While this is nowhere near everything that goes through our minds, you can now say you sort of understand what your server is handling at that moment in time. So next time you see your server is looking a little frazzled or they forgot your side of butter, I hope you attempt to be more understanding and assume he/she just has a million other things running through their minds. It can be tiring.
