So, from the outside a person must think, how hard can serving be? You take a person's order, and bring them drinks, and that's it. Every server knows that's not the case.
1. Being rudely interrupted.
" Hi everyone! My name is Lau.....*Rudely interrupted* "WE KNOW WHAT WE WANT, I WANT A SODA PLEASE, NO ICE."
Now most people smile and nod, but I still continue my whole introduction, and I'll still ask you what you want to drink, even though you just rudely shouted it at me mid-sentence. Moral of the story: Yes, I know the introductions are usually long, pre-rehearsed, and you just want to get your food, but, have some respect and just listen.
2. When you check back on your table and ask how everything is, and everyone just stares at you and says nothing.
Come on people, at least smile, nod, look alive, show some sign that your food is good and I can leave you alone now.
3. When a guest eats their entire entree, and then at the end of the meal says, " Well you know, I didn't want to be annoying, but I really didn't like my meal."
Now when this happens, in my head I'm standing there thinking, I checked on you at least 3 times, and asked how everything was, AND, you ate the entire meal, but you didn't like it?!
4. Tables who take forever and a day to order.
Wife: "I'll have the chicken Parmesan, oh wait, honey * looks at husband * is that what I had here last time?
Husband: I can't remember... let me look through the menu
*As I'm patiently standing there waiting for their order, glancing at 2 tables that just got sat, and thinking of the table who needs ranch, and the order I need to put in.
Me: I can come back! Take a few minutes
Table: Oh no, its okay were almost ready
We all have that one table who does it. They insist their ready to order, but then you find yourself standing there for over five minutes, wondering how people can hard it is to place an order.
5. When your table asks whats in a menu item, when the menu clearly states exactly what comes on it.
Chances are, if the menu says the Cobb salad comes with bacon, it does in fact come with bacon.
6. Any guest who begins to say " Last time we were here we had a bad experience and the manager said to ask for him next time."
Nothing good ever comes out of that sentence. As soon as a table says that, you know they are here for a free meal. But my question is, if you had a bad experience, WHY are you coming back?
7. Parents who can't control their children.
I understand some children are out of control, but please stop your kid from emptying the whole sugar caddy and causing a crime scene with ketchup at the table. If your child is out of control, it's probably a good idea to leave them home with a babysitter for the night.
8. When a table yells at you when their food comes out wrong.
"This said it comes served over spinach, and there is NO spinach. Also, I didn't even want coleslaw, so you can take that away."
In my head, I stand there thinking, It's just spinach, I can get that in two minutes, and you don't want the coleslaw? Then don't eat it!
9. Fake it until you make it.
No matter what mood you are in, or how much a table drives you crazy, you still have to put on a smile and respond, " OK great!" In almost any situation. I think most servers could also make great actors/actresses.
