After chat with a waitress the other day I was surprised to learn some realities of the restaurant business.
Be Careful What You Wish For
This particular waitress, as well as many other servers, mentioned that when a customer tries to make modifications on certain menu items it can be frustrating for the server. Some customers will try to order things that aren't even on the menu and be displeased with the server when they're told that can't happen. On the other hand, this waitress expressed that if a customer is nice to them, they feel like giving them the world and will go out of their way to serve them and show their appreciation.
Word of the wise, apparently some servers will do certain things to your food if you can't manage to treat them like decent human beings. The waitress I talked to has never done this, but she's definitely seen it. So next time you feel like something is worth getting overly upset about, you might want to think twice.
Tip Out
For a server, a tip indicates to them whether they gave a customer good or bad service. If a server didn't provide good service to a customer, it is understandable that their tip may not be a significant amount. Regardless, you should always tip at least 20%. That's their job and as a customer you should know that you pay for the food as well as the server, you just happen to have the option to give them more if you so choose.
Customers should also be aware of the fact that a server doesn't get to keep 100% of their tip. Servers also have to tip out, meaning they have to give part of their tip to bussers, bartenders, expos, and other restaurant workers. A server has to tip out regardless of whether they received a tip. So if a table doesn't tip the server at all, the server ends up actually paying to serve those customers instead of getting paid themselves.
The Drama
Apparently, there is a lot of drama that goes on within the restaurant business, as in most businesses. This waitress told me tales of the number of servers who constantly abused their access to alcohol and could always be found drunk by the end of the night.
Favoritism can be an issue too. A manager will assign certain servers to sections of the restaurant or to large parties which will ensure that particular server will make more money. Apparently, favoritism can also come into play and ensure a server more money when they happen to be romantically involved with the manager. . .
Musical Chairs
When you get sat at a table, there's a reason you've been put here. Your table determines which server gets you and ultimately the money they will make that night. For example, say a restaurant has four sections. Section 1 is the best because it is right by the windows and has the best view. Section 4 is generally least desired by customers because it is farthest from the windows. There is a server assigned to section 1, who is usually the best and most favored server. Another server is assigned to section 4.
When a customer is seated and then decides they would like a sit close to the window, section 4 server has just lost a significant amount of pay, granted that customer is decent tipper. Servers can't follow their customers. As soon as you switch tables you are providing for another man's bills.
Granted, you are paying for the experience and atmosphere as well as the food, so it is understandable when you want to be seated at the table with the best view. But once you're seated, maybe think twice before you ask to switch.
In Conclusion
Obviously, every server and customer is different. But as customers, we should always choose to be the bigger person and show appreciation for the servers regardless. Sometimes they could just be having a bad day, and your kindness could mean the world to them.
