Every one who goes out to eat has to interact with someone, and one of those "someones" is your server. I know a lot of people probably get tired of hearing servers complain about some of their work days.
However, as a server, the people I interact with have an impact on the kind of day I have; after all, the reason I picked this job is because I enjoy being around people, but some people forget that I am a human being with feelings. With that being said, I just want to remind everyone of a few things to remember when they go out to eat.
1. Diet coke is not the response I am looking for when I ask, "How are you today?"
I walk to your table and the first thing I want to do is see what kind of people I will be interacting with. I try to give all of my tables equally great service. Some people respond to my first question, "How are you," with a, "We are doing great. How about you?" Those are the people that I will want to make laugh and give awesome service to. Others start spouting out their orders to me before I get to finish my first sentence, lowering my energy, ultimately letting that rub off during the service. Just let me finish my 10 second introduction, and your diet coke will still be on the table within 60 seconds.
2. Wait until your entire party is present before sitting down at the table.
Every server is only assigned approximately 3-5 tables in their section for the night. While you sit at my table sipping your coffee for an hour, I could have waited on an entire family and had them out of the door in the time it took for your aunt Sally to finally show up and order.
3. I am not the one who cooks your food.
"Did you have to go kill the chicken and pluck the feathers before you started cooking it?" First of all, this joke is not funny and never will be. Second, I am not the one cooking your food, and I want you to have it out quickly just as much as you do. Third, I am already sad about the chicken dying, please don't bring it up. And lastly, there are four people in charge of making 50 peoples' food; the last thing I want to do is make them angry by yelling, "Hey, where is table 113's food," because they are going as fast as they possibly can.
4. I am not in charge of the prices of your food.
Please do not yell at me when I bring your bill and you have 3 up-charges on it because you wanted $1 cheese added to your broccoli, $2 extra for a baked potato, and 4 (non-refillable) orange juices. I warned you of all of these charges before I put your order in, and all of the prices are listed on the menu. You're the one who guzzled down 4 OJ's that cost $3 each, not me. (P.S. You could have bought 3 gallons for that price, so I would recommend asking for water after the first one).
5. I want you to enjoy your time at my table.
I want to give you the best service you could ever dream of. I want you leave saying,"Wow, she was awesome, we will ask for her again when we return." In order for that to happen, I just want you to simply remember that I am doing the best I can. By remembering the previously listed things, you will get the very best out of me or whomever your server may be. I know sometimes everything isn't perfect, but please don't hold me accountable for things out of my control. If you go out to eat, just remember, servers have the jobs they do because they enjoy being around people. Be one of those people they enjoy.
