Most people that come into a restaurant have never been in the industry so there is no way of knowing the struggles we servers go through trying to please the customers. Being in the industry for about three years now, I’ve learned a few things and have made a list of the top 15 things every waitress or waiter can relate to. If you haven’t been in the industry please understand we are your servers not your servants and treat us with a little more respect.
1. You’ve mastered the fake smile or laugh.
At some point in time, you’ve waited on a table that replies, “Oh, it’s an option?” when you ask them if they are ready for the bill. Although it makes you want to cringe and throw the checkbook at their face, you smile, laugh and slowly retreat.
2. Being in the weeds is like losing your mom in the grocery store.
One second you’re laughing and the next it’s like World War III has started. Every table is full, everyone is "hangry," and you contemplate your life and your job. Stay strong, it’ll be over soon.
3. Wanting it to be busy but also wanting it to be super slow.
You know you need the money but at the same time you just are not in the mood to do anything. Being social is mentally exhausting.
4. The customers who switch tables 101 times.
The first table is too close to the door, the next is too cold and the one after that doesn’t have a good view of the kitchen. This is not a game of musical chairs. Pick a seat and stay there.
5. Being ignored after saying "hello" to your table.
6. People saying they’re ready to order and they definitely aren’t.
The customers assures you they are ready to order after sending you away three previous times but you end up at the table for 20 minutes while they further contemplate what to order, and you’re getting triple sat in the process.
7. Accommodating “dietary restrictions."
Gluten free, vegan and whatever other limiting diets are all the craze. The worst is when customers make substitutions that turn into a new dish, and then it comes out and they don’t like it or it “doesn’t taste right.”
8. Sidework.
Ah, the dreaded silverware at the end of the night, cutting lemons or any other minuscule, time consuming task. I flinch every time I hear the clinking of cutlery.
9. Not having enough glassware, silverware, etc.
We’ve all been there — in the weeds. and there is absolutely nothing washed. It’s OK, run to the back and hide in the fridge.
10. Being blamed for the food taking forever.
Being the face of the restaurant, no one seems to understand that we are not in charge of food. We are not cooks, and there is nothing we can do about the punctuality of your meal … unless we actually forgot to ring it it. Whoops…
11. Being flagged down.
Perhaps my biggest pet peeve, I’m sure if some of my customers had a bell they would be ringing it every chance they get. I will get you a refill as soon as I have a second — please stop hitting your ice with your straw and slurping to get my attention.
12. Last minute walk-ins.
There is nothing worse than a party coming in wanting a four-course meal 20 minutes before closing.
13. Bad tips.
I work for my tips. Hourly is not enough to make a living. Leaving your number as a tip is not going to make me want to call you.
14. Wanting to face-plant into alcohol after a shift.
You were in the weeds all night and want nothing more than to drink the night away, go ahead. You deserve it.
15. You live for your "regulars," and leaving with a ton of cash at the end of the night.
The "regulars" who are patient, nice and tip you well … thank you.
