Everyone likes a meal out every once in a while. Maybe it's during a vacation in Maine or for a special event like a birthday. Regardless of where or when you go, the wait staff at the establishment will be there for every request to make your time there special. As a waiter since 2011, I can say I've had my fair share of customer interactions. Some good, some bad. But however the experience ended I would go to the next customer with a smile and get to know them.
Because that's what we do.
Every morning, afternoon, and evening servers continue to greet,serve, and complete every request that a customer may have. From requests such as a custom order, a refill or even just a side a mayonnaise, the wait staff that you have will do everything they can to complete the task. It's through these requests we get to know our customers.
For the last five years I have been working at a family restaurant in Old Orchard Beach called Venetia's. For 47 years this family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving people from all over the world. I personally have served families from Norway, Canada and many other countries. During this time period, I have had many stories that I tell to people because it gives people a taste of what it's like to be a server.
Every morning that I work, I expect a customer and his wife to come in once if not twice during my shift. This man, whom is a Vietnam veteran, and wife, who have been together for over 50 years, come in slowly but surely to have a bite to eat. The gentleman, holding the door for his wife, offers his hand of support to her. She makes it through the door and they both take their place at the four person table in front of the server stand. I greet them like I haven't seen them in days, even though I saw them yesterday at the same time. The gentleman smiles and asks how I'm doing and we spend a couple minutes talking. I ask the elderly couple what they'd like to eat and drink. The wife is quick to respond with her usual water or Sierra Mist with a BLT but the gentleman is struggling to explain what he wants.
Blessed with his experience in years, it has unfortunately gotten the best of him in terms of trying to explain what he wants to say. Seeing him having a hard time I suggest having his usual Budweiser and haddock meal. He smiles and says, "That,yes! Thanks, buddy!". I put their order in and bring it out once it's ready. From there we talk more and he tells me stories of his service in Vietnam and what he does now all while his wife sits, smiling and listening to us talk.
They finish their meal and I bring their bill. The gentleman takes out his wallet and tries paying with an absurd amount of money. I see the wife trying to tell him to put all the big bills laying on the table away but he's not understanding what she means. I go over and help him. I tell him that a smaller bill with pay for the meals and he can put the rest of the money in his wallet. He laughs and says, "OK.". I cash them out and tell them to have a good day and that I'll see them soon. The gentleman gets up and helps his wife stand. They say goodbye and walk back home.
This couple comes in everyday to support the family restaurant and have been the sweetest, most entertaining customers that I've had the pleasure to serve. It's people like them that makes my job something I can enjoy. Though every customer experience we get may not be the easiest or greatest, we do get to know our customers and I'm glad I had the chance to meet and get to know these two customers.
