Being in "the business" makes it hard for me to go out to eat. I've written about that on this blog many times before. I just can't enjoy myself when I go out. I'm always looking for ways that the restaurant, or my server/bartender, can do a better job. But the one thing I can't stand is those corny, or just plain stupid, lines the damm waiter says when coming over to our table. Here are just a few:
- How are you guys doing? This line drives me nuts and I seem to get it all the time when I'm out to eat and not only with "the guys".
- Are you finished with that? No, do you still see my fork on the side of the plate and my napkin still on my lap? When was the last time you peeked out from behind your service station to see what we were doing?
- Are you ready to order? Well I guess since my menu is folded and placed on the side of the table, and it's been 12 minutes since you left, and I've been straining my neck to see where the hell you are and if you are coming back to take my order...that should be a sign that we are ready to order.
Why can't some restaurant manager finally teach these kid waiters how to properly, and professionally, speak with a customer?
Well. I'm waiting your comments to tell me I'm wrong...'cause I'm not!
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12 comments:
This is so true.
I'm a waitress for a catering company, and the only one that we were told to use was "Are you done with that?" Most of the people that I have served, had no idea about any of the cues that you're done eating. For a majority of people, it's easy to see if they're done eating, but we still need to ask before we clear plates and such.
I'm just glad that all I have to do is set up, serve, and clear tables. Taking orders would not be nice after being in class all morning.
Hi Mr. Banquet Manager,
I would like to see a reverse post. What would you train your staff to say insted of everything that you wrote!
I would rather someone ask me first before they grab my plate out from in front of me.
seriously? "how are you guys doing" is somehow offensive?
I assume you are referring to the somewhat inaccurate labeling of gender, or you are inferring that you might be having a bad day, and would like that aspect to remain private.. either way, what would you have these "stupid" waiters say as a greeting?
"how are you all doing", "how are y'all doing", and "how are you folks doing" all equate with "how are you guys doing" it depends on what part of the country you are in at the time..
it is acceptable vernacular..
Look! waiter's behavior can be controlled by complained with higher authority, and as I think it is never be seen in reputed hotels and if see so that hotel is not valuable any sense.
You really mustn't get out much if these are the stupidest things you've heard a waitperson say.
"Guys" has become the vernacular for "everyone" and it has lazily replaced the term "lady" and "gentleman" get with servers! I agree with our host, current standards are plain lazy!
Ha. I'm a server in a crappy, greasy chain restaurant and I actually agree with everything here! I do want to add though that it would be great if the average diner could figure out that placing their fork tines down on the side of their plate means I am going to clear it. If I am unsure, I might quietly ask "may I clear this for you?" but I'm not going to come play tug of war with you over one lonesome noodle on a plate which has remained untouched for 15 minutes.
I ask 90% of the time if it is ok to clear or if they are all finished as most people I serve have no idea how to make it clear they are finished and unable to place used cutlery on their plate.
Also I always ask if they are ready to order as I'm sick of giving customers menus, leaving them to get bread water etc etc give them a few minutes space go back over and the menu is closed over but has not even looked at. They look at you like you're an idiot for not knowing they aren't ready.
Hi There,
You know I feel kind of sad about this post. I work at Olive Garden, and I am proud of my middle America experience of italian food. Sure, a lot of old ladies come in and are aghast when we have no honey for the hot tea, but I think to myself, we do have a full bar. Have some liqour!
I always ask people how they are. My line is "How is everyone doing today?" because yeah it is generic, but on the other hand what am I supposed to say? "What the hell do you want?" doesn't seem polite to me.
I also ask if people are done with things because of the bread sticks. If they want to enjoy the last of their sauce I can completely understand that and I'm not going to yank it away like a demented reject. I guess I put my fork in the wrong place at a wedding because a server made off with my half eaten chicken cordon bleu while I was having my picture taken with the bride, my best friend of over 20 years.
So seriously, next time you go out to eat, remember that we usually deal with people who don't know where to put their fork, or don't speak english, or just want to hold onto their plate for some crackheaded reason. Oh, and if you leave your plate on the edge of the table because you think I am stupid and won't pick it up, thing again, mkay?
And if you are asked how everything is, your answer better be something other than a look of disdane and "Fine" muttered from your mouth. I want to hear the breadsticks are hot and yummy.
I went from a jeans/tshirt ribhouse within 3 years to fine dining, with interviews I had to turn down at my state's only 4/5 star joints due to moving.
"Are you still enjoying that", "Allow me to clear that, if I may" NOT "whoosh....oh, were you saving that?"
"At your convenience" when dropping the check.
"Good evening, blah blah blah drinks, ma'am sir, gentleman lady"...not "hey you guys". Ugh, unless it's my usual Saturday night group of alkie mechanics, all red blooded, hetero Budweiser/Beam people, you don't hear that word come out of my mouth. And people wonder why I have so many regulars and such great tip averages! I don't make people cringe from the get go.
I'm a dumbass 22 years young, but I still know to do pivot points, "hug the guest" not "backhand", am the only qualified server to do wine/champagne service, can fingertip trays, and I stand with my hands behind my back, clasped, because I can memorize your order for a 6 top and nail it every time. We're not at Waffle House, people. I don't need to fill out your order on whatever scraps I have in my book. It's for holding money and certain special requests.
And I don't walk by and ask how everything is. Is that mahimahi to your liking? Is that steak cooked to your specifications? Is that the version of a Manhattan you were looking for? Geez people. Avoid the "canned" lines every chance you get!
Be specific, tailor to your guests, make them feel special. I work in a fried seafood shack and a lot of guests I serve still get "marked" tables. I don't care if I'm in the weeds, everyone comes in and gets stellar 5 star service! When the Canadians are tipping me 25 percent I must be doing something right..... =)
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Wow...
I just read through almost all of your posts about servers and have come to the conclusion that you have got SOMETHING up your ass.
You are probably one of the pickiest, rudest, self-centered restaurant customers out there. I hope that your next waitress spits in your food.
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