Jobless Rate Down

The official jobless rate for the nation just went down....by one. After a year of not working (by choice), I've decided that it's time for me to go out and dazzle people with my wonderful wit and stunning beauty (Hope you have hip boots on by now!) by hostessing at a local sports bar and restaurant. It's only weekends, but it'll get me out of the house and among people.

Having worked in many restaurants over the years, I'm always dumbfounded by some of the things that go on with the customers. Yes, customers are the lifeblood of a business, but there are some customers you'd rather not deal with.

That having been said, I'd like to pass along a few things that waitresses and hostesses would LOVE to say to people but can't. I know my readers are respectful and kind, but there are those people who make you cringe when they walk through the door.

1. Please remember that you are not the only customer your server has. While they will do their very best to keep you happy, they are not there to serve only you. Try waiting tables, and you'll see what I mean.
2. There are times that there are not enough people to cover customer demand. Should you have to wait a few minutes extra for a drink refill, please do not let it reflect on your server. Understand that when someone calls off, it affects already busy employees. They do work very hard to accommodate your requests.
3. The employees are not there for you to verbally abuse. Should you have a problem, please be respectful in your complaint. Most people follow this rule, but I've seen many who treat staff like slaves. We would rather you take your business elsewhere than to deal with the stress that goes with waiting on a pompous ass.
4. Please remember to tip. Your server may have been unnecessarily rude, but don't stiff them. Reduce your tip, but leave something. Wait staff doesn't make minimum wage plus tips, and tips make up the difference of their hourly wage. BTW...average tip is 15-20% for average to good service.
5. If you come in 30 minutes before closing and expect a full course meal, please be courteous enough to leave as quickly as possible. Your server and all of the employees have most likely been there for at least 8 hours and would like to go home. Chances are that they will have to be back early the next day. They have lives just like you do. Don't linger over your table for an hour after you're finished eating as your server has to stay probably an hour after you leave to clean up and get ready for the next day.
   
6. Your attitude does affect your service. The nicer you are to the staff, the more effort they will put forth to make your experience a nice one.
7. If comment cards are available, please fill them out, and be honest. Management appreciates your feedback in order to try to correct potential problems.
8. Don't pass judgment based on one experience. While first impressions are vital, if you see it's overly busy or you have to wait, don't assume it's always that way. It could very well be a fluke. Stop a second time. If things are still bad, then you can pass judgment.
9. If you pull in to the parking area and there are a lot of cars parked, expect to wait. We will try to get you seated as quickly as possible, but the staff can't make people leave any earlier than when they're ready. Be understanding of this.
10. Mistakes happen. Don't throw a hissy fit and act like it's the end of humanity. You only look like an idiot when you do that.
11. If you have your kids with you, please don't let them run around. It's rude to the other customers and creates a dangerous situation for everyone when a waitress has a large tray of hot food.
    

It's gonna be an interesting time!