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I stumbled across an article the other day that offered "Dining tips to avoid offending the waiter; who may retaliate." To my amazement even the title was threatening. Retaliate; I thought to my self quite harsh for a service I am paying to receive. Offend the author use a non politically correct term by stating "waiter." Does this mean only men retaliate? Or should we fear all "servers?" As, I previously stated I am a career server/manager for the full service food industry. The key word is "SERVICE" we provide it to a paying clientele. They are not just paying for the food. If that was the case they could simple drive to the nearest Grocery store make the purchase and cook it themselves. This would of course be cheaper. The guest however chooses to pay more for the "service." So, here are my dining tips.

1. Step into the Restaurant of your choice and promptly be greeted by a friendly, professional host/ess. If you don't like your Table request another. Please take note that they are trying to follow a pattern so they ensure the best guest experience.

2. Expect your server to approach your table quickly. Even if it is to say hello and they will be right back with you. You deserve the acknowledgment.

3. Take a moment to ponder you drink/entree of choice as your server descriptively tells you there specials of the day if there are any.

4. If you are thirsty drink away and expect your glass to remain full with out having to request a Pitcher. If you would like a Pitcher great you can have that too. (please note some companies frown upon pitcher on the table it takes away from the service) Even at those places if you want it you get it.

5. You are entitled for you food to come out quickly, neatly and most importantly Hot and fresh. And you server should care if it is not any of the above.

6. If you meal is running late then you deserve an explanation. You deserve you server to communicate with you in a professionally courtesy manner. No, it may not be there fault and that okay. You as the guest still have a right to know.

7. The love of follow-up. You server will come by after you have started consuming your dish to make sure it is to your satisfaction and if it is not they will apologize and promptly take it to the kitchen to be redone or reorder another item for you.

8. You should expect your server to inform the manager if there is any dissatisfaction with you dinning experience.

9. A manager should be present for you to see and talk to at your leisure.
10. NO check should be placed down on the table before you are finished and have either indulged in dessert or not.

11. Once payment has been made you deserve to be thanked for choosing them and not the competition.

Servers do get paid half of minimum wage. This is true but not very often; did I or most that I know make less than 12.00 an hour. This is at a large Casual family Chain. My guest where just that Guest! Who deserved to be treated like someone in my home? Demanding, rude these are things left up to interpertation. What seems to you as rude or demanding may not to another. So, all people should be treated the same. Yes, there are people that will tip less than 15% but there are those that tip 20-30%. We should never make people feel uncomfortable or like we are a threat. Gratuity by definition is a gift for a service. This is not an obligation. All, positions in the Restaurant are difficult and demanding in there own right. Yet, let's remember with out our Guest we are UNEMPLOYED!

Learn more about this author, Martha Milner.
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