What Do You Mean You're Full?

As compared to many of my co-workers I am a relative newb (please note, newb is not the same as noob) in the food service industry. I started out in catering several years ago and have been serving in restaurants for over two years now. I have recently adopted my boss’s theory that all people are stupid (until proven otherwise). As such, I find it best to predict and prevent any stupid things they may do which will make my life more difficult. However, even when this gameplan is in full effect, some people still out-stupid my expectations. Here are a few tips about the food-service industry from an insider to prevent you from awing them with your ignorance:

Reservations

o Do it (ie: make one). Not only will it prevent disappointment for you and your party, but will make the kitchen staff and serving staff’s jobs easier.
o Know why you’re doing it. You are calling to make a reservation to determine whether your party can be accommodated and if so, assure yourselves a spot. This inherently means that there may not be space for you. If you know this in advance, you will not get angry when you are kindly informed that there is an event going on in the restaurant and your party cannot be accommodated that evening. “What do you mean you’re full?!” is not going to get you a table.



Food

o Read the menu. Yes, particularly whatever is written about the item you wish to order. If it says there is chèvre in the dish, do not send back your food because chèvre makes you gag.
o Ask questions. If there is a word on the menu you don’t understand, find out what it means before your order it. And no, Oyster mushrooms have nothing to do with oysters.
o Eat it and critique it. In a good restaurant, the kitchen staff will be open to feedback. Give them what they want.



Refills

o Are not always free. And when they aren’t, it is not the server’s fault.
o Are best asked for when the server is not visibly doing 12 other things (ie: still bringing out food to others at your table of 16)



Paying

o Sign your credit card slip. (yes, every time, please)
o Don’t discuss the tip with your server. This will undoubtedly be awkward. If you’ve never been out for dinner before and are unsure of what an acceptable tip is, you are not likely dining alone, so, ask your friend.



Now, if despite what you have read about the stupidity of many customers you would like to seek employment in the industry, I have on simple rule for you: DO NOT call or drop in to apply for a job over lunch of dinner hours. Anyone who would take your resume will be busy during these hours, and will be frustrated if you make them busier. This sort of thing screams ignorant from the get-go, so avoid it at all costs. All in all, a little common sense and consideration are all that is required, so good luck and happy eating!