What happened to please & thank you?
Yesterday for lunch I wanted something warm and simple. Red lobster has a great soup & salad for under $7.00. Perfect for what I had in mind.
I was seated, and given my menu, and was told my waiter would be here soon. I settled down, started reading my book, and relaxed. The couple just across from me was being waited on for their order. They were 2 women, and upset that one of the "specials" wasn't able to be changed. they acted like it was the waiters fault. Finally, they agreed on their order, and the waiter turned to me. I smiled, placed my order, ( I read the menu, lol) and was asked a few questions.. what type of soup, dressing etc. I ordered an appetizer just because I love their stuffed mushrooms.
The waiter left and I relaxed. The women were speaking in a loud voice, how upset they were that he took my order before turning theirs in. Believe me when I say I placed my order in under 2 minutes. Probably less than that.
The table behind the women were empty, then there were 2 men, upset that there was too much ice in their ice tea. This same waiter, had just placed their plates in front of them, took the glass, and replaced it w/ a glass with a very small amount of ice, and then apologized. The man grumbled, and started eating.
The waiter then brought drinks.. and those biscuits. They were warm, and wonderful. One of the women stated in a very loud voice as he was placing my tea on my table, "You didn't bring my cream! I want cream!" Then her table mate stated, it's on the saucer.. She then stated, well I didn't see it.. He should have put it in a more obvious place.
I smiled at the waiter and he left.
I couldn't believe it. Too much ice? Not looking at the saucer? Where did these people come from? They seemed to be looking for a reason to complain.
Then a woman and a small boy came and was seated at the empty table. She complained there wasn't a booth. The seater... (for want of a better word) apologized, and the woman replied nasty.. well, I guess it will do.
She pulled her chair out, hitting the gentleman at the next table. He stood, griped, and moved so she could move to the chair ( a 4 seat table)back, and she moved to the other chair.
She started gripping that the waiter wasn't there yet. ( She'd been there under 2 minutes)
The waiter appeared, filled glasses, and took the beverage and apetizer order from the woman. She complained again about the table. He apologized and left.
The table of the 2 women were gripping that they didn't have their main dish yet. They were still eating their salad for pete's sake. The men were gripping about the crab legs. I guess they had never been served them at a restaurant, they thought the meat would be removed for them.
The waiter appeared, with the main courses. He served the 2 women first, and then placed my salad in front of me. He turned back to the women, both of whom gripping. Wanting extra butter, for their potatos, and more cream for their coffee.
Never did anyone at those table every say please, thank you.. kiss my a@@ anything.
He asked if there was anything I needed, I smiled, and said no.. and continued reading while starting to eat.
He was stopped by the two men, asking why wasn't the meat removed. That they had to pay for the shells... they wanted the manager.
The woman and small boy were served their salad and beverage. She complained there wasn't enough dressing. "I want more!" He immediately retrieved more for her.
When he brought it to her, she didn't even acknowledge it, just grabbed it and poured it on her salad.
He brought out my main entree, just as I had finished my salad.
Between all this he continually filled glasses, checked if there was anything needed. Always he was demanded to bring things. Never requested, never a smile, never an acknowledgement.
I enjoyed my meal, relaxed,and finished. He had already given the other 2 tables their bills, and was asking if i needed anything. I asked for a small take out box, and it was brought with my ticket. He again asked if anything else. I handed him my card, and he left.
THe 2 women left a .50 tip due to him not bringing their requests fast, and having to wait for him. They explained this very loudly.
The 2 men where finishing up.. and paid their bill. Declined to leave any tip due to them having to pay for non edible items.
I shook my head, and couldn't believe them. The waiter appeared and brought my receiptl. He called me by my first name, and thanked me for my patronage.
He had spoken to the other 2 tables very similar, kindness,and patience as much a part of him as the sun raising in the morning.
Neither of the two tables had even said a simple thank you , it was good, nothing. Only complaints.
I left a good tip, feeling wonderful about the service. I've been to restaurants where I was lucky to get refills on the water, and a tip was automatically added.
I left a good word with the manager about how great a waiter he had. He thanked me, and stated he would pass it on..
I still shake my head at the rudeness, and lack of common courtesy.
Yes, it is a restaurant, but would asking nicely hurt? Gripping about the shells of crab legs? Oh good grief.
People complain that service is going by the way side. What about giving compliments? What about please, thank you... My granddaughter, 3, is required to say those.
Before we start complaining that service is a thing about the past, let's take a look at ourselves. There is nothing wrong with requesting things, but why not do it with courtesy?
I've had bad experience w/ wait staff... who hasn't? But why take it out on someone who had nothing to do with it except be in the same industry.
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