How do I know my waiter?

Question

Two questions that I would like to have answered by real service industry people and not by wiseguys.

One- So the restaurant is busy like it usually is, but my drink glass is always empty and I never see my waiter. How do I know if they are understaffed and it's not his fault, or he is just being lazy and my tip should reflect thusly.

Two- Do servers like it when customers they don't know call them by name?

Real servers only please, no wiseguys

Answer 1

When you are seated, ask the hostess who your waiter will be if she hasn't already told you. You should be approached by someone within a few minutes and asked for a drink order. Look at the persons name tag, if they are not your waiter ask them how long the waiter will be and if he is really busy. You can ask for a less busy waiter, especially if you are in a hurry. If you are not in a hurry, just relax and enjoy. If the restaurant is not so busy and the service lags there may be a problem...is your sever all alone? Is he getting any help? Or is he goofing off and talking?

As for servers names...I personally like it when someone uses my name, that's why we wear name tags. It's way better than "hey you!"... as for tipping, and this comes from a server....if you get really bad service, don't leave anything. Tipping is a courtesy and is never mandatory. If the service was adequate you should tip 18%...if it was spectacular go ahead and tip more!

Answer 2

I like that you asked this question, it shows that you genuinely care, how nice for a change. My guess on your number one question is to either ask your server that same question or take notice around you and see if they are running around to each and every table. Sometimes that is what happens where I work, we can run 7-8 tables at a time sometimes, depending on who's called out for the night, and its very stressful. You might want to also ask your server to just bring you a pitcher of whatever you are drinking, especially if there are free refills anyhow. That would save you the "hunt-down".

To answer question number two, I do not mind if my patrons call me by my first name, afterall I greet the table by saying "Hello, my name is "so and so", I'll be your server tonight, let me know if I can get you anything" , while I'm pouring their water glasses for the evening. I think it's a way of showing the person who's waiting on you some respect. I also always say "Thankyou Mr so and so" if they tell me their name or pay with a credit card. I think it shows a certain level of respect between the people eating and the people serving them. JMHO though!

Answer 3

One. Easy. When eventualy the waiter comes ask him exactly what you asked here and ask further how many tables it is to one waiter, should not be more that 2-3 full tables (expensive restaurant will have one to every table with waiter stadning by table). If that does not help, next time bring your own drink (if you want to come back), put on the table, and see how quick service you will have. Tip: must be based on your judgement of situation, but for sure it will depent on a situation. At least minimal 5% is needed.



Two: If the servers intruduce himself/herself and give their name, it is no problem. If they have a tag on the uniform, ask if that is their name and if you can use it. If they agree, you more than welcome to use the name. However, if eg a girl has no name tag or does not give you her name, then maybe she fears about harrisment and you must respect that. There are boundried and respect for work force always needed.

Answer 4

Don't worry. Those are still hilarious. Here's a few more answers to the classic "Waiter! There's a fly in my soup!" joke: -- That's not a fly! That's a cockroach. The fly's in the salad. I know! Look, he's doing the backstroke! Why are you complaining? He's the one that's dead! What do you want me to do? Call a lifeguard? That's funny....there were two when I left the kitchen.... Don't worry. The spider on the bread will take care of it.

Answer 5

one-if you don't see the waiter anywhere else helping others, then you could assume he's not overworked



two-yes