Anyone who has ever worked as a waitress in a restaurant or bar probably knows the problems that wait staff have to contend with in the catering industry: working when others are free, shift work and physical exertion. At the end of the day, what counts is how much tip you have earned. Then there are the guests, who of course sometimes misbehave. However, there are certain things that guests do in a restaurant that every waiter hates. We give an overview.
Of course it’s nice if the guest leaves a tip. But not when it comes to the change made from cent coins. If you don’t want to have it in your pocket, you shouldn’t give it as a tip.
Do you want to know what words and codes waiters use to communicate in the catering industry without the guests understanding? In this video we have put together the most important ones for you.
It is usually not a problem for service staff to issue separate bills, but only if guests order them before the total bill is already on the table. Or you can do it like the Italians: the total bill is divided by the number of guests – and everyone pays the same.
Every restaurant is prepared for special requests, but even a guest should be sensitive enough not to place complicated orders when the restaurant is packed. So if you keep it simple, you’re more likely to make no mistakes and get the food to your table quickly.
It happens that restaurants run out of food or a certain dish or certain ingredients. That’s not the waiter’s fault; the guests only diligently ordered on this day. That’s why you shouldn’t make the service staff feel guilty, but simply order something else.
When the conversation is private, it creates an odd atmosphere in a restaurant. Other guests may also feel disturbed by it. Better to have the conversation in front of the door or in an adjoining room.
If the service makes a mistake, it’s a good idea to point it out. However, one should not argue with the service about the prices that are on the menu.
Unless expressly requested, one should not serve oneself. For example with serviettes, cutlery or salt and pepper. Better to ask the waiter about it.
If you need more milk with your coffee, feel free to ask. If you have other requests, you should express them immediately and not let the service jump with every new idea.
Disciplining or yelling at your children at the table is not only unpleasant for the service, but also for the other guests in the restaurant. Try to avoid this and put off reprimands until later when you get home.
If you come into a bar just to order a coffee, but still block the table for three hours, waiters do not earn (tip) money. So the rule is: finish your coffee and leave – or at least order something to eat.
Even if you’re a regular at the restaurant, you can’t expect your food to come out of the kitchen quicker than the other guests.
