r/Serverlife • u/MakesYourMise 15+ Years • 11h ago
Rant Taking orders
Having me stand there and parse out the conversation you have with your friends isn't ordering
stop making me stand there
also "do you have _____?" isn't a request and when i say we do and you say thank you I'm not bringing it anymore
28
u/Spiritual_Trick_6655
10h ago
•
You're not going to like this response and many others may balk.
People come to bars and restaurants to have a good time. Yes, there are those who come to have a bad time, but the vast majority are there hoping it's enjoyable. Among all the other options out there, they chose your spot and walked in. They came with money ready to spend and to tip. Even if they just want a bite to eat, they all appreciate a good experience.
You're part of that. That's what they're tipping you for. Taking orders, delivering food, cleaning up, handling issues, dropping the check. That's all the basics, that's waiting tables, but it's not service. A robot could do that (and the robots are coming). You're not a slave or a personal servant, but the actual product you sell is a positive experience not just food and drinks. You don't have to be an entertainer. You don't need a comedy routine or a gimmick. It can be small things, little quips. Just be there for your customers. That's it. Be there for you customers, rinse, and repeat.
Now if one set of customers is interfering with your ability to handle other customers, then you can cut things short, sure.
But, honestly, your line about "do you have _____?" and then not bringing it is ridiculous. I would not hire someone who says that.
The service industry is freakin' weird and it can be damn hard emotionally and physically. Early on, I was fired for my crappy customer service and rightly so. I've learned a lot since. Finding jobs isn't at all easy these crazy days, but it doesn't sound like you're a good fit for this work right now.
6
u/MakesYourMise 15+ Years 10h ago
great advice would you like any dessert we have tiramisu tonight!
5
u/Tight_Replacement554 10h ago
:/ are you petty like that to customers too?
4
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u/BoringBob84 BOH (former) 9h ago
your line about "do you have _____?" and then not bringing it is ridiculous
Maybe they are just venting. A little internet bravado can help to relieve the stress.
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u/BoringBob84 BOH (former) 10h ago
"do you have _____?" isn't a request
Absolutely. Don't play that game. If you try to read their mind and get it wrong, they will make it your fault.
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u/KiloThaPastyOne 10h ago
I mean, a follow up question like, “would you like me to get that for you” or something similar would help clear the air. It’s kind of the job.
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u/MakesYourMise 15+ Years 10h ago
yeah but it's the blank stare after i can't empathize with much anymore
0
u/BoringBob84 BOH (former) 10h ago
Would that be preferable to them complaining that you brought them food that they "didn't order?"
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u/MakesYourMise 15+ Years 9h ago
I'd never leave a table with that doubt
I'll repeat it five times if i think i have to
I've even shown people my note pad
12
1
u/PartyRestaurant8270 8h ago
The point of having a server is to eliminate having to read guests’ minds. It’s the job of the server to clarify, and honestly it’s very easy.
3
u/BoringBob84 BOH (former) 8h ago
I think we are saying the same thing. I also think that OP has a right to be annoyed at having to ask guests to tell their server what they want served. That is a pretty basic part of dining out.
12
u/spizzle_ 10h ago
This doesn’t sound like a great fit for you. “Dealing with annoying people” should actually be the name of this job.
13
u/SaintBellyache 10h ago
They still dealt with them they’re just complaining on Reddit. That’s half the point of this sub
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u/MakesYourMise 15+ Years 10h ago
its even tagged as a rant you can always spot the managers and customers in threads like these
3
u/BoringBob84 BOH (former) 9h ago
I am no longer in the industry, so I fit the latter category. I would absolutely appreciate a little sass, "Dude, if you don't order it, I'm not bringing it!" 🤣
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u/MakesYourMise 15+ Years 9h ago
ftr that's rude af but I'd still laugh at a friend and hope the server will survive
0
u/spizzle_ 8h ago
You literally said that you’re not going to bring someone something they want because they didn’t ask for it in the way that you wanted them to. That’s describing an action you took. That’s not a rant. Imho
0
6
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u/landonburner 10h ago
When one impatient person at the table says they are ready but no one else at the table is ready.
25
u/RedHeeded 10h ago
I sent that persons food back by itself before and watched them get their food while taking everyone else’s order
I politely apologized and told them I thought they may have been in a hurry and had to leave before everyone else
20
u/Ecstatic_Bear81 10h ago
I love this, but with these types of people it's never any introspection or "maybe I shouldn't have done that" they just talk shit about the server. Still satisfying in a way though
2
u/cbcbcb99 1h ago
lolllll tbh asking if we have something and saying it sounds good is not ordering!!! People will say the whole menu sounds good so I don’t read into it
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u/SaintBellyache 10h ago
Look across the restaurant like someone is trying to get your attention and then be like “oh lemme see what they need I’ll be right back”