You know, I used to be a waitress during university days. I worked at both Olive Garden and Ruby Tuesday's. If you live in, or have visited the USA, you will recognize them because they are chain restaurants, located in most States. Back then, I embraced my feminine charms on an entirely different level. This meant getting dressed up as a doll almost every shift, wearing cleavage exposing tops, and other things that I don't do now. The reason? Of course, it led to better tips. :)
In the U.S., we have a service focused culture. We expect good, friendly and efficient service, and it's most often received. But last night I became enraged when I went with my friend to a local joint for dinner. It was early, and we were the only customers in the dining room. The waitress came to our table with a shitty attitude, brought menus, took our order, and then immediately delivered drinks and free bread. Then, we never saw her again!?! Another person brought our food to the table, our drink glasses remained empty, and meanwhile the waitress stood chatting on the phone for at least 45 minutes in some type of argument with her boyfriend or husband. I could hear the whole conversation and all the drama.
So, how do you react in such situations? Or, you just accept bad service with no complaints?
When I got home, I sent an email to the manager informing him about the situation. I understand service can be slow if the restaurant is packed with people, or there's a delay in the kitchen, but this could not be the case last night when the restaurant was almost empty at 4:30pm. I remember when I first traveled to Russia, I couldn't believe how slow everything is with service in restaurants and other places. I vividly recall in Peter when we walked to our parking lot to get the car on a brutally cold morning. The attendant was cozy in his warm hut, and literally took at least five minutes to come to us for payment. Then, when we rolled down the window, he just stared at us, and said absolutely nothing. No "good morning," no "hello", just blank, cold stare. :))) Culture shock! :) Btw, I'll give you a quick lesson about the word "joint."
When I first began traveling with
(1) Hand-rolled cigarette stuffed with marijuana. "Let's roll or smoke a joint."
Btw, I'm old. :)) I'm certain the newer generation has plenty of updated and creative slang words for marijuana, especially since recreational use is now legal in a few States, and will likely be legal nationwide in the next five years.
(2) A local diner, restaurant, bar or gathering place. "Let's go to that new joint down the street for a bite to eat."
Did you know both slang meanings? :) How do you handle bad service? I'm very demanding in this regard, because if you're hired for a job, you should do it. No constant complaints, slacking off, or whining. It doesn't matter if you're in a cheap, moderately priced, or luxury restaurant. If you don't like it, find another way to earn a living...
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peacetraveler22- Shannon
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Of course service staff must get paid at least $15 an hour + obligatory tips. They feel grateful and provide a great service. Or so I heard from dem friends.
Yes, I know "joint". No, I'm not a user in both meanings. For many years on Wednesdays I go to the same place eating the same stuff. That's it with restaurants.
But no service - no tips.
Russian mostly unfamiliar with really good service, so they are not so picky.
Generally, I don't like diners with waiters for several reasons.
First, I do not like to sit and wait.
Second, I do not like to serve and be served. I feel very strange when I sit and somebody brings and takes plates, takes used napkins (especially that!) and I any other way intereferes with space around me.
I like when I take food first then find a place and eat.
Third, I do not like noise, many people around me, and smell of food all around :)
Recently we were in Casa Bonita place in Denver. It's very busy, noisy and crowded by children. For that case they have a little pole with a red flag. If you need something, you slide the flag up, and a waiter comes immediately. I think this is ideal solution for any eatery.
Why just don't leave couple dollars tips in dimes or nickels or even pennies? This is more than just not giving tips, this is rather insult when you are completely not satisfied with service. It also probably will leave waiter pissed off.
Smart managers just collect the phones when people working. Yes. Collect them in a box. That's the only way you can make sure that young people won't be on their phone constantly. Daughter of my friend works for non-chain establishment (brewery) and they throw their phones in a box when they start shift. You can retrieve it when you are on a break.