Dining Etiquette for Waitstaff: Insights from an Experienced Server

When you sit down at a restaurant, it's easy to forget that the people serving you have to deal with various challenges. From a diner's perspective, it can be a leisurely and pleasurable experience. However, from the viewpoint of a server, it can be a daunting task. In this article, I will share my insights on what irritates restaurant staff and how diners can improve their dining etiquette to make the service easier for our team.

Common Pet Peeves of Waitstaff

As an ex-waiter/waitress, one of the most significant pet peeves is maintaining cleanliness. I have always observed that food and beverages spilling on the floor can quickly turn a pleasant meal into a challenge. Whether it's fast-food kids' restaurants or casual eateries, the constant need to clean up messes can be extremely disheartening. I vividly remember the daily ritual of gathering cleaning solutions, mops, and rags to deal with spills, vomit, and sugary drinks that patrons consume.

Handling Stacking Plates

Another common annoyance is when diners attempt to be polite by stacking their plates on the server's tray. While the intention is to help, it often makes the service more difficult. Servers are already handling multiple items on trays, and an additional heavy load can be an undue burden. It's best to let the server take care of the plates and not expect them to manage multiple heavy items at once. Accepting assistance with being polite is appreciated, but unnecessary weight can impact the service quality.

Gratification and Stiffing

When it comes to gratification, servers rely on tips to cover a significant portion of their earnings. In regions like the Philippines, where waitstaff can earn only $2 per hour, every extra peso counts. However, it's also common to experience stiffing, where a server receives less than their due. An unexpected larger tip can make all the difference in a server's day, showing genuine appreciation for their hard work.

Kitchen Issues and Blame

The kitchen's role in a restaurant's success often goes unnoticed. However, when food orders go wrong or dishes are prepared incorrectly, the blame often falls on the servers. This can be incredibly frustrating for us, as it usually wasn't our responsibility. As the face of the restaurant, servers need to remain professional and provide good service even when things are not going as planned. This can take a toll both mentally and physically.

Conclusion

In the hustle and bustle of a restaurant, the primary goal is to provide a pleasant dining experience for the customer while ensuring that servers can perform their duties without undue stress. By understanding and respecting the challenges faced by our staff, diners can contribute to a more positive and enjoyable dining experience for everyone involved. Remember, servers go through a lot to bring you your meal, and a little bit of consideration can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

Respect server time and effort. Avoid stacking plates on servers' trays. Don't take the servers for granted; a small tip can make a significant impact.

By following these basic guidelines, we can all work together to enhance the dining experience and make the lives of our servers easier and more satisfying. Let's support each other and create pleasant dining memories for everyone.