(Snapping of fingers) "Miss! MISS! Excuse me, MISS!"
This is usually how I am summoned by a table that is not my own. I politely turn around, squelching any retorts that instantly come to mind. What follows is something along the lines of "Where is our food? We've been waiting forty five minutes for our meal."
First of all, I am not your waitress. I have no idea where your food is, because quite frankly, I get paid $2.13 an hour to watch my four table section. And that, thank God, does not include your table. Second, you most likely have not been here longer than twenty minutes waiting for your food. You see, we have a secret weapon in the back. Along with your order, there is a timer telling us little minded waiters how long it has been, to the second, since we keyed in your order.
I'm a firm believer in the fact that a person's true character shines through the way they treat people in the customer service industry. I've had tables that blurt out their drink orders before I can get my name out, refuse to even look me in the eye, and one disturbing lady who dropped the f-bomb on me after her appetizer took a few extra minutes one Sunday afternoon. What these low-lifes don't realize is that many of us are just using this job as a means to an end. We are working our way through college so that someday we can have a better life than sweeping up cracker crumbs. Hell, I might even be your boss. Ha, wouldn't that be some karma. Show us a little respect, and it will go a long way. For example, when a table remembers my name, I am instantly gratified. So thank you to those who listen to me, treat me as their equal rather than their servant, and of course, those who tip well.
Now, I'm going to hop in my bed and watch my DVR'd Dawson's Creek. =)
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2 comments:
Hi Elizabeth,
I just went to your blog after the comment you made on mine! I am still not sure how to find different blogs!
Anyway, enjoyed your writing. I can
totally relate. Worked as a waitress at several different places during times I needed to do so. Some people have NO IDEA what manners are, nor how hard it really is to be a good waitress! I appreciate how hard you are working to get through college-and it will pay off for you all the rest of your life! Good job. Now put your feet up and take a breath:)
Hi I too checked you out after the comment on my blog. I have to say I like your writing as well. What you said about your mom reminds me of mine when I was younger. Mine was horrible to me - mostly verbaly - and I have to say that a mothers harsh words are eons more hurtful than a fist could ever be. I hated her for years.
AND you martyr you! To work in the service industry as well. Oh man people really do suck ass in resturants. Check out waiterrant.net, he's a profesional waiter and writes about all the crappy shit people do to him. He's hilarious and truthful, I imagine you will be to relate.
Anyways, sorry for the mega comment, if you ever need to talk about your mom the blog is always there and I'm always "around" to talk.
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