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Fadji1 02/03/2012 8:21:00 PM
Omg....u have just described Thursday nights @ my restaurant.....to a T !!!!! Hopefully some of the aholes will read ur post...thanks 4 sharing.
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Jonnabrimeyer 01/25/2012 9:15:00 PM
Wow! Im glaf im not the only waitress with these issues. Of course, having wotked in the servise industrt for over 20 years...there isnt any amount of rudeness coming from the general public that would suprise me. I was married for 17 of those years and though my husband did well i chose to make my own money. Its shocking how many people think that because you are a waitress, they have the right to catagorize you or label you as uneducated or simply white trash. One might do well to remember the saying, "You cant judge a book by its cove."
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Blue_ink_scrawl 01/18/2012 8:09:00 AM
Just because your server is smiling and pretending to enjoy their work, doesn't mean they have an easy job. That "fun" attitude is yet another demand of the position. If you think waiting tables is easy, you've obviously never done it.
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Katie 11/21/2011 8:51:00 PM
1.) Just because someone is a cocktail waitress really doesn't mean they aren't smart. A lot are working their ways through college, some have realized they would rather not work 80 hours a week and instead work 40 hours or less and make in some cases just as much as an average 40 hour a week "real" job person.
2.) These are just a few of the types of people cocktail waitress run into, not EVERYBODY is horrible. There are a lot of people I remember are great customers and I love to interact with them more than just bringing them a drink or food. It's like dealing with a friend who is just so socially awkward when you go out with them, you roll your eyes at them, leave them or apologize for them.
3.) Ha! Yeah we do flirt with your husbands. No, not all of us wear reavealing clothing. I wear a crew cut t-shirt and jeans. Sometimes in the summer, I bust out some shorts or a jean skirt that are finger-tip length. However, a good cocktailer knows you make everyone at the table feel good and to have a good time, that means every women at the table is prettier and smarter than you. It's how women react to other women and how men react to a cute cocktail waitress... my motto is if it's a single couple or a few couples at a table, you make the men think you want them, but their girl is way better us, oh and look she looks awesome tonight! DUh, we are there to make as much money as possible. Don't you try to make as much money at your job too?
4.) Finally, five minutes is a huge deal! we might have another table coming in we need to get to a greet, order their drinks, their food, get someone else's food, clean a table so someone else can come in, fill toilet paper or paper towels, mop up a spill, sweep up a broken glass before the girl who takes off her too high of heels steps on it, that's just a short list...
But again, there really are great customers out there, just don't be an ass, and we can make your time at our bar great!
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Roger 10/21/2011 2:21:00 AM
The service industry is a tough industry. At times it's fun. But at other times, people are anything but at their best.
Yes, please, treat us like you want to be treated. And try and cut us a little slack.
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Cheers to you! 08/30/2011 5:43:00 PM
I love this...
To you angry restaurant/bar patrons that have never worked in the service industry, think about why you never got into it. I'm sure you applied to a restaurant at one point in your life and didn't get the job; know why? Probably because you're rude, selfish, and likely do not have the personality... Aka FRIENDLY.
We know when you're not going to tip well, especially you bitter women that aren't as pretty as the server/bartender. You have no idea what ingredients can be "added" to your order based on your attitude so assholes.... You can enjoy those dump bucket contents, on the rocks.
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Listen To Me 07/26/2011 11:47:00 AM
This is not true for all servers. I work in a world famous tourist attraction. I personally have to have at least $50. on me everyday that I work. So that I can pay the bus boys, the hostesses, the bartenders and the food runners/expediters a percentage of my total sales after my shift everyday. Being that it is a tourist attraction 99.9% of my customers pay with credit card. ALL of those credit card tips go directly on my check, which I receive every 2 weeks (after taxes). Also, .5% of MY tips goes to my manager (whether she is at work or not) and another .1% of MY tips gets paid to the establishment. It is automatically reduced from my check.
Luckily though, where I work ALL parties of 6 or more are automatically garnered with an 18% tip. Yes, there are times where I have made over $750. a day in tips. But I am taxed to death on the exact amount. ;-)
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Listen To Me 07/26/2011 11:00:00 AM
OMG! I agree with you! there is nothing worse then a waitress who speeds me through my order. I am beyond irked if a server does not let me finish my full order. I will order and as soon as I finish answering HER questions, she tunes me out and moves on. I have a voice too. I have more then likely been in your establishment before, I do happen to 'know the drill'. There are certain condiments I like on my burgers, and have to interrupt my server to inform her to please include these extras WITH my meal, I don't want to eat a cold burger. But they never ever bring it! Ever! So there I sit looking around for my server. 5 minutes goes by, sometimes 10 minutes. Numerous times I have to flag down a manager or another server because my server has disappeared (usually outside smoking, chatting on their cell or cracking up with another server in some 'don't you dare bother me when I'm socializing with my coworker' mode). I don't know how many times I have had to go hunt down my own bottle of ketchup or steak sauce or relish, or stand outside the kitchen waiting for an employee to pop their head out the door so I can get a side of mayo, etc. It is infuriating!
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Beaux 02/28/2011 11:07:00 AM
Seriously people get your heads out of your asses... those of you complaining, have you ever worked as a server? We have to put up with your shit day in and out. We bring you what you order thats it, we aren't your servant! And yes you are tipping us but really we get NO other wages do you really think that we don't have anything better to do then listen to you bitch? Most of us are in or just recently getting out of school. Yes there are bad apples in every bunch but don't take it out on the rest of us. Simply treat us how you want to be treated. And word for the wise you prisses don't fuck with people who handle your food and drinks!
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peanut 02/10/2011 6:29:00 PM
I have one question - If you are so damned smart, why do you choose to work as a cocktail waitress. I would suggest you guys really know how to work people to your advantage. You hit on women's husbands, you show a little or a lot of skin to get more money, you pretty much do whatever to make the buck. It is like any joke that is in bad taste, there is sadly usually some truth to it. Often you do act like a whore.
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Lauraherington 01/23/2011 2:02:00 AM
I think you need to make a living from waiting tables then get back to all of us what you think. Oh and we are usually flirting with your husband cause you are too busy sending out the I'm bitchy or I'm going to tip you shitty anyway sign. Try being a nice person.
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11/22/2010 4:00:00 AM
Why we hate our cocktail waitresses
#1 Tricky McPlastic. Well, you need to tell us because that system is so counter intuitive we won't know if you don't. We did think we were paying cash but then decided to order more, should we not spend more money at your establishment because the change of mind might cost you 5 minutes? Seriously?
#2 Then acknowledge us the first time we make eye contact. At least to say hang on a minute. You may be perfectly nice but the bartender we had last time left us waiting 30 minutes so we aren't sure how close we need to get to get service.
#3 Then stand there long enough to hear the entire order. I know you are in a hurry but it's kind of hard to tell you what my friend wants when you get drink number one and take off like you are being chased by a wild rhino.
#4 huh? I mean just huh?
#5 Then return the favor. Stop flirting with my husband. He's not in charge of your tip. I am. If you have to flirt, flirt with me it will get you further. And trust me, smiling is not the behavior to which I refer!
#6 Again, return the favor- keep your hand off my shoulder and don't sit down with us like you know us.
You can't have both the Table Captain rule and the Miss Mute rule. Ms. Mute is trying to keep from both of us answering at once per the table captain rule. Make up your mind, do we talk at once or do we not?
Stalkers: We stalk because that's whom we got good service from last time. We tip well, but we want the service too. Look at it this way, it could be the old days where we bring our help with us.
Oh, and to all this I would add, stop bullshitting me. I'm not ordering a single drink I haven't had before, I know what they look like so stop trying to convince me that 7&7 is a Walk Me Down. Seriously.
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Sin 11/14/2010 10:55:00 AM
wow, you have some serious issues if you think that just because someone is serving you, you have the right to take out on them the lame life you call your own. I would NEVER date a person like you, the only women you deserve, are those with poor self esteem that are easily manipulated. You're probably used to being treated like crap, so you spread your misery wherever possible. Try treating people with respect and kindness, and see how the type of energy you decide to spread will find it's way back to you. I feel sorry for you, and any person that comes into contact with you. What a waste you are. Learn some etiquette, and social skills,till then, stay in your cave.
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aWaitress 11/03/2010 5:14:00 PM
umm have you ever waited tables? or served anyone? Because it sure sounds like you don't know what the F**k your saying. Number one. Yes its a great job that pays very well, it how I paid for college. By the way most of the people in the service industry hold degrees, didn't think of that one. As for dealing with the her job with out complaining about the amount of respect given to her, wtf! really. Just because I'm working for a tip doesn't mean you have the right to demean me, I'm not a whore and shouldn't be treated like one. If thats the case go F yourself. I'm a person too. Remember that.
As for spoiled, yes she might be, but only because she worked her ass off to spoil her self. Go F yourself and I hope someone finds out who you are and you really understand what crappy service in, Aka someone should spit in your food and drop red wine all over you! Because oops it happens! remember that!
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guest 10/30/2010 3:21:00 AM
I went to five years of college at a Big Ten university and earned two undergrad degrees. Then I went on for another couple years to earn a Masters degree. I have two professional licenses and I still have to cocktail waitress.
Have you heard about the economy these days? Many businesses or school districts (which is my field) are laying off, not hiring. Maybe you should consider opening your mind and opening your eyes to people outside of your world. And keep your high horse comments to yourself. They only make you look like an awful person.
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milw 10/30/2010 3:10:00 AM
you obviously don't get it. as a waitress myself, and one who has a masters degree at that, i completely understand and support everything in this article. i guess bars in the midwest are the same as in arizona.
and as for my customers paying me for service, they pay me for drinks not for entertainment. if you want to touch your server or make advances at them, then you should go to a strip joint. it is not ok to touch your server and it is not ok to call a total stranger a bitch. whoever made the comments above is obviously a man, obviously likes to creep on his waitresses, obviously has never worked in food service, and obviously likes to make big comments under the shield of the internet that he probably would never have the balls to say in person.
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Carbonblack 10/28/2010 6:15:00 PM
It seems like the author is trying to drive home the point of "deal with it or get out." However, the author needs to listen to her own advice as the people she is complaining about are PAYING HER and it's her responsibility to cater to those who are making sure she keeps her livelyhood, regardless of the amount of respect they give her.
It is a job, and you deal with the bullshit because you are making one of the highest wages for an entry level position.
As for sexism, being a cocktail waitress is sexist. It is an antiquated profession centered around the ideal image of a woman. Not every girl has the body for your chosen profession, you snobby, hypocrite bitch.
I can only assume you are spoiled rotten and the fact that you aren't being treated with the utmost, shoelicking respect shocks you. You attempt to identify yourself as a witty person ("LOOK EVERYONE, I'M FLUENT IN FRENCH!) But this article leads me to belive that you're not smart enough to understand one simple truth; that in order to find satisfaction, you have to wade through a lot of misery.
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Rick. 09/20/2010 10:25:00 PM
I thought this was an informative and funny article, unlike some of the others in this series of articles which were too often bitter, insulting, and generally came off as spoiled brats who throw tantrums whenever their mommies won't buy them a toy in the store.
I've worked in the service industry and I definitely understand things like rude customers, being stiffed on tips, and people who don't know what they want.. but some servers/pizza deliver boys/etc. need to understand not to let their hatred build up too much, because at a certain level, the customer will get the "vibe" that you don't like them.
Therefore, less or no tip.
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Bernienator 09/18/2010 3:47:00 AM
I am sorry to say, but I find this to be at fault. No matter how nice I am to a customer, for the most part they will still look at me much as a cow looks at some grass, and grunts. I am lucky to receive even a response to "Good "time of day", how are you, and what can I get for you?". The tips we get as wait staff are non-existent, and the pay is lousy, and there are no jobs in the fields we can do. I graduated with a degree in Environmental Science, and there is nothing about the area that is hiring. Just because you live in a world of unicorns, leprechauns and rainbows doesn't mean we all do.
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Leslie 09/16/2010 2:36:00 PM
I don't get all these nasty responses. I'm a server too, and I'll go to work in a great mood and leave in a terrible mood because of the amount of disrespect that I have to deal with. For the record, Sarah has every right to complain because we servers are stepped on at least once during every shift. Also, I'm a female and I will always direct my questions a the customer who's willing to make eye contact and acknowledge my existence, whether they're male or female. 90% of the time, it just happens to be the male. Great post Sarah. Everyone else should do this job for a month and rethink their responses. Lastly, there's no reason anyone should be offended unless you know yourself that you are a dick or a bad tipper. I go out to eat all the time and did not see any problems with her post because I am confident that I'm neither.
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It's All True 09/14/2010 9:52:00 AM
Your last comment only serves as further evidence that you are a clueless a-hole. By all means, please stay home and don't bring your bitchy self out to the bars, the servers all hate you anyway I'm sure.
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Xandra 09/13/2010 10:05:00 PM
I agree completely. Lots of servers direct the question only to my husband. They could make eye contact with both of us and then I might feel invited to talk instead of saying "What would YOU like" while they look directly at him. Given that message, I assumed it was easier for them to just deal with one person.
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09/08/2010 9:57:00 PM
Orac, given that it's not my industry nor my responsibility to come up with a solution, my response would be that those who are involved on a daily basis can put their heads together and see what develops. I firmly believe in the power of collective wisdom.
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Orac 09/06/2010 8:13:00 PM
Easier said than done. How, precisely, do you propose to "figure out a better system" when that is the industry standard? It's highly unlikely that management, either at the bar above or elsewhere, would change it simply because one cocktail waitress (or even a few) don't like it.
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Orac 09/06/2010 8:11:00 PM
So, let's see. Just because you view yourself as "superior" because you supposedly got a college degree and have a "good" job, you feel justified in treating those whom you view as your inferiors like crap. Nice.
You'd better hope you don't end up out of a job and having to consider working in the service industry just to survive.
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Annoyed reader 09/06/2010 7:55:00 PM
Yes, the people and behavior mentioned in the article are the server's job. They are the worst part of the server's job. This is a handy list of things that will help you avoid making another person's suck, which will in the long run make life happier for everybody, you included.
Admit it, you've got a list like this for your job. Simple things that those around you could do that would make your day much easier to get through. If you don't, check with your coworkers or customers. I'm sure they have a list, and odds are you are on there somewhere.
I personally want to know if I'm being an asshole, because it's never my intent, and if I can do something reasonable to help another human being make it through the day, it's done. Particularly servers, who have a very tough job. You may have gotten your own drink at the bar, but you have obviously never worked in one.
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annoyed server 09/06/2010 5:46:00 PM
people like you are what make working in service industries suck so hard: an entitled, condescending attitude. if it rained you would drown because your nose is turned up so high. eat a bag of shit
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Fjhavasi 09/06/2010 3:32:00 PM
don't you mean empathize, not emphasize?
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Wow 09/05/2010 7:34:00 PM
Do people like you exist to give the middle finger a purpose?
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Aly 09/05/2010 7:30:00 PM
He meaning her father.
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Aly 09/05/2010 7:29:00 PM
As the daughter of a former bartender, I emphasize but there were a lot of unfair judgments and assumptions in the article. Case in point, I often leave bigger tips precisely because my parent worked in the service industry. Also, I sometimes unintentionally ignore servers when they ask a question relating to my step-daughter because he's the higher authority in her care. If servers don't want antiquated gender roles directed at them, they should treat customers with the same courtesy. Also, did you ever consider Ms. Mute might just be shy or suffer anxiety. I used to be nervous about ordering for myself whether the server was male or female, and I certainly didn't think they were hitting on my boyfriends. I was just shy.
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Aly 09/05/2010 7:24:00 PM
God forbid you lose your job and have to work in the service industry. Do you know how many college grads have had to do so when their companies went bottom up? Or will you just sit home collecting unemployment? Garbage can't help if it stinks but you can help it if you're rude and disrespectful. It's not okay to be impolite. Period.
That said, the article was full of unfair judgments and assumptions.
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Annoyed Customer 09/05/2010 3:42:00 PM
Guess what. You work in a service industry. Which means those customers who you bitch about interfering with your job ARE your job. You're not doing anything I can't do myself (and have done - I get my own damn drinks from the bar if the waitstaff gives me your kind of attitude). Or I just leave. Treat me with the same respect you expect, and we'll have no problem. Oh, and BTW, if you try kicking me, you'll be in jail for assault quicker than you can offer up an insincere apology.
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Gregg 08/23/2010 8:32:00 PM
Hi Jessica.
Yes, they absolutely have the right to expect they will be treated with the same amount of respect and common courtesy as anyone else in the world. Duh.
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Blondie 08/20/2010 3:48:00 PM
And you, ma'am, are providing an example of the type of people we hate waiting on. Self-righteous, arrogant "college graduates" who think less of waitresses because, apparently, we haven't graduated college and we're a bunch of uneducated low-lives. Think again. I graduated with honors from college and, thanks to our lovely economy, I have not been able to find a full-time "professional" job. So when you say "go find a job that doesn't suck", that's much easier said than done, honey. And honestly, I'm making more money (at least $20/hr) waiting tables than I am at my other part-time job, where I work as an assistant at a physical therapy clinic, which requires a college degree. What I'm getting at is that you shouldn't have to be a "CEO" to get people's respect. It shouldn't matter what kind of job you have, what should matter is what kind of person you are.
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Derek 08/20/2010 7:29:00 AM
this will make me sound cheap, but i fucking hate it when they demand a tip. i always leave 20-25 percent tip on checks, but when its demanded, expect for me to go out of my way and find a penny so i can give it to you upside-down.
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... 08/20/2010 6:35:00 AM
Being a waitress does not mean that a person is uneducated, as the author mentioned. I am a waitress and it is a means of paying my way through university.
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Jessica 08/10/2010 4:55:00 PM
Aside from the inappropriate touching (which totally sucks and no one should get away from that) why all the bitching? Did you expect to be treated with the same respect as someone who's endured 4 years of university and then another 3-4 years of post grad whose now working as a ceo? I'm sorry, it's not the client for the most part that's making your life, it's your job! If you were a garbage woman, you'd have to deal with smelly garbage, if you were a gardener, you're gunna get shit on by a bird or two eventually... So I'm sorry that your job sucks, but why not, like the rest of us, find a way to get a job that doesn't suck?
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07/28/2010 4:47:00 PM
One of the most dangerous phrases in business is "it's always been done that way." If it's causing stress on the waitresses then figure out a better system.
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Bonnie 07/28/2010 4:36:00 PM
Actually, that is the way all bars do it for cocktail waitresses. The system has worked for many years, and quite frankly, as much as it sometimes sucks, I cannot think of a more simple, better system.
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Sarah Kim 07/28/2010 4:33:00 PM
I have been cocktail waitressing at nightclubs for awhile now, and stumbled across this article...... I must say, very, very true! Love it.
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Two thoughts 07/26/2010 3:35:00 AM
1. Being a waitress is an incredibly hard, stressful, and often thankless job. People can be more obnoxious and thoughtless than you would ever imagine. And drunk people are just consistently annoying when you're sober.
2. It is a bit trying when servers go all semi-elitist with vaguely arcane rules that wouldn't be apparent to anyone who doesn't work in restaurants. If your beef is not being treated like a professional, you've got to act like one. Can you imagine your doctor, dentist, or chiropractor griping behind your back about what a sucky patient you are for reasons you never knew existed?
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Roxy Mink 07/24/2010 2:31:00 PM
I have to say that I feel for cocktail servers. It's a hard job dealing with drunken idiots all night, not to mention all the cheap asses that come into bars and don't tip.
I cringe whenever I go out with a few select friends of mine and my husbands; there are 2 that sit and drink countless glasses of water (ONLY), 1 that drinks iced tea, and 1 that downs soda like it's going out of style. They keep our poor server running ragged all night for these either free or $1, all you can drink, drinks. I have tried to explain to them that they should still tip. They look at me with absolutely confused glares, and state "Why? I'm drinking WATER". I try to explain to them that it takes just as much time and effort for her to get said free drink as it does a cocktail. They retort with, "Well, I don't have any money". Sheesh. Stay home, then, I think. I just want to slink under the table whenever this motley crue orders these stupid drinks...my husband and I usually feel so badly that we choose to either buy a round (or two) for the table, or we tip very heavily to make up for these idiots. But it just plain sucks. Bottom line is this: If you don't have the money to buy drinks and/or tip appropriately, STAY HOME.
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Straybeat 07/20/2010 2:09:00 PM
Have you ever thought of being a U.N. interpreter or something along those lines? A very lucrative paycheck indeed along with all the fantastic places people will take you so that you can help them get by.
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Sarah Ventre 07/12/2010 10:19:00 PM
@Emailblank: Reality check: People like you are spoiled, classist, and sexist. If you "don't like" it, then don't come into a bar. Treat people like people, and not like "essentially slave laborers." If you, (and others) did, then this article wouldn't be nearly as inflamatory as it seems to have been.
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Emailblank 07/08/2010 11:33:00 AM
Reality check: Waitresses are essentially slave laborers, who exist solely to bring us a drink from the bar. We don't care what you "like" or "don't like", just make the drink happen and disappear.
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07/06/2010 11:58:00 PM
>See, I'm allotted money at the beginning of the night with which I buy drinks from the bar, getting reimbursed by you.
Sounds like a management issue not a customer issue. Your boss needs to figure out a better system.
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Renee Kazmar 07/06/2010 11:57:00 PM
Does anyone posting realize that this article is part of a series called "Why Your ______ Hates You"? The authors of these pieces are supposed to sound bitter! That's the entire point! I enjoyed reading what Sarah had to say and I think a few of the comments added to the discussion as well.
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lifer;) 07/06/2010 6:23:00 PM
Great article! So well written and funny. I'm impressed, lowly cocktail waitress. ;)
I KID! I have been in the service industry for fifteen years so I, and most of my dear friends, know exactly what you're talking about. Please do not let the imbecilic comments of people, who obviously recognize themselves in your piece, get you down. You were clearly speaking in generalizations, making light of some of hardships of the job and our infamous clientele. Nice work, there may be a "real job" in your future after all. HA!
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07/02/2010 3:56:00 PM
Overall a very well written article, there's only a couple of points I'd like to make.#1) "So what is it that you _really_ want to do?" shouldn't automatically be taken as an insult -- in fact, I'd say it's likelier to be a compliment, but of course the context is everything. I've said things along that vein to several people in the service industry (waitstaff, casino dealers and such), and I've meant it as a compliment -- "it's obvious that you are overqualified for this position, I'm quite sure that you are doing this as a means to support yourself while you try to break into a career with far greater stability and prospects, etc."#2) Just remember that those "antiquated gender roles" you despise help keep your tips high. Or maybe every time you see a drunk fratboy overtip to some ludicrous degree while he gives you his phone number, you only keep a fair tip and return the excess to him. It's possible, and I don't want to be an Ass(umer) here.
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Sarah Ventre 07/01/2010 8:34:00 PM
OK folks, you know, after reading all of these comments I now realize I've been pretty hypocritical and, well, just wrong. I'm sorry -- I take it all back. You see, I'm just really bitter about being stuck in this crappy job while other far more educated and capable people enjoy jobs where they actually contribute something that a trained monkey couldn't do, you know? I mean, I speak French! Shouldn't that be enough to get me a good job doing something worthwhile? I think so, but here I am slinging beers in a dive night after night. What else can I do? I tried being an escort, but I'm just too frigid and mean for that line of work. I failed out of bartender school. No man with money wants anything to do with me. :(
So I'm stuck in this rut crap job, and I have to deal with actual humans which is completely horrible. I think you understand now. I'm here, you're here, neither of us has any choice so let's just make the best of it, OK?
Thanks to all you readers for helping me see the light!
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hurfdurf 07/01/2010 8:22:00 PM
salen12, holy shit that illiterate wall of text is the most ironically hilarious thing I've read all day.
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ran 07/01/2010 8:13:00 PM
haha go to school or something. meanwhile shut up and get me a beer, b!tch
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Sarah Ventre 07/01/2010 8:06:00 PM
As I've mentioned before, I'm carefully reading all of your comments. However, if you don't want to take ownership of yours, it would just be oh-so-fantastic if you didn't use my name to post them. Thanks! (Sarcasm in tone of voice should be noted...)
@Danielle -- Totally feel you!
@The other waitresses -- Thanks for reading and sharing with the crew. We're all in this together...
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Brian 06/29/2010 6:41:00 PM
Good article, I was a server in a bar once. Also, anyone who wrote more than three sentences in complaint of this article took it way too seriously and is likely the exact type of person that annoys servers to begin with. Remember, they are serving you food and drink...there is a measure of trust...try not to piss each other off.
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Sarah Ventre 06/29/2010 4:43:00 PM
I seem to be getting a lot of negative comments from this article. All I was really trying to get across is that it just really annoys me when these asshole customers expect me to get drinks for them all the time. Obviously its their problem and not just the fact that I'm working a shitty job because I lack the skills/motivation/attitude/personality/looks to go into a better job. Its always been a servers job out of choice for me of course. Its not that I failed at everything in life except speaking French (which I later was told is useless in the 99% of the world that isn't France).I'd rather just stay in my miserable little rut and complain about my circumstances rather than do anything to change them.
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Bill 06/29/2010 12:49:00 AM
Excellent article. Now go make me a goddamn sandwich.
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danielle 06/28/2010 9:43:00 PM
I'm a cocktail waitress and I completely agree with what Sarah said about people making assumptions...I find it interesting (and a little bit offensive) that people are always shocked when they ask me questions about myself and I tell them that I used to serve in the military, I speak Arabic, or that I am applying to vet school when I get my B.A. It's like if I'm a waitress I'm supposed to be a floozy with no brain
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liz 06/28/2010 9:30:00 PM
I'm glad this article was written! You can get good tips as a cocktail waitress, but you also have to put up with a bunch of crap.
The thing that really bothers me is when a guy repeatedly asks for my number after being turned down, and then says something like, "I'll give you a really good tip!" It creates a really awkward situation because I'm trying to be polite and do my job, and now after bringing you five rounds of drinks, I feel like I'm going to get a crappy tip because I didn't give you my number...not that the extra few dollars you would have given my is worth losing my pride over
Also, I have noticed that when groups of girls go out together, they tend to ignore you when you try to take their order, and sometimes don't tip at all. Excuse me for being a decent-looking girl working in a bar, but I'm here to work and serve drinks, not compete with you for all the drunk, horny men you are trying to get attention from.
That said, I also serve some very nice people. A lot of my favorite repeat customers are ladies in their 40's who tell that they used to waitress and thank me for doing a good job and paying so much attention to them.
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TW 06/24/2010 2:34:00 AM
Because we don't want 2B Kiwis !
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Jaz 06/12/2010 8:47:00 PM
This makes me grateful we have an enforced minimum wage of $12.50 here in New Zealand. Tipping is not expected and not required, it only happens when there is exceptional service. Why haven't Americans demanded it to be illegal to pay less than minimum wage yet?
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Kate 06/10/2010 2:20:00 AM
I'm pretty sure everyone who's bitching about this was described perfectly in it. It wouldn't upset you so much if that weren't the truth. So suck it up and stop blaming the author for your own character flaws and social retardation. While you're at it, try growing up and leaving well-written comments instead of just showcasing what a childish, uneducated, whiny and hateful person you are.
I put myself through college working in bars and restaurants and have encountered every one of the kinds of people described in this article. It's almost shocking how ignorant people are sometimes. Kind of like everyone who's commented on this, negatively. Your need to attack her clearly demonstrates what a loser you are. Enjoy the rest of your miserable lives, bitches.
Rock on, servers! Without you, these whiny, entitled douche bags would actually have to get their own shit. Imagine that.
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Sarah Ventre's ass cavern 06/08/2010 10:26:00 PM
I, on the other hand, get used all the time, when Sarah puts her head up me . . . like when she wrote this piece of shit article.
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Sarah Ventre's unused snatch 06/08/2010 10:24:00 PM
Hello, hello, hello . . . anyone, anyone, anyone . . . echo, echo, echo
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Jen 06/05/2010 10:42:00 PM
Waitressing is hard work - more than I thought. It would serve all of us to do it just for a full day to understand the hectic running around, poor staffing, baudy customers, the power hungry managers it attracts, the high maintenance clients, short staffing, hunger, and both the good and bad of humanity.
Until I had to waitress due to the recession, I had no idea. We aren't mad at *you*, only annoyed with the little things that bog us down and get us yelled at because both managers and clients don't realize all the extra running clients are forcing. It's not the fault of the public, we (as general public) have expectations and we don't know nor care how the restaurant is run.
Know that your servers are very hard working, most working two jobs to make ends meet - and if cranky, likely jaded by horrible people, both clients and their managers.
Tips I learned while waitressing on how to be an easier client and get better service: order everything together including that hot sauce you'll want on the side once the meal comes; if you want a different drink with your middle course, wait to order it then; try to order with those in your group if drinks are close to empty; encourage one bill for a big table (splitting takes the server a looooong time); give the server eye contact and gratitude(she's human!); and lastly I will never think it's ok to tip less than 15% at lunch!
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Suzanne 06/04/2010 6:29:00 PM
Just something to think about...from past personal experience, I have to say that Ms. Mute might NOT be thinking you're out to get her man. She just might wish you would. This sounds more like abusive behavior in which HE is controlling her behavior in some way. Like when I was married to my abuser, and I was forced to let him speak for me and walk two feet behind him. Just saying.
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salen12 06/04/2010 4:06:00 AM
YOU ARE MY HERO SARAH!. I've been a cocktail waitress for 14 yrs at one of the largest Casino's in the world, so I've gone through & had the EXACT same situations, thoughts & peeves. I told my sister, who works with me, about your article, she already heard of it! FYI, we live in CT. I was going to hang it in one of our service bars, but that’s where she read it. Someone beat me to it. Any fellow server that reads your article, are ALL saying "My thought's EXACTLY!" I just hope our patrons read it as well. The one about the women, that won't even look at you, & talk through their date. I was JUST complaining about that today. To the ones that take offensive to this or don't understand this irritation. Simply put, IT'S RUDE, unnecessary & just ridiculous! I've come to the conclusion that woman that do this either feel they are just to far above us, or are insecure & controlled by there men. Both scenarios are sad & disgust me. To the people that don't get why it's SO BAD to order from us, then turn around & wander away or go elsewhere for your drink. There are several VERY good reasons for this. First, the 2o minutes she spends looking for you, costs her money cause she's no longer able to serve the other patrons, she's to busy looking for you damn fools. Where I work, a waitress NEVER goes in, or serves in another person’s section, other then there own, it's stealing. Not unless you want your eye's scratched out that is! This is a universal rule in ALL waitress jobs. It's NOT a free for all people! My job, we literally live on our tips. After TEPA goes in our paycheck & takes there share, then insurance etc. At best we are left with $30.There is a method to or madness. Would you order a burger from McDonald's, then go next door to Burger King expecting to get your order? No, that would be ridiculous, right? So on a busy night just stay put & use common sense. We truly WANT you to get your drink. The most important reason of all for you to be served by a SINGULAR cocktail waitress, at least where I work? Is so we can monitor how much you or your loved ones are in FACT consuming. Hence, if you/they need to be shut off, or given another alternative, other then getting behind the wheel yourself to safely get home, we have ways to help you. Point blank, end of story, who in the world can't respect that? Where I work, there isn't even a charge for our drinks. Yet, damn near every round I get some stiffers. As Sarah said, save the "I'll get ya laters". NO YOU WON'T/DON'T. It kills me when a stiffers service goes to crap & they actually think that I just suck. No, I just remember you, ALL of you! FYI Sarah, a tip from me to you, this almost ALWAYS works! When you are stuck, and HAVE to wait on a known stiff, cause that's our job. When you approach the table, as they start to open there cheap a@# mouth, cut them off as they start to order, and say "Oh, I REMEMBER what YOU‘RE drink‘n. I'll even make it myself." With a smirk of course! If they complain, just say you were being sincere. Don't worry though, they NEVER do, it's to embarrassing! And well they should be! They practically pee there pants & either leave, or throw money at you! Either way it's a win win! I would NEVER actually do anything gross to some ones drink, I swear! But do really think you’ll get top shelf from me, or even a full shot? It’s not much revenge, but it’s all I got! The one thing you didn’t mention in your fun facts is a biggy with me. It’s when a patron at a table, whether they are actually with the other people or not, like a Blackjack table or whatever it may be. Don't volunteer to tip for the whole table, especially when you don’t even know them, unless you actually factor in ALL the people at that table! I HATE that guy! Don't give me your measly $1.00, then declare me “taken care of”! I just served 6 people, 2 of which were giving me $5's! I don’t even expect you to factor that all in. A dollar a drink, per person. When you say "I got it guy's, put your money away!" I cringe inside & want to say "But I like there tips better". I can't say a word of course, except perhaps a semi sarcastic "Geez, Thanks", then pray you loose quickly & leave. Anywho! We are in such a hard, and judging from some of your comments, not very respected field. To the woman that claimed "a monkey can do our job". You're a complete idiot. You have NO clue what your talking about. Where would you be if there weren't any of us hard working, back breaking, baby sitting, drunken fool dealing with, blue collar workers. Serving yourself, I guess. Somebody’s got to do our job. It’s nice to be waited on & taken care of, isn’t it? We also FYI, give a whole new meaning to the word "multitasking'. My guess, to the one's who aren't cheering or giving any form of positive feedback to this OUTSTANDING, GREAT, and VERY well written, might I add, article. Not bad for a monkey! LOL! If all you "ill responders" were thrown in the trenches of any of our high volume jobs, you'd all be crying & begging Sarah for forgiveness, within a couple hours tops. You would barely be able to walk in the morning either! Yes, It's that hard! Fill up a round 18”pizza pan with glasses, about 13 of them, then put water in them ALL, with a few glass ashtrays. Carry it for just a few hours, non stop as you visualize weaving in & out of hundreds of people who are demanding your attention, & they mean NOW. Bumping you, sometimes even, uhg! Trying to touch you! I do it for six, most servers work 8 hours! God love em! As I put down a drink, I have to pick up the empty. In slots especially, it's as close to thankless as you can get, and one of the most physically demanding jobs in the world! Cocktailing &/or waitress , no matter where, WE deserve respect. Thanks again Sarah, for being our voices & saying what we've ALL been saying for SO long, but never had the balls to say.
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Theron 05/29/2010 4:32:00 PM
Wow, there are some extraordinary, um, people commenting here. Here's a clue - if you take this personally, then it probably is in fact about you. I've seen a lot of self-entitled jerks treat waitresses and store clerks and other people in service industries as second-class citizens all too many times. Some folks think that they are entitled to extraordinary levels of deference just because the plunk down a few dollars. Get over yourselves.
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Steve Schulz 05/29/2010 2:31:00 PM
There are a few oddities here, but one that I really don't get. Why do you get upset when someone orders through someone else, but you also want a table captain to take everyone's orders? Or is it based on number of people at the table? Is there an equation for when we should and shouldn't have a captain? Does it involve trig or should we ask the waitress for her preferences when we come in?
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Jimmy B 05/28/2010 10:58:00 PM
Get over yourself. If someone nods instead of saying "Yes", that's not being rude, that's politely communicating with a gesture instead of words. And after complaining about this, you then complain about customers who want to give you their order directly instead of giving it the "table captain" that you pick out for them. No hypocrisy there, eh? It's not the customers that are stuck up and rude, it's you, and someone with your attitude have no business being a waitress.
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Ares 05/28/2010 10:10:00 PM
Holy F*** you people are ruthless and judgmental. She wrote a damn article explaining various annoyances of being a server and not one of them struck me as being an unreasonable request. In fact I was unaware of a few of them and hope to be less of a pain when when in future bars. Grow up and learn how to treat people nicely.
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Gwendolyn Zepeda 05/28/2010 9:20:00 PM
I used to think I was a good customer, until I read this article and learned that, because I had no idea that switching from cash to credit caused problems for servers, my cocktail waitress "hates" me. How was I supposed to know the staff procedures at her bar? I don't know, but apparently I'm an asshole because I didn't.
Sarah, I've done service jobs before and have noted that insecure people enjoy taking out their frustrations on servers. But I have to say that you tell me what kind of person you are with you Ms. Mute item.
1. You tell us it annoys you when a woman orders through someone else and doesn't make eye contact with you.
2. You assume that this happens because the woman is afraid you're going to try to sleep with her date. WTF? Right off the bat, I thought of at least five reasons a woman would behave that way, and none of them had anything to do with you flirting with her date. Like other commenters mentioned, that doesn't even make sense. Maybe the woman doesn't speak English well and is embarrassed. Maybe she has Asperger's. Maybe she was in the middle of an emotional discussion and was crying and doesn't want you to see her face.
3. Several commenters give you several more perfectly valid reasons that they order through someone else. You say, "Oh, I didn't mean *you.*" But obviously, if any of these women were your customers, you already judged them as you described in your article.
Sarah, your assumptions about "Ms. Mute" are incorrect and insulting. Please admit it and apologize for it.
A lot of your article is about your annoyance with customers who don't take the time to consider your perspective. But, on the same page, you show us that you don't care about customers' perspectives.
Why do you think that you deserve more consideration than others? Is it because you speak French?
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CryBaby 05/28/2010 10:25:00 AM
Oh my, your line of work is so hard! I can't imagine what it's like having someone order from the bar after you take 20 minutes to grab them drinks!
For everyone's sake, quit being a cocktail waitress, so someone with a decent personality who enjoys the easy job and decent pay can get through college or make ends meet.
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Kel 05/27/2010 5:41:00 AM
http://www.drunkard.com/
You should also submit your article here. Fun place and funny as hell storys.
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Sarah Ventre 05/26/2010 9:49:00 PM
I am more than happy to read every one of your comments, even if they're posted anonymously. Please though, don't post under a name that's not your own -- like mine.
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Sarah Ventre 05/26/2010 9:28:00 PM
because I'm a major whiner!
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Christina 05/25/2010 6:52:00 PM
I've been a waitress before and I have to say... it's not that bad. At all. Actually, that's an understatement. A monkey could do it. That's why serving jobs are so high in demand - you can make a ton of money with a decent personality and few actual skills.
There are servers like you at every restaurant and it's really disgusting. What!? They SERIOUSLY want MORE water?! It's like they're a thirsty human!
Yes, there's the occasional asshole customer, but overall, people are amiable if you are. Energy is truly infectious. People are there to have a good time. Why aren't you?
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Patrick Blackburn 05/24/2010 8:05:00 PM
I know Sarah Ventre. Well, not THE Sarha Ventre, mind you. But there are Sarah Ventres everywhere, in every occupation, all over
our fine land. She works at the MVD, telling the customer who has been waiting for two hours to wait a few more minutes while she
finishes her donut. She is that Wal-Mart employee who told me to "find it yourself -- I'm busy." She's the server at the greasy
spoon I had breakfast in last week who served me the wrong meal, and I didn't send it back because she was so snotty I was afraid
what she'd do to the meal she returned to my table. She's the woman who works for the airline who was responsible for taking the report on the luggage that her company lost, and made me feel like it was my fault.
Here's a tip, Sarah: Go find a new job -- outside of the service industry. Your "two years slinging drinks at a popular bar" has
ruined you. You may have gone in as an impressionable, social young woman, but the industry has chewed you up, swallowed you, and vomited you out in the bathroom of your dark and dingy bar. It's left you bitter, mean, and a little viscious. I'm sure you're the one who sits around a table with other bitchy servers, passing around a bottle of Jack, waxing poetic about the poor tippers, rude patrons, and other drunk behavior that took place during your shift. Keep it up and you're going to be the strange old lady who lives upstairs, alone with your eight cats.
The funny thing about your article is that the stories aren't even that interesting. I've never worked as a server and could have written this article (but I'm not that bitter). All you did was rehash the age old behavior that happens in every bar, every night across the country. You whine about people standing in front of the well when there is a sign that clearly says don't, or the people who ask for a "cold" beer. That's all you've got? Oh, yes, there's also the horrible people who don't respond to you when you ask if they want a drink, the mindless jerks who refer to you as "waitress," -- the horror! -- and the absolute worst offenders in the history of bar patronage: The one who changes his mind and decides to pay with a credit card instead of cash. You carry on about how people assume you're an idiot because you serve drinks, and to prove your point you talk about your ability to speak French. Well, here's an idea. Pack up your shit and move to Paris, where your crappy, me-first attitude toward serving alcohol to customers is well-established and almost appreciated.
It's a good thing that you didn't mention the name of the place you work, because after reading your drivel, I would avoid it like an illegal immigrant in Arizona would avoid, well, everywhere. In your manifesto, you whine about the person who makes you go back to the bar and get another drink because they forgot it the first time. You stated, "You just wasted five minutes of my life, asshole." Well, back atcha, babe. After reading your piece, I feel exactly the same way.
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Kcregulars 05/21/2010 3:48:00 PM
This is why we always sit at the bar.
It's more convenient and you get the best service by cutting out the middle person.
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Another 1 of your Uncles 05/20/2010 5:47:00 PM
Or you could should the fuck up, drop to your knees, open your mouth, and I'll give you not only a tip but the whole fucking thing.
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Omar Tentmaker 05/20/2010 5:11:00 PM
Or you could stop whining and get a different line of work.
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James 05/19/2010 3:17:00 AM
I worked in two different fun restaurants with a bar, and actually I was rather disappointed with the money. The most I ever made on a big Friday or Saturday night was a buck fifty. And there was a many a weekend night in which I made under a hundred. A big reason was that management seemed to aggressively cut staff early in the evening (one place even had a sign in the office called #labor wars# in which the MOD with the fewest on-duty hours would get an extra day off at the losers expense. Wow) and this, even though there was often a predictable pop toward the end of the evening. I think I was an above-average waiter. I went after it with energy. And I did nice little extras like bringing in these three dollar pens from Office Depot for customers paying with credit cards which actually looked a lot fancier than they were! The best part of the job was probably the stories with my co-workers, stories of every color and flavor. And like Sarah, yeah, plenty of examples, that we are, or certainly can be, much more of a classist society than I thought we were.
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oana 05/18/2010 7:37:00 PM
sara..the best way to do it is to know another language ..and start sure really loud and look at them and keep u smile..and go on..that make me feel good and that what i dowend u re back u are relax with big smile.. and u still get u tip..u costumer is satisfy..spirit to serve..rememeber no matter how u do our best..in them eays we are a slave..if they re in our positione costumer service..they don't resist one day..so i never quit and i pay my bills..and have fun..if u re late remember keep u smile and sorry:)))I SEE SO MANY PEOPLE SMART AND LOW CLASS HI INCOME NO CLASS..u go away and say malaka..pezevenky..bulangiule..stronta.:) that make u fell good.
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customer 05/18/2010 3:39:00 PM
If you don't like it...find another occupation.
Some people change their minds or make mistakes about payment methods. We are not doing it on purpose and if you fly off the handle because someone is in your way, then "customer service" may not be for you.
Some cocktail waitresses are slow and ignore customers which forces us to get our own drinks at the well. Perhaps you should take it up with the bartender that requests my order while standing in the well.
You should be making visits to your tables regularly. If another guest arrives or another drink is required...it is YOUR JOB to get it.
And, maybe you should dress more conservatively than be falling out of your top or wearing skin tight jeans just to acquire the "flirty" tips.
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KMB 05/18/2010 2:48:00 PM
Look, I agree that some of these are relatively mild complaints, but as Sarah said, they happen often and repeatedly. Basically, she's given you all a list of things to keep in mind when visiting your favorite establishment. It's a relatively simple thing-be considerate and you'll get the same in return. I've been bartending for 6 years and I love my job (I'm also a full time student and I can't tell you how many times customers are surprised by that, so I can definitely relate). HOWEVER-so many of you are being so harsh to her for venting complaints-do you really not have complaints about your own careers? And I couldn't help but notice that more than one person here has used the fact that because they now have proof that waitresses are bitches, they don't feel obligated to tip as much. That's ridiculous. Yeah, I work two nights a week and I end up making about $35,000 dollars a year, and yeah, I choose to do this job, but I would like to see the majority of people work a 13 hour shift two nights in a row dealing with the general (drunk) public. I always make a huge effort to be polite and accomodating and to make sure my customers have the best time possible, but the simple fact remains that some people shouldn't be allowed out in public, let alone when they're drunk. If you can't drink and conduct yourself in a considerate manner, don't do it at all, or do it at home where you can't embarrass yourself.
I find it constantly amazing that people don't seem to have any qualms about being rude to their servers/bartenders. They seem to feel that because we are serving them, we are required to take any kind of abuse they feel like giving out. I've never spit in someone's drink, but I've sure as hell refused them service and told them to go elsewhere.
(Oh, and Sarah, I also detest Ms. Mute...I can tell the difference between a woman who would prefer her husband or boyfriend order for her and a woman who for whatever reason can't fathom the thought of speaking to a female server. I don't want your man...after years in this industry, I have come to the realization that 99.999% of people are undateable. Good luck with that gem of masculinity, ladies. Next time, tell him what you want before you walk up to the bar and we can avoid the whole issue. It's awkward standing there staring at someone while their neurotic girlfriend is trying to inspect the drink choices while avoiding your eyeline. Trust me, I want to walk away too, but my job is to give you a fucking drink, so just get your zero calorie Bacardi and diet, keep your quarter, and we can all part ways).
Good day, all.
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hardworkingstiff 05/18/2010 2:39:00 PM
I'm another cocktail server and I do agree with what Sara says. I couldn't be bothered to read all of the comments b/c many are so hateful and frankly, I suspect those people to be the real offenders. I like my job and, like any other working stiff, I have complaints as well. It's the nature of work.
I also want to add to the list: the begger: someone who cries/whines that the kitchen just closed so I take pity on them and beg the cooks to stay (when all they want to do is go home) and ask them to make one last order. They get nothing for it so they are doing me a huge favor. One that you should recognize and tip accordingly so I can buy them an after work beer. As just the other night (and many other nights) I had guests whine about it and then leave me 10% (when all the other service requirements have been met and exceeded), I no longer wish to make the effort.
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Tricky Tipster 05/18/2010 2:26:00 PM
This woman needs to learn how to deal. I have memorised, but have not yet used the phrase, "You are here for my convenience. I am not here for yours." That's why I'm the one paying the money. Since it does take the same effort to bring a glass of water as it does "top shelf liquor," why on earth would you expect more of a tip based on the price of the glass of liquid being brought over? Aha! So it is about the service, then, isn't it? In a sense, there are two aspects to your job - the utilitarian part of taking the order, filling it correctly and promptly, and settling up the bill at the end of the night, also correctly and promptly. Other than that, it's all about personality. Every whore has a ----, but it's the one that makes you believe that gets the something extra. Or something like that (I don't pretend to be an expert in these matters). But guess what? The customers tend to sense the people that don't enjoy their jobs, and who don't genuinely enjoy the customer contact. And those, believe it or not, are the ones that they don't feel like tipping extravagantly. Vicious cycle? Do everyone a favour and find something else that an unskilled female can do to earn good money. Oh, wait. Even turning tricks requires an element of customer service, doesn't it?
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U Still Know Who U R 05/18/2010 12:33:00 AM
All the haters should know that just like in the non-cyber world, your negativity is creating bad karma for you, and success for the author! LOL
CHEERS Sarah and looking forward to your next endeavor...keep up the truthful writing that garners you all the attention you choose, girl! Joke 'em eh?? :)
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Customer 05/17/2010 5:40:00 PM
Let's all stop and remember how much this girl is taking in a night... A nice bar in Phoenix, I'll guess its close to $300-400 on a weekend. People are going to a bar to act stupid. We're not there for a job interview nor are we sitting down for dinner at grandma's house. We are there to break the social norms, not conform. It's what keeps half of us sane at the end of our long work week. Maybe next time I should look my stripper only in her eyes and bring her flowers before my lap dance.. Take your money and do your job. There are lines to be drawn, yes. Touching is completely inappropriate, get out of the way of the staff, and if the SERVICE IS GOOD - tip accordingly. Other than that get off the drunk guy's back who is just trying to have a good time without worring about your overflowing Maxipad.... And by the way, if I have to shit, I have to shit
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James 05/16/2010 8:22:00 PM
Kevin, you do not like feisty employees? To me, feisty is energetic and I would much rather have a person who is energetic than someone who turns off two-thirds of their brain the moment they step into the place. As I said below, I have worked in the restaurant industry, however not managed there. I have managed in other businesses on at least five occasions, and more if you count informally. And regarding Sarahs list. How about Harry Houdini? The guy who orders and then disappears. An unavoidable cost of doing business. Yeah, I agree. But a cost none the less. And how about a computer system so clunky that it takes several minutes to change an order from cash to plastic? And that may not be easy to change. Whatever else computer systems are, they are not flexible and adaptable, not once you have the initial system set up.
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Kevin 05/16/2010 5:44:00 PM
I have been in the industry for over 20 years now. I served tables for 9 of that, bar tended for 6 and the last 6 have been spent managing/owning. You know why you have all these issues? Because of you, not your clientele. The only thing on his entire list that I could agree with is the grabby people that is unacceptable and in my place will get a person tossed. Find a new profession you are no cut out for this type of work. I wouldn't have to find out that one of my employees wrote a list like this because I don't hire people who cannot handle the work.
I guess I could have just summed it up as Wah!
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Sarah Ventre's Father 05/16/2010 1:00:00 PM
Sarah,
You probably know Mom's been huffing paint thinner again. We were both young, I didn't want the commitment of a child, I had a lot of growing up to do, and so on. But nothing has made me happier than watching my baby grow into a young woman. You have made me so proud, except for this whiny article. It's time for you to grow up and face life head on. Like sucks . . . and so do you!
Dad
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Sarah Ventre's Mom 05/16/2010 3:17:00 AM
Sarah,
I should have aborted you like your father wanted. Then you wouldn't have become the nasty cunt you are. Next time send me a fucking card on Mother's Day and be nice to your customers, you twat.
Mommie Dearest
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Sum_Ergo_Edo 05/15/2010 10:58:00 PM
I like the characterizations, but it's a two-way street. If it's a busy night and it's been a long and rugged shift, I'll understand why you're not Miss Happy-Bubbly. Dealing with the public is a real grind, usually, and I'll try not to make your burden any heavier than necessary. On the other hand, if the place is less than a quarter full, and I ask for my drink politely, and I see the bartender make it, and you leave it sitting on the bar for ten minutes while you're chatting with your cronies, then you need to march up to the bar, borrow the muddler, and go diddle yourself; I'll do my drinking elsewhere. And please wash the muddler before you return it.
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yo 05/15/2010 9:23:00 PM
ur a waitress bitch live with it
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James 05/15/2010 6:41:00 PM
All that said, Goddess Gracious, why would abuse your staff, or allow them to be abused? You should not, and you are not going to, not when you are on the top of your game. One problem is people who try to be Mr. Super Nice Guy and then lash out. So, do not try and be Mr. Nice Guy. It is not how good your A game is. It is more how good your B game or your C game is. Kind of like, can Drew Brees find a way to win even when not at the top of his game? Sometimes. Sometimes he can, and that is what you are aiming at. And in a different piece I might write how if you are working more than 20 hours a week in a business as owner, you are losing perspective and not keeping the flex you need to keep. That, and let your employees see that you take the schedule seriously. And no, I am not Sarah. But thank you for the compliment, I wish I wrote as well. I have worked in restaurants, but not managed them. I have managed several other kinds of businesses.
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James 05/15/2010 6:27:00 PM
The failure rate for new businesses is 80% and restaurants are notoriously difficult businesses. And the biggest reason is *undercapitalization*. That is, just plain not enough money to do it right. A good location, especially if you are an independent, you have got to have a good location. And a good sized sign, a necessity. And you have to be large enough to really run the volume on Friday and Saturday night. And with all this, I have heard it takes nine months to build up enough of a clientele, that the people who like you and come once or twice a month, that all those people will add up to enough. Okay, let us suppose you have $80,000. That is a lot of money, eighty thousand dollars, through saving, smaller businesses, maybe through inheritance. All the same, you might be better off getting in your car, pointing the grill toward Las Vegas, and trying to make it as a professional poker player! Well, you say, I do not know how to play poker, and my face shows too much emotion. Well, you can pick up a book on the way there and you can learn to be a better actor. My point is, starting a new restaurant might be even riskier!
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Vela 05/15/2010 5:25:00 PM
The customer is NOT always right. Working with the general public sucks, big time, because the general public thinks that everyone in the service industry is there to kiss their ass. The general public does not like being told no or that they can't have their way exactly how they want it. So when they don't get their way, look out! Servers are not there to kiss your ass. Most do the best they can with as little complaining as possible because that's the job. So if your server is obviously worn and irritated by the end of the day, realize that they've dealt with a bunch of assholes. It's difficult to keep up spirits when you've been treated like shit by customers who think you're there because you're uneducated or less than them for some reason. And some have to do this for 2.50 am hour! So if you're a decent person then just act like it. Everyone has bad days so lighten the mood, crack a joke, and get over it. They work for their money just like everyone else and it does get difficult. And if you can relate don't treat them like shit because you "would've handled it differently". Every situation is different. You're no better than anyone.
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i see sarahs busy 05/15/2010 2:59:00 AM
All those alter egos talking a lot of shit , where do you find the time.
Hopin2avoid , you nailed it dude.
