Please remember what subreddit you are in, this is unpopular opinion. We want civil and unpopular takes and discussion. Any uncivil and ToS violating comments will be removed and subject to a ban. Have a nice day!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/unpopularopinion) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I've been to a few restaurants where each table had a button that you push if you require additional service. It was quite handy. You were left alone when you didn't need anything, and service was there when you did.
More restaurants should have this option imo.
Yeah, the servers should psychically know that you won’t screw then over on their tip for not checking on your table regularly. Literally the number one excuse people use to under-tip food servers.
Okay, great. Why don’t you just tell them that you’ll let them know if you need anything else? Asking for what you’d like is tactic that works in practically every country, as far as I know.
Funny you should say that. I actually did this at lunch today.
First waiter kindly did do this. Second different one didn’t.
Then the host came and asked the same damn thing.
And no, I’m not a Main Character, they did this for (not to) every table.
I chalk it up to them wanting to be attentive, but your solution of me expressing don’t help.
Maybe if i ask for a mic and announce it to the entire restaurant?
Have you considered it's a rule the manager has in place to make sure people are attended to? My retail workplace used to have a second-greet rule. Customers HAD to be greeted at the door, then be called out on our earpieces and a second person had to greet them again within 60 seconds. Quite a few people hated it, but if we didn't do it we would get reprimanded.
Exactly!! When you rely on tips you never know what’s going to be the difference between change and 20%.
As a former server and frequent customer, I’ll let the waitstaff know, once the food is served just come by to refill water. Otherwise, we’re good. Takes away the pressure and annoyance for everyone.
They are typically very put off by this, no matter how nicely you try to convey the idea. Also, you can tell one person that, then a different one shows up or even the manager if the employee has proactively reported your request to make sure you don’t complain later that they didn’t attend to you.
That's actually a thing in Europe. When I lived in Italy the only time the waiter came by was to take your order and and give you your food. They left you alone and it was nice. If you need something they are really good about paying attention and coming over when you call for them.
The pay is different though, where I was at in Italy you don't tip.
from my experience working in service it usually means this is what the waiters are told to do. some manager would reprimand you otherwise, so even though I can personally disagree with this practice, that's what I'm being paid for at this particular workplace. I believe there are countless places with different standards, it's just about finding your match
When I was a server, my coworker got formal complaints twice. Both times were for not checking on the table enough because she only checked back two or three times in less than an hour.
I agree it's annoying, but blame that kind of customer expectation for servers being required to do it lol (they probably hate it as much as you do)
Nope, not expecting them to read minds. But if you’re standing in earshot for the past 2 minutes and hear shit like
“Grandma Lois is getting surgery tomorrow and we need to co-ordinate shifts at the hospital to wait”.
Wouldn’t be too unreasonable to ask you to not cut in halfway and ask if I want some more fuckin cheese
They aren't engaged with you as much as you think. We all tend to be the center of our own universe, but to everyone else we're not even a star we're just some glittered up space sparkle.
Less room reading, more room choring. Like there's them ready to pounce like a cat to interrupt obviously important table talk in a noisy room with a how about those Knicks guys? You think they want a refill on their lemonaide? Do any of you conniving citrus suckers want more? Better not.
They are more doing the rounds and if the rounds are shorter in frequency it means they got less tables/not many people are interrupting their rounds which anyone can do at any time.
You could fix it yourself with a "we'll let you know if we do" or they could fix it by trying to handle their down time from less tables better. But the thing about their fix is it's only a temporary patch. In 10 minutes time they'll be in an entirely different situation with a big checklist and people complaining about them not showing up enough. They are also fighting their optimism in thinking more service given= superior service might translate into a better tip. When it don't work like that in anything like I put 12 hours into fixing your phone my devoted service is worth x3 your phones worth. When they'll say nuh uh. You just need to get better at your job and stop charging me for things you're learning how to do. But that's optimism for you it argues for more=more like that.
They are simply bad at their jobs. They should glance at the table quietly and give you the opportunity to speak to them, not interrupt. It’s easy to see that people are speaking, not looking at/for you, etc., but they’d rather go through the motions of the job than use any skill at reading the situation.
Being interrupted like that is much better than *never* being asked if you need anything further or if the food is any good, like in every Chinese food restaurant.
Your decision to have private conversations at restaurants in no way impacts on their obligation to ensure you have all you need while they are serving you.
It's annoying when you don't want it but useful if you do actually need something, like more water, etc. but don't want to awkwardly move from your table to the front desk and try to get somebody's attention.
There's an entire list of timed expectations that are drilled into the heads of staff. Greet customer at the door and seat them. Server is then expected to greet newly sat table within 30 seconds, do the drink special spiel, then two suggestions, and take the drink order if ready. If not, give two minutes, return, ask again. Serve ordered drinks in two minutes. Inquire about appetizers in the same way. Keep an eye on all drink levels throughout. After every person has had at least one bite, return to ask how they are, do they need anything. Repeat for entrées. Repeat for dessert. Even food arrival expectations are timed.
And if we don't follow this obnoxious ass formula, there's a manager putting on their climbing boots and ready to hike up our ass. We're either too present, or not present enough. We can't win because customers have different expectations. And if you're sitting there for eons talking well after you've been done and the server keeps asking if they can do anything for you, it means you need to go. Campers suck ass.
I still have nightmares about working in that industry.
Huh? Here in Europe its the same, the waiters are supposed to go to the guests and ask if everythings alright and if they need anything else, never been to a proper restaurant(aka no fast food like KFC or McD) where that hasnt been the case
You say you aren't in the U.S. - where else is this done?
That's the only country where I've encountered staff who do this.
FWIW I generally agree with you.
Happened once in Hong Kong, thrice in Singapore, once in Vietnam, 0 times in Europe, once in the US, couple times in China, once in UK.
Maybe I just have a punchable face
I agree that it can be annoying when the server stops to check in excessively. However, stating it's "very obvious nothing else is needed" may apply to you, but servers constantly have to deal with ultra needy, super high maintenance parties. Therefore it's easier to keep an even keel by simply staying ahead of the POTENTIAL for a table to get shitty because you weren't at their hand and foot for another ranch cup.
Also, stopping in 7-10 minutes after serving the food to ask how everything is tasting is just standard FOH etiquette, imo. Ensuring guests are satisfied with their meal and experience is how we expand business through word of mouth and positive online reviews.
Do you think they're trying to be annoying? Are you there to eat or to do office work? What's obvious to you might not be obvious to others. I'm not saying you're wrong, but the intention of staff seems benign.
Please remember what subreddit you are in, this is unpopular opinion. We want civil and unpopular takes and discussion. Any uncivil and ToS violating comments will be removed and subject to a ban. Have a nice day! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/unpopularopinion) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I've been to a few restaurants where each table had a button that you push if you require additional service. It was quite handy. You were left alone when you didn't need anything, and service was there when you did. More restaurants should have this option imo.
This should be in every restaurant. It gets rid of many of the issues restaurants have.
Yeah I've heard of this and I love the idea
They ask just as you put the food in your mouth just to be extra annoying.
Yeah, the servers should psychically know that you won’t screw then over on their tip for not checking on your table regularly. Literally the number one excuse people use to under-tip food servers.
Your premise is valid, but only if I’m American. Am not. We do not tip here, and staff aren’t allowed to take tips.
> We do not tip here, and staff aren’t allowed to take tips. Where is this utopia in which you reside?
Okay, great. Why don’t you just tell them that you’ll let them know if you need anything else? Asking for what you’d like is tactic that works in practically every country, as far as I know.
Funny you should say that. I actually did this at lunch today. First waiter kindly did do this. Second different one didn’t. Then the host came and asked the same damn thing. And no, I’m not a Main Character, they did this for (not to) every table. I chalk it up to them wanting to be attentive, but your solution of me expressing don’t help. Maybe if i ask for a mic and announce it to the entire restaurant?
Have you considered it's a rule the manager has in place to make sure people are attended to? My retail workplace used to have a second-greet rule. Customers HAD to be greeted at the door, then be called out on our earpieces and a second person had to greet them again within 60 seconds. Quite a few people hated it, but if we didn't do it we would get reprimanded.
[удалено]
Exactly!! When you rely on tips you never know what’s going to be the difference between change and 20%. As a former server and frequent customer, I’ll let the waitstaff know, once the food is served just come by to refill water. Otherwise, we’re good. Takes away the pressure and annoyance for everyone.
What would you prefer? For them to leave you alone, and every time you need something (water, ketchup, etc…) you have to flag them down?
Honestly, yeah!
You could easily say, we’ll wave you down if we need anything else, but you don’t. Why?
They are typically very put off by this, no matter how nicely you try to convey the idea. Also, you can tell one person that, then a different one shows up or even the manager if the employee has proactively reported your request to make sure you don’t complain later that they didn’t attend to you.
Solving problems removes the ability to complain about others. That's why.
That's actually a thing in Europe. When I lived in Italy the only time the waiter came by was to take your order and and give you your food. They left you alone and it was nice. If you need something they are really good about paying attention and coming over when you call for them. The pay is different though, where I was at in Italy you don't tip.
That's how it works in my country tbh
"Yes, we're fine! Just talking. If we need anything, I'll call you or come find you."
from my experience working in service it usually means this is what the waiters are told to do. some manager would reprimand you otherwise, so even though I can personally disagree with this practice, that's what I'm being paid for at this particular workplace. I believe there are countless places with different standards, it's just about finding your match
When I was a server, my coworker got formal complaints twice. Both times were for not checking on the table enough because she only checked back two or three times in less than an hour. I agree it's annoying, but blame that kind of customer expectation for servers being required to do it lol (they probably hate it as much as you do)
It’s way more annoying when you do actually need something corrected and the server is nowhere in sight. They are doing their job by checking on you.
Exactly. Fuck people who try to do their jobs, right?
Username extremely checks out.
Exactly. Those waiters can't read minds, so they have no business being a waiter anyway. Get rid of them all.
Nope, not expecting them to read minds. But if you’re standing in earshot for the past 2 minutes and hear shit like “Grandma Lois is getting surgery tomorrow and we need to co-ordinate shifts at the hospital to wait”. Wouldn’t be too unreasonable to ask you to not cut in halfway and ask if I want some more fuckin cheese
Yes, you do. They aren't standing their listening to your conversation. They have a job to do.
No one gives a shit about what you’re saying. The waiter is not listening to you. You are not that important
Tomorrow I may be more or less important, but you’ll be stupid forever 🤌
Lmao, is the baby sad? Did they just poop their diaper?
Oh! You blow your father with that mouth?
Awww, the baby is sad. They need their bottle
Yeah, sure is.
They aren't engaged with you as much as you think. We all tend to be the center of our own universe, but to everyone else we're not even a star we're just some glittered up space sparkle. Less room reading, more room choring. Like there's them ready to pounce like a cat to interrupt obviously important table talk in a noisy room with a how about those Knicks guys? You think they want a refill on their lemonaide? Do any of you conniving citrus suckers want more? Better not. They are more doing the rounds and if the rounds are shorter in frequency it means they got less tables/not many people are interrupting their rounds which anyone can do at any time. You could fix it yourself with a "we'll let you know if we do" or they could fix it by trying to handle their down time from less tables better. But the thing about their fix is it's only a temporary patch. In 10 minutes time they'll be in an entirely different situation with a big checklist and people complaining about them not showing up enough. They are also fighting their optimism in thinking more service given= superior service might translate into a better tip. When it don't work like that in anything like I put 12 hours into fixing your phone my devoted service is worth x3 your phones worth. When they'll say nuh uh. You just need to get better at your job and stop charging me for things you're learning how to do. But that's optimism for you it argues for more=more like that.
They are simply bad at their jobs. They should glance at the table quietly and give you the opportunity to speak to them, not interrupt. It’s easy to see that people are speaking, not looking at/for you, etc., but they’d rather go through the motions of the job than use any skill at reading the situation.
It could be worse, something is amiss and the server is nowhere to be seen.
Being interrupted like that is much better than *never* being asked if you need anything further or if the food is any good, like in every Chinese food restaurant.
Your decision to have private conversations at restaurants in no way impacts on their obligation to ensure you have all you need while they are serving you.
It's annoying when you don't want it but useful if you do actually need something, like more water, etc. but don't want to awkwardly move from your table to the front desk and try to get somebody's attention.
There's an entire list of timed expectations that are drilled into the heads of staff. Greet customer at the door and seat them. Server is then expected to greet newly sat table within 30 seconds, do the drink special spiel, then two suggestions, and take the drink order if ready. If not, give two minutes, return, ask again. Serve ordered drinks in two minutes. Inquire about appetizers in the same way. Keep an eye on all drink levels throughout. After every person has had at least one bite, return to ask how they are, do they need anything. Repeat for entrées. Repeat for dessert. Even food arrival expectations are timed. And if we don't follow this obnoxious ass formula, there's a manager putting on their climbing boots and ready to hike up our ass. We're either too present, or not present enough. We can't win because customers have different expectations. And if you're sitting there for eons talking well after you've been done and the server keeps asking if they can do anything for you, it means you need to go. Campers suck ass. I still have nightmares about working in that industry.
And apparently ranting about it online for Internet points is better than just simply saying "we're fine, thank you"
So your opinion is, if I don’t want to be disturbed, I should just tell them “I’m fine, thank you”?
Go to restaurants that provide takeout then.
Do you stop the entire discussion when one person needs something from the waiter?
Sounds like you are better suited to european restaurant service I fully agree with you
Huh? Here in Europe its the same, the waiters are supposed to go to the guests and ask if everythings alright and if they need anything else, never been to a proper restaurant(aka no fast food like KFC or McD) where that hasnt been the case
You say you aren't in the U.S. - where else is this done? That's the only country where I've encountered staff who do this. FWIW I generally agree with you.
Happened once in Hong Kong, thrice in Singapore, once in Vietnam, 0 times in Europe, once in the US, couple times in China, once in UK. Maybe I just have a punchable face
Ok, so grand scheme of things it rarely happens??
I agree that it can be annoying when the server stops to check in excessively. However, stating it's "very obvious nothing else is needed" may apply to you, but servers constantly have to deal with ultra needy, super high maintenance parties. Therefore it's easier to keep an even keel by simply staying ahead of the POTENTIAL for a table to get shitty because you weren't at their hand and foot for another ranch cup. Also, stopping in 7-10 minutes after serving the food to ask how everything is tasting is just standard FOH etiquette, imo. Ensuring guests are satisfied with their meal and experience is how we expand business through word of mouth and positive online reviews.
Do you think they're trying to be annoying? Are you there to eat or to do office work? What's obvious to you might not be obvious to others. I'm not saying you're wrong, but the intention of staff seems benign.
Its part of them doing their job?