Hey y'all!
Today I am going to be talking about something pretty personal to me. Yesterday I read an article on Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation-Y that described 31 things that your server wishes you knew. For those of you who don't know, I am a waitress. As I read this article I could painfully relate to everything that was listed.
I do not want to offend anyone by writing this post, but there are a few things that I think all people should know about their server. One of the BIGGEST things I wish everybody knew is that their server can be getting paid as little as $2.13 an hour. (Yes, that is what I am getting paid hourly.) Getting paid $2.13 and hour means that what I make in tips, is my paycheck. I am not complaining about not making money, because I do, but most people think that it's okay to leave little to no tip because I already get paid, which yes, I do, but it all cancels out at the end of the day. My measly $2.13 per hour pays my taxes, and that is all. And if by some miracle I make more than my taxes are worth, it is taken away because I have somehow already received that money in cash. There is no extra money.
A few other things people should know about their server are…
(Referring to article. Link will be posted at the bottom.)
"Only tell a server you are ready to order when you are actually ready.
Do not be afraid to ask for more time if you are not yet ready. The time we spend waiting for you to decide on your meal could be relocated to another waiting customer."
"Look at your server when you are ordering.
Acknowledging your server with eye contact is not only respectful, but also makes it easy for him or her to hear you. A mumble into your menu is nearly impossible to understand in a noisy restaurant."
"Do not snap your fingers, touch your server or whistle when you want something.
We already know that this job is not glorified. Adding in disrespect makes us feel even more belittled. We tell you our name so you can use it. Be polite and we will love you for making our job more manageable."
"Do not allow children in your party to run around.
You may think it is cute, but when there are people running around, balancing hot and heavy plates, a collision is hardly precious."
"Your server is always busy.
Besides the few lazy server exceptions, most of us are always multitasking. Servers have a surplus of side work that managers constantly wonder why we can’t finish.
Realize if I have not been around to check on you in five minutes, it’s probably because I have been rolling up silverware, serving other customers or trying to sneak a bite to eat in place of a meal break."
"Leave a cash tip.
It is more beneficial to leave your server a cash tip than to do so on your card. By leaving a cash tip, you are ensuring that the money can stay with your server."
"Treat us as servers, not servants.
Ultimately, we are here to serve you and to make sure you have a positive experience at our restaurant. We want to develop relationships with our regulars and leave positive, lasting impressions.
We go to work and tie our aprons just as you leave for the office and tighten your tie.
If you come in with all this in mind, you will make servers’ lives easier, which in turn, will help you have a smooth, enjoyable dining experience."
These are just a few things that, in a nutshell, I wish people knew when coming into a restaurant. A lot of people don't know the "behind the scenes" of this job, they just know my smile and attempts to make their dining experience special.
Please click HERE for the full article. I would appreciate it if even a few people took the time to read this and make a difference in at least one server's life. We don't have the most glamorous jobs, but we do our best to make it worth it.
Photo of me and one of the girls at work!
