I’m a server. That is, I serve food. If only it were that easy. Still, I like to think it’s more than that.
My restaurant owner refers to our dining experience as “culinary entertainment,” and when we are on the dining room floor in front of guest, we, as servers, are “on stage.” People can go anywhere when they are feeling hungry. I get to wait on a lot of people that go out to eat to celebrate, as well as enjoy themselves and the company of others. Therefore, I take pride in what I do. I have respect for what I do. I expect my guests to treat me the same.
I am your server, not your chef. I can tell you what you are about to expect when ordering.
If you don’t like it or it is not cooked the way you like it, it’s my problem but not my fault.
You wouldn’t snap at a pastry chef if you were out of iced tea. I am your liaison to the kitchen, so chill out. I genuinely want you to have a great dining experience, and I take pride in making my guest happy and satisfied. Just know I don’t cook the meal.
Furthermore, please understand I am on your side.
Waving and snapping at me to get my attention is the easiest way to piss me off.
In case you need to reminded, I am a human. I don’t need to be called like a dog.
When I greet you, I tell you my name for a reason — to use it. Servers like to be called by their name. It makes them feel more comfortable around you and will, in turn, make us like you even more. Remember, respect is a two-way street.
I love children, just not your children. Mind you, I am being completely honest with this one. I understand that everyone, single or married, needs a family night out.
As a parent, you understand that taking care of a child is very time-consuming and requires a lot of patience. We are already tight enough as it is on patience, so don’t push your luck.
Yes, your child is obviously cute and adorable. I would just rather not clean up their regurgitated Cheerios after you leave.
I’m not incompetent because, according to some, I simply set things down and set plates in front of you.
We’re smarter than that. I know how to read you from the moment you sit at my table. My favorite tables are those people who challenge me and bring their own personality to the table.
Yet, I know when a romantic couple or group of close friends just wants an intimate night out without me being a significant part of it.
Trust me, I’m OK with it.
Dining out should be a special occasion, so just relax, enjoy and take what you want of it. I work harder than what you can justify in your own head.
Therefore, I deserve just compensation. I bring you my personality, use effective means of communication, knowledge of the menus and do it all with a smile.
How can you justify leaving me with a 10 percent tip? In short, you can’t, so please budget your night out appropriately.
Now I won’t be a server forever, but I recommend everyone should try it at least once. It’s really not that bad, and it can be fun and rewarding at the same time.
We all go out to eat. Understand these people that you constantly encounter when you dine out.
Trust me, it would be very beneficial for you to understand the other side.
By KEVIN SCHMIDT
Newscast Editor
kcschmid@umail.iu.edu