As customers of restaurants and cafes we all have our gripes from time-to-time. It might be the over-attentive waiter, a staff members uncaring nature or even bad body-odour. But what about us as diners? Are we unwittingly doing things that drive restaurant and cafe staff crazy? Let's not be the patrons who do any of the following:
1. You don't respect reservations
Restaurants and cafe run on slim margins. When a guest fails to turn up for a booking they have made that is real money the establishment has lost. The bigger the booking, the higher the loss if they are a no-show.
Not only does the business lose money but it's unfair on others who could have made a reservation in your place.
If you can't make your booking, ensure you cancel it. The more notice you give to an establishment the better. If it's unavoidable even a cancellation at short-notice can give the restaurant the opportunity to use the table for another guest.
Not only does the business lose money but it's unfair on others who could have made a reservation in your place.
If you can't make your booking, ensure you cancel it. The more notice you give to an establishment the better. If it's unavoidable even a cancellation at short-notice can give the restaurant the opportunity to use the table for another guest.
2. You seat yourself
You might think your doing the restaurant or cafe a favour by seating yourself but regardless of whether the host is busy, you should always wait to be seated.
There is a system in place at most cafes and restaurants that is upset when you choose to seat yourself. Factors include ensuring an even spread of wait staff and reservations that have been made in advance.
Just because you walk into a restaurant that is half-empty doesn't mean that will be the case in 15 minutes time.
There is a system in place at most cafes and restaurants that is upset when you choose to seat yourself. Factors include ensuring an even spread of wait staff and reservations that have been made in advance.
Just because you walk into a restaurant that is half-empty doesn't mean that will be the case in 15 minutes time.
3. Saying your ready to order when your not
Avoid being the table that holds up other guests. Don't tell your waiter that your ready to order when really you haven't event decided what you'd like to drink.
Asking your waiter questions about the menu? Absolutely. Give the waiter the heads-up and they'll be happy to help.
What annoys staff is when you don't ask your questions beforehand and the task of ordering your meal takes 10 minutes longer than it should. In the mean time the table next to you is waiting for the jug of water they have been waiting on since they arrived.
Asking your waiter questions about the menu? Absolutely. Give the waiter the heads-up and they'll be happy to help.
What annoys staff is when you don't ask your questions beforehand and the task of ordering your meal takes 10 minutes longer than it should. In the mean time the table next to you is waiting for the jug of water they have been waiting on since they arrived.
4. You rewrite the menu
There is a reason behind every menu item. They entire menu comes together to deliver on the restaurant or cafes concept. Chefs consider it an insult if you go and completely change what they've spent time and care preparing.
Requesting the vegetarian option or asking for the dressing on the side are reasonable requests. However when you request an item not on the menu or substitute ingredients and seasonings, that's when kitchen staff get annoyed.
If something can't be done the way you want it then consider another menu item. If there's nothing on the menu that you like the look of perhaps it's not the restaurant or cafe you were looking for.
Requesting the vegetarian option or asking for the dressing on the side are reasonable requests. However when you request an item not on the menu or substitute ingredients and seasonings, that's when kitchen staff get annoyed.
If something can't be done the way you want it then consider another menu item. If there's nothing on the menu that you like the look of perhaps it's not the restaurant or cafe you were looking for.
5. Entitlement
Every staff member at a restaurant or cafe wants to provide great service to every guest. Don't make the mistake of thinking your more deserving than any other table. This includes the situation where you know the owner.
Understanding that the task of running a restaurant is not easy will go a long way to improving your dining experience.
Understanding that the task of running a restaurant is not easy will go a long way to improving your dining experience.
6. Etiqutte
There is a basic etiquette when eating out that all of us should observe. Poor etiquette is something that is a turn-off not only for staff but your fellow guests.
Here are some examples of what not to do:
Here are some examples of what not to do:
- Smelling the dish of another diner whose meal you like the look of
- "Same-siding" being a loved up couple seated next to one another makes other guests feel uncomfortable
- Talking loudly so everyone can hear
- Taking calls on your mobile phone at the table
- Swearing
- Being drunk
- Constantly coughing
- Dressing inappropriately for the occasion
7. Your mean
As customers at a restaurant we can help create a great dining experience. By ensuring our general tone and demeanour is positive we create a positive environment that is reciprocated by staff. Empathy can go a long way.
8. Being the last table
While you have every right to stay as long as the restaurant or cafe is open, consider that they are likely making very little money the longer you stay. Given the cost of wages to stay open it might even be costing them money.
In addition, if you come in at the last minute it's likely that the full menu won't be available. Staff will have gone home and food will have been put away. If you come in at the last minute you'll most likely receive last minute options.
In addition, if you come in at the last minute it's likely that the full menu won't be available. Staff will have gone home and food will have been put away. If you come in at the last minute you'll most likely receive last minute options.
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