As a restaurant-goer with children, I strive to be mindful of the waitstaff and kitchen crew, ensuring that I tip generously. I fondly recall a time from my own waitressing days when I approached a table to clear away dishes, only to find that the patrons had already stacked everything neatly. With cheerful smiles, they proclaimed, “We’re waiters too!” and left me a hefty tip, despite having done much of the clean-up themselves. Such acts of kindness can be incredibly uplifting.
However, there are also plenty of unkind experiences, especially for those in the service industry. A group of waiters and waitresses on Reddit, later highlighted by Foodbeast, shared some of the most outrageous things they’ve encountered from customers. Not surprisingly, many of these tales involve children. You might want to reflect on whether you recognize yourself in any of these scenarios:
1. Leaving Chewing Gum on Plates
I personally avoid letting my kids chew gum around me, as the sound drives me up the wall. But leaving chewed gum on a restaurant plate? Unthinkable! Unfortunately, it seems adults partake in this gross behavior too.
2. Expecting Waiters to Parent Their Kids
One waiter recounted a mother asking him to intervene when her children were running around the restaurant. Can you believe that some people actually expect waitstaff to discipline their kids? Another story involved a child wandering into the kitchen, playing with bleach. The parents didn’t even notice he was gone and found it amusing when the waiter returned him.
3. Changing Diapers at the Table
Yikes! One unfortunate server reported receiving a dirty diaper instead of a tip. This is just plain gross! A friend shared a story about her sister-in-law who changed her baby’s poopy diaper at a fancy restaurant. When confronted about the appropriateness of this behavior, she shrugged it off, claiming that others could simply leave if they were bothered. As if anyone would want to witness that!
4. Indecisive Diners
This one resonates with me. It’s frustrating when someone says they’re ready to order but then takes ages to decide. It’s akin to a child interrupting you with an urgent question, only to take their sweet time answering. This can be exasperating for waitstaff, who are juggling multiple tables.
5. Arriving Right Before Closing
I get it; sometimes you’re just starving and relieved to find an open restaurant, but walking in five minutes before closing holds up the entire staff. Remember, they have families waiting for them too.
In summary, being considerate to restaurant staff is important, especially when dining out with children. The actions of patrons can significantly affect the dining experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s being mindful of your decisions or respecting the closing hours, small acts of kindness go a long way in supporting those who serve us.
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Keyphrase: waiter nightmare
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