Waiter not apologizing for mistakes
Aug 23, 2015, 1:45 pm
#1
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Waiter not apologizing for mistakes
I wonder if others get annoyed when waiters don't apologize for things. These things are not necessarily their fault, like how I had no napkin/silverware today, but why should I be the only one in the restaurant with no place setting? How does them "allowing me" to take one from another table make it right? Should I go ahead and pick up my own food from the kitchen as well?
Aug 23, 2015, 2:59 pm
#2
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I wonder if others get annoyed when waiters don't apologize for things. These things are not necessarily their fault, like how I had no napkin/silverware today, but why should I be the only one in the restaurant with no place setting? How does them "allowing me" to take one from another table make it right? Should I go ahead and pick up my own food from the kitchen as well?
I generally get apologies when the server is aware of any shortcomings: sorry you had to wait for a table, sorry your food took so long, sorry your beer is 30% foam. Sometimes that is accompanied by a small discount or free appetizer or dessert or drink. It goes a long way to soothe bad feelings.
Aug 23, 2015, 2:59 pm
#3
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Should they get on their knees and self -flagellate?
You have three options: 1) being gracious when mistakes happen, 2) reflecting it in your gratuity, and 3) not going back to a restaurant that doesn't meet your requirements and standards.
You have three options: 1) being gracious when mistakes happen, 2) reflecting it in your gratuity, and 3) not going back to a restaurant that doesn't meet your requirements and standards.
Aug 23, 2015, 3:02 pm
#4
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I'm not sure if there's a specific situation you're peeved about or if you're simply ranting about poor table service in general. Not being provided napkin or silverware is not poor service, per se. Often it's simply a small oversight. Being told to fix it yourself, though, is poor service.
Aug 23, 2015, 4:12 pm
#5
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Waiter not apologizing for mistakes
Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this?
Aug 23, 2015, 5:52 pm
#7
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Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this?
Aug 23, 2015, 6:01 pm
#8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtolj2
Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this?
You mean this isn't what FT is about?
Originally Posted by gtolj2
Let's be honest here, when was the last time a verbal apology from the waiter (as opposed to a manager or chef) has made up for a mistake/wrongdoing at a restaurant? Nowadays it's usually just a formality anyway. If you're dissatisfied with the service over something as trivial as that, then simply don't return to the restaurant. Is it really worth wasting a few bytes of FlyerTalk server space to complain about this?
You mean this isn't what FT is about?
Aug 25, 2015, 3:54 am
#10
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Aug 25, 2015, 4:09 pm
#11
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Aug 25, 2015, 5:00 pm
#12
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Aug 25, 2015, 8:15 pm
#13
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Not in the US. Tip: part of how people make a living; an expected cost on top of menu price
Aug 26, 2015, 4:48 am
#14
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I am still curious if the OP was specifically asked to get his utensils from the next table or made that move on his own. What sort of restaurant was this? Where was it located?
Aug 26, 2015, 6:44 am
#15
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Why is a waiter not apologizing any different from any other service person failing to apologize for an error? You can either get offended or move on. Moving on is healthier IMO and IME. Getting offended is of no use whatever.
(You shouldn't assume from this that I never get offended ...
)
