25% default tip !
#136
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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I hate when the server keeps interrupting the conversation to ask whether everything is OK, etc.
If someone chooses not to finish a meal, the server shouldn't call attention to this fact. It can be very awkward.
My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course. Usually I refuse then to order dessert and tell them why.
If someone chooses not to finish a meal, the server shouldn't call attention to this fact. It can be very awkward.
My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course. Usually I refuse then to order dessert and tell them why.
#137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: RSE
Programs: AA Exp|VA Platinum
Posts: 15,456
This is lack of the most basic training.
#138
What's wrong with that? I think it is good service to inquire if everything is ok or do we want anything else (not 5 times but at least once) and to notice if food is uneaten. If there was a problem with the food they might want to report it to the kitchen or maybe even offer to comp something. I WANT the restaurant to care if I didn't like my food. I also don't get a problem with offering a doggie bag.
#139
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Posts: 255
In my opinion, if one person has completely finished their meal and others are still eating, it's ok to ask if that one person would like the plate removed as it can free up some room at the table. No one else at the table should be asked as they are still eating.
#140
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: RSE
Programs: AA Exp|VA Platinum
Posts: 15,456
But the reason you don't remove the plate is because it makes the other diners, who haven't finished, feel as though they are being rushed.
#141
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
I agree. It should only be necessary once, within a few minutes after the meals are delivered. It gives diners a chance to ask for anything else they may need. After that, no need to interrupt again until people are finished with their meals.
#142
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
I was dining with about 7 others in a higher end restaurant and my meal came out a little later than the others. The others finished their meals before me and two waiters and the assistant manager came over and cleared off EVERYTHING from the table, including glasses, salt/pepper shakers, etc. The only thing left on the table was my plate and glass. The table, otherwise, was completely bare. I stopped eating and went to speak with the general manager. After telling him the problem, he completely understood and brought us a bottle of Champagne and desserts for everyone. Additionally, I told him to clear my plate because I wasn’t going to be the only person eating in that situation. Also, comped my meal.
That type of service is only acceptable at McDonald’s.
#143
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: RSE
Programs: AA Exp|VA Platinum
Posts: 15,456
x 1000%
I was dining with about 7 others in a higher end restaurant and my meal came out a little later than the others. The others finished their meals before me and two waiters and the assistant manager came over and cleared off EVERYTHING from the table, including glasses, salt/pepper shakers, etc. The only thing left on the table was my plate and glass. The table, otherwise, was completely bare. I stopped eating and went to speak with the general manager. After telling him the problem, he completely understood and brought us a bottle of Champagne and desserts for everyone. Additionally, I told him to clear my plate because I wasn’t going to be the only person eating in that situation. Also, comped my meal.
That type of service is only acceptable at McDonald’s.
I was dining with about 7 others in a higher end restaurant and my meal came out a little later than the others. The others finished their meals before me and two waiters and the assistant manager came over and cleared off EVERYTHING from the table, including glasses, salt/pepper shakers, etc. The only thing left on the table was my plate and glass. The table, otherwise, was completely bare. I stopped eating and went to speak with the general manager. After telling him the problem, he completely understood and brought us a bottle of Champagne and desserts for everyone. Additionally, I told him to clear my plate because I wasn’t going to be the only person eating in that situation. Also, comped my meal.
That type of service is only acceptable at McDonald’s.
I was at an outback roadhouse (ie the real outback, not the American chain) and as soon as you finished they swooped in to take the plates. While I'd prefer they didn't, in that sort of setting friendly service is all I ask for. Also it was the only place to get food within 300km, so I wasn't going to complain!
#144
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Redondo Beach, Ca
Posts: 30,533
I hate when the server keeps interrupting the conversation to ask whether everything is OK, etc.
If someone chooses not to finish a meal, the server shouldn't call attention to this fact. It can be very awkward.
My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course. Usually I refuse then to order dessert and tell them why.
If someone chooses not to finish a meal, the server shouldn't call attention to this fact. It can be very awkward.
My pet peeve is when servers remove plates before everyone has finished the course, or worse, distributes menus for dessert when some haven't finished their main course. Usually I refuse then to order dessert and tell them why.
Not everyone will volunteer a problem with the food. If a waiter sees that you have barely touched your dish, I think they should ask if there was a problem and then you can tell them it was too salty or spicy or whatever.
#145
My friction point is the 4% surcharge. Since when does the price of an item not include all components of business overhead? Restaurant owners should "man-up" and adjust retail prices to cover these costs rather than hiding them into the fine print at the bottom of the menu.
It's the Fox News effect, if people see disinformation often enough, they start to believe it's real.
#146
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: SNA
Programs: MARRIOTT TITANIUM / HILTON GOLD / UA SILVER / AMEX PLAT
Posts: 609
I couldn’t believe it. This is the same restaurant that called me during work hours to confirm a reservation I’d made online.
The service was friendly, but slow and incompetent. One wrong item and one duplicate item was served to my table. The food was nicely presented but tasted like crap. And the prices were exorbitant, but I knew that going in.
Unusual for a restaurant in the US, payment was done by handheld electronic card reader brought to the table. I was asked to sign and select from one of the precomputed tips: 18%, 20%, 25%, with the last option being selected by default. Oh, of course on the receipt a 4% surcharge had already been added for compliance with health insurance laws of California, whatever that means.
25%!
I’m likely to find the restaurant owner’s email address and e-tear him a new one.
The service was friendly, but slow and incompetent. One wrong item and one duplicate item was served to my table. The food was nicely presented but tasted like crap. And the prices were exorbitant, but I knew that going in.
Unusual for a restaurant in the US, payment was done by handheld electronic card reader brought to the table. I was asked to sign and select from one of the precomputed tips: 18%, 20%, 25%, with the last option being selected by default. Oh, of course on the receipt a 4% surcharge had already been added for compliance with health insurance laws of California, whatever that means.
25%!
I’m likely to find the restaurant owner’s email address and e-tear him a new one.
SB 3: Minimum wage