And I Didn’t Think You’d Be So Rude, Sir.
The other night, I went up to a couple at a table with a small child and the dad was on the cell phone. So I turned to the mom and asked, “Hi there, my name is Ryan and I’ll be your waiter tonight. May I get you something to drink?”
Mom: “Yes, I’ll have a coke. And can you bring my son a milk in a styrofoam cup?”
Me: “Sure. And for you, sir?”
Dad: “Excuse me? Can’t you see I’m on the phone here!?”
Me: “Sorry, sir.”
So I get the coke and milk and the guy’s still on the phone. I ask the woman if she knows what he’d like to drink and then the dude launches into a tirade:
Dad: “What? You can’t ask me?”
Me: “I did. You said you were on the phone. I didn’t want to bother you ag…”
Dad: “Well…I didn’t think you’d be so interrupting.”
Mom: “Honey, it’s a restaurant. He’s a waiter.”
Dad: “What did you just say?”
Me: “I’ll give you guys a few minutes.”
A few minutes later and the guy is fuming. “We need the check,” he said through literal clenched teeth. Poor woman. Whatever, at least I got two bucks out of it all. She, on the other hand, will probably get two black eyes.
December 14th, 2006 at 7:33
Yep, that was my favorite. Someone would walk in on their phone and stand near the door, so I would wait behind the hostess stand and then they’d say “Uhh…Can I get seated here or what?” Yeah, because I can read your mind and know how many people will be joining you (none, most likely) and what kind of table you would like to be sat at (because I know you have a preference). Jackass.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:31
When I’m on a cell, I usually wait outside till I’m finished. Unless I am with a huge group, they get us seated, and even then I can still tell a waiter what I want to drink, and I usually apologize for being on the phone. Why can’t people multi-task or at least take time out of their day to shut the f%$# up and eat.
December 15th, 2006 at 3:40
OMG This site should have been started years ago! This stuff is great!
Does Tech Support count as Service? I have some lovely stories…
December 15th, 2006 at 6:53
Tech Support counts. Please…go to the Messageboard and post any and all stories you have. I’d love to hear them.
December 16th, 2006 at 4:29
Guys like that desirve to be pimp-slapped.
December 21st, 2006 at 7:30
Yet another reason not to use a cell phone in a restaurant–you might go psychotic/senile as this gentleman did. I feel bad for the wife and kid.
January 6th, 2007 at 1:12
Over the years of “service” aka enslavement… I have learned, if someone is on a cell phone at a table. Don’t even bother going up to the table. It has probably cost me a few tips over the years, but it has saved me a lot of hassle… and in the end a good server can always turn it around on the guest. “I’m sorry. I thought I was being considerate of your phone conversation. I didn’t want to interupt. ” Love the site…. no matter where you go it is always the same. Only the food and the price at the bottom of the check are different. Here’s to 100% tips!