Comments on: How To Be Served: Part II - Advice For All Ages http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/ Sat, 05 Jul 2008 11:28:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 By: » Blog Archive » How To Be Served: Part I - A Guide To Tipping http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1018 » Blog Archive » How To Be Served: Part I - A Guide To Tipping Thu, 15 Mar 2007 05:48:52 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1018 [...] four-part series designed to inform the public on how to be better customers. You can read Part II here, Part III here or Part IV [...] […] four-part series designed to inform the public on how to be better customers. You can read Part II here, Part III here or Part IV […]

]]> By: Tori http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1019 Tori Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:47:35 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1019 Great series! I can't wait for parts 3 and 4. Two weeks ago, I got a four-top of teenage girls. They all ordered about the same thing and when it came time to pay the bill, they threw down two credit cards. "Put $8 on each," they said, "and we'll pay cash for the rest." I knew I was screwed because the cost of their soda + meal was about $8 without taxes, and definately without tip. I ran their cards, which left a total of $19.94 due on the bill. Sure enough, they left $1 tip on each card and a total of $16.00 in cash on the table. So even with the two "tip" dollars on the cards, they were $2 short on their bill. It's one thing not to tip well but to not cover your bill just because you're too stupid to add tax or, since we do it for you, look at the damn bill? I wanted to hunt them down and give them a quick math lesson. Ugh. Great series! I can’t wait for parts 3 and 4.

Two weeks ago, I got a four-top of teenage girls. They all ordered about the same thing and when it came time to pay the bill, they threw down two credit cards. “Put $8 on each,” they said, “and we’ll pay cash for the rest.”

I knew I was screwed because the cost of their soda + meal was about $8 without taxes, and definately without tip. I ran their cards, which left a total of $19.94 due on the bill. Sure enough, they left $1 tip on each card and a total of $16.00 in cash on the table. So even with the two “tip” dollars on the cards, they were $2 short on their bill.

It’s one thing not to tip well but to not cover your bill just because you’re too stupid to add tax or, since we do it for you, look at the damn bill? I wanted to hunt them down and give them a quick math lesson. Ugh.

]]> By: Hannah http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1020 Hannah Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:20:16 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1020 While manning the host stand I saw a woman who had to be 60 get nailed in the back of the head with a cheeseburger thrown by a four-year old at the table across from theirs. The mother of the kid didn't even blink an eye. Pretty sweet. While manning the host stand I saw a woman who had to be 60 get nailed in the back of the head with a cheeseburger thrown by a four-year old at the table across from theirs. The mother of the kid didn’t even blink an eye. Pretty sweet.

]]> By: Genny http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1021 Genny Thu, 15 Mar 2007 21:45:29 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1021 You know, I think a lot of people don't control their children's behavior because they don't want to "stifle" them. And I understand that, I was a bright child and my parents certainly had to walk the line between encouraging me and making clear what was off limits. However, there's a big difference between "encouraging a child who's a little inquisitive and self-motivating" and "not disciplining children for disruptive and/or flat out rude behavior". Letting your kids be obnoxious and entitled doesn't lead to confidence and creativity. It leads to obnoxious entitled adults. If you don't want to do the work to raise your child to be a human being who respects other people, don't have kids. Or at least don't subject the public to them. You know, I think a lot of people don’t control their children’s behavior because they don’t want to “stifle” them. And I understand that, I was a bright child and my parents certainly had to walk the line between encouraging me and making clear what was off limits. However, there’s a big difference between “encouraging a child who’s a little inquisitive and self-motivating” and “not disciplining children for disruptive and/or flat out rude behavior”.

Letting your kids be obnoxious and entitled doesn’t lead to confidence and creativity. It leads to obnoxious entitled adults. If you don’t want to do the work to raise your child to be a human being who respects other people, don’t have kids. Or at least don’t subject the public to them.

]]> By: Brittany http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1022 Brittany Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:15:04 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1022 I love it when parents bring their kids into Hallmark (a store filled with breakable objects and glass) and just turn them loose. Then they bitch because their kid broke half of the store and then they have to pay for it. If you would watch your damn kid, then you wouldn't have to buy broken merchandise! Disruptive kids in restaurants are THE WORST! And I despise those frickin' roller skate shoes too! UUUUGGGHHH!! I love it when parents bring their kids into Hallmark (a store filled with breakable objects and glass) and just turn them loose. Then they bitch because their kid broke half of the store and then they have to pay for it. If you would watch your damn kid, then you wouldn’t have to buy broken merchandise!

Disruptive kids in restaurants are THE WORST! And I despise those frickin’ roller skate shoes too! UUUUGGGHHH!!

]]> By: T-bone http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1023 T-bone Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:54:43 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1023 There shoudn't be a Statute of Limitations on abortions The Law should state that if you aren't happy with your little "Miracle" you can abort up till.... I dunno 15 years old or something. That would definitely put the little fuckers on notice. There shoudn’t be a Statute of Limitations on abortions The Law should state that if you aren’t happy with your little “Miracle” you can abort up till…. I dunno 15 years old or something. That would definitely put the little fuckers on notice.

]]> By: T-bone http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1026 T-bone Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:26:45 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1026 About 6 months ago a little 5-6 year old boy came in to my fancy restaurant with his Grandparents. He was dressed to the nines in an ascot and polished shoes. Hilarious. Anyway, Gramps taught him the ropes of ordering food,trying new things and most importantly...How to behave. He was a real Gentleman. Al of the Waitstaff took notice of this and thanked his Grandparents. About 6 months ago a little 5-6 year old boy came in to my fancy restaurant with his Grandparents. He was dressed to the nines in an ascot and polished shoes. Hilarious. Anyway, Gramps taught him the ropes of ordering food,trying new things and most importantly…How to behave. He was a real Gentleman. Al of the Waitstaff took notice of this and thanked his Grandparents.

]]> By: Patrick http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1027 Patrick Fri, 16 Mar 2007 01:40:05 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-1027 I can't tell you how much I wish I was a few years older than I am so I could speak up about some of the kids I've seen without being told I'm "just a kid too". I can't stand the kids who are around my age, or for the love of christ older than me, that don't know how to act in a restaurant of all places. I've found a good rule of thumb to live by is to not piss off certain people. The people who bring your food to you and/or cook it, the people who cut your hair, the people who ever touch your car, and the people who give you your mail to name a few. They deserve respect and courtesy for the simple fact that they are just as human as you are anyway. I can’t tell you how much I wish I was a few years older than I am so I could speak up about some of the kids I’ve seen without being told I’m “just a kid too”. I can’t stand the kids who are around my age, or for the love of christ older than me, that don’t know how to act in a restaurant of all places.
I’ve found a good rule of thumb to live by is to not piss off certain people. The people who bring your food to you and/or cook it, the people who cut your hair, the people who ever touch your car, and the people who give you your mail to name a few. They deserve respect and courtesy for the simple fact that they are just as human as you are anyway.

]]> By: » Blog Archive » Unless It’s The Beatles, I Don’t Care. http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-2401 » Blog Archive » Unless It’s The Beatles, I Don’t Care. Fri, 25 May 2007 16:46:58 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-2401 [...] they were better than everyone else in the restaurant (as teenagers are wont to do) one young man wanted a beer. When I asked him for his ID, he responded with, “Dude, [...] […] they were better than everyone else in the restaurant (as teenagers are wont to do) one young man wanted a beer. When I asked him for his ID, he responded with, “Dude, […]

]]> By: Mr.BobDobalita http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-2906 Mr.BobDobalita Tue, 24 Jul 2007 21:25:37 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-2906 HEy dum dum. You're part of the problem with wait staff. When I was younger, I used to always get shiatty service. Little did they know that I was 22 and making $50k a year. I always liked to give SWEET tips to people that did things like keep my water glass full, etc. Sometimes I would get a $10 meal, and just leave a 20 spot. I must say, it was rare though, because 90% of the time you were "busting your ass" on that "family $200 bill" and getting the same tip you would have gotten from my $40 bill. A lot of the problem is the self-perpetuating problem of the wait staff only wanting the gravy. They think because I"m a young parent, or that I'm by myself, or that I"m just plain young that I don't tip well. If I have good service, I tip 25% or more. I love to get that kind of service and give a great tip. Unfortunately, it hardly happens. I'm hunting them down for refills... my meal isn't right, and they don't come around for 10 min after bringing it. They take 20 min to bring the check after I'm clearly done. Those are the 3 things... -NEVER- let my drink run out, check back here and there, and bring my bill when I"m nearly finished, and you will get a great tip. HEy dum dum. You’re part of the problem with wait staff. When I was younger, I used to always get shiatty service. Little did they know that I was 22 and making $50k a year. I always liked to give SWEET tips to people that did things like keep my water glass full, etc. Sometimes I would get a $10 meal, and just leave a 20 spot. I must say, it was rare though, because 90% of the time you were “busting your ass” on that “family $200 bill” and getting the same tip you would have gotten from my $40 bill.

A lot of the problem is the self-perpetuating problem of the wait staff only wanting the gravy. They think because I”m a young parent, or that I’m by myself, or that I”m just plain young that I don’t tip well. If I have good service, I tip 25% or more. I love to get that kind of service and give a great tip. Unfortunately, it hardly happens. I’m hunting them down for refills… my meal isn’t right, and they don’t come around for 10 min after bringing it. They take 20 min to bring the check after I’m clearly done. Those are the 3 things… -NEVER- let my drink run out, check back here and there, and bring my bill when I”m nearly finished, and you will get a great tip.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-2908 Ryan Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:00:06 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-2908 Hey, douche douche. Please, in your mightiest of mights forgive us for choosing, as you put it, the "family $200 bill" where the norm for a tip is between $20 and $50 over your measly little 10 dollar meal that (as douchey as you sound) probably consisted of a tofurkey sandwich and a Diet Coke. So here's to you, Thinks-The-World-Revolves-Around-Him-Man. You think that a waiter's going to give a flying shit about you and your sandwich, asshole. This Bud's for YOU! Hey, douche douche. Please, in your mightiest of mights forgive us for choosing, as you put it, the “family $200 bill” where the norm for a tip is between $20 and $50 over your measly little 10 dollar meal that (as douchey as you sound) probably consisted of a tofurkey sandwich and a Diet Coke.

So here’s to you, Thinks-The-World-Revolves-Around-Him-Man. You think that a waiter’s going to give a flying shit about you and your sandwich, asshole. This Bud’s for YOU!

]]> By: Matthew http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-8103 Matthew Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:39:10 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-8103 Hey, just wanted to point out that in the scentence with "flaming douche".. I think you meant latter... not former. :) Great series. I'm really glad you brought back the website. Hey, just wanted to point out that in the scentence with “flaming douche”.. I think you meant latter… not former. :)

Great series. I’m really glad you brought back the website.

]]> By: Dekrapitator http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-8527 Dekrapitator Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:10:38 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-8527 Hey, Junior, you're just a college kid, and your "been there, done that, seen it all" attitude is laughable. I was a waiter during my college years too, and I understand the whole "only people my age have any clue how to behave" deal. I understand that it's a big rush to be 2 or 3 long years removed from your high school days, and therefore the World's Foremost Authority On Life In The Real World. However, you forget that just 2 or 3 years ago, you were doing the exact same thing you're crying about now. Welcome to Adult America. Adult Americans often are assholes. I know it's a shock at your age, but that's the deal, Slugger. They trash your tables and leave a 2 dollar tip on a $60 bill. They ask you shit like "Are you new here, or is the cook?", and engage in a multitude of other nauseating behaviors. They pretty much beg you to add extra "ingredients" to their meal. We did it, and so should you. Deal with the bullshit involved with waiting on tables, or go knit sweaters in the comfort of your efficiency apartment for a living. Some people deal with far more horrifying conditions for a buck, Tiger. Hey, Junior, you’re just a college kid, and your “been there, done that, seen it all” attitude is laughable. I was a waiter during my college years too, and I understand the whole “only people my age have any clue how to behave” deal. I understand that it’s a big rush to be 2 or 3 long years removed from your high school days, and therefore the World’s Foremost Authority On Life In The Real World. However, you forget that just 2 or 3 years ago, you were doing the exact same thing you’re crying about now.

Welcome to Adult America. Adult Americans often are assholes. I know it’s a shock at your age, but that’s the deal, Slugger. They trash your tables and leave a 2 dollar tip on a $60 bill. They ask you shit like “Are you new here, or is the cook?”, and engage in a multitude of other nauseating behaviors. They pretty much beg you to add extra “ingredients” to their meal. We did it, and so should you.

Deal with the bullshit involved with waiting on tables, or go knit sweaters in the comfort of your efficiency apartment for a living. Some people deal with far more horrifying conditions for a buck, Tiger.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-8556 Ryan Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:59:36 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-8556 A few things, Dekrapitator (if that is your real name). I don’t consider myself the World’s Foremost Authority on anything. I write stories on a website. I try to make them funny and entertaining. I do it because it’s therapeutic for me to write them and my audience to read them. As far as your picking up on my of “Been There, Done That” attitude…well…I have been there. And I’ve done it. I amthere. I’m doingit. Two years running, dude. I also wasn’t “doing the exact same thing” when I was in high school. The only difference between then and now is about a 15% increase in tip (from 15-20% to 30-35%). I don’t really understand what you’re bashing…the fact that I’m 22 or that I’ve somehow gotten it right in my writing. I don’t necessarily see what there is to cause such hostility. At any rate, I’d like to see what kind of debate we can stir up. Anyone agree with Dekrapitator? Disagree? Let the ignorance commence! P.S. You might want to try changing the email address. Any Yahoo account with the words “nuclear”, “war”, and two x’s is in need of a SERIOUS revamping. Love, Ryan A few things, Dekrapitator (if that is your real name).

I don’t consider myself the World’s Foremost Authority on anything. I write stories on a website. I try to make them funny and entertaining. I do it because it’s therapeutic for me to write them and my audience to read them. As far as your picking up on my of “Been There, Done That” attitude…well…I have been there. And I’ve done it. I amthere. I’m doingit. Two years running, dude.

I also wasn’t “doing the exact same thing” when I was in high school. The only difference between then and now is about a 15% increase in tip (from 15-20% to 30-35%).

I don’t really understand what you’re bashing…the fact that I’m 22 or that I’ve somehow gotten it right in my writing. I don’t necessarily see what there is to cause such hostility.

At any rate, I’d like to see what kind of debate we can stir up. Anyone agree with Dekrapitator? Disagree? Let the ignorance commence!

P.S. You might want to try changing the email address. Any Yahoo account with the words “nuclear”, “war”, and two x’s is in need of a SERIOUS revamping.

Love,
Ryan

]]> By: Alexandra Lynch http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-9294 Alexandra Lynch Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:58:34 +0000 http://www.iserveidiots.com/2007/03/14/how-to-be-served-part-ii-advice-for-all-ages/#comment-9294 I have dark red, straight, waist-length hair. One day I had gathered it into a ponytail, braided the ponytail, and worn it thus out to eat with my husband. As we talked and ate, I realized someone was yanking on my braid! I turned around, and encountered a two year old hanging over the booth. "Ding dong!" she crowed, reaching for my hair with hands smeared with food. I summoned up my Mom voice. "Not Yours," I said firmly. The eyes widened, and filled with tears. The lip went out and wobbled. "Sit down and eat your meal, little one," I said kindly but firmly. Child sat down and wailed, while I soaked a napkin in water and wiped the macaroni off my braid. Mother was furious. How dare I talk to her child like that! "If you had your child under control, I wouldn't have to go wash cheese out of my hair," I pointed out. "My children knew better than to pull strangers' hair at her age. It's possible. You're lazy." And with that, we left. Of course, I taught my sons, both of whom have ADD, that if it's not yours you leave it alone. When they got antsy, a parent left with them to walk around the parking lot. (Useful phrase, that. The hot stove and sharp knives aren't theirs, the library books and brother's toys aren't theirs. It covers everything very simply.) I have dark red, straight, waist-length hair. One day I had gathered it into a ponytail, braided the ponytail, and worn it thus out to eat with my husband. As we talked and ate, I realized someone was yanking on my braid! I turned around, and encountered a two year old hanging over the booth. “Ding dong!” she crowed, reaching for my hair with hands smeared with food. I summoned up my Mom voice. “Not Yours,” I said firmly. The eyes widened, and filled with tears. The lip went out and wobbled. “Sit down and eat your meal, little one,” I said kindly but firmly.

Child sat down and wailed, while I soaked a napkin in water and wiped the macaroni off my braid. Mother was furious. How dare I talk to her child like that! “If you had your child under control, I wouldn’t have to go wash cheese out of my hair,” I pointed out. “My children knew better than to pull strangers’ hair at her age. It’s possible. You’re lazy.”

And with that, we left.

Of course, I taught my sons, both of whom have ADD, that if it’s not yours you leave it alone. When they got antsy, a parent left with them to walk around the parking lot. (Useful phrase, that. The hot stove and sharp knives aren’t theirs, the library books and brother’s toys aren’t theirs. It covers everything very simply.)

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