Working in the restaurant business for many years has been quite an experience. I have learned many things about people and their appreciation for good service. Many appreciate a drink refill, an extra napkin, a kind smile or even attention to detail. However, there are still others that fail to notice the hard work that comes with being a server.
Although many of us don’t realize it, serving is one of the toughest jobs a person could ever have. It was actually listed as one of “America’s Most Stressful Jobs” a few years back. Think about it, not only do servers stand on their feet for long periods of time, but they deal with moody customers, temperamental chefs, hot food (that frequently burns), and a slew of other issues. All of this for a measly $2.65 per hour plus tips. Sure, many might say, “Get a better job!” The fact is that if every server got a better job, who would serve your food? Many servers are attending college and serving is a way to put themselves through school. Serving has also become a way of life for those who have lost their lifetime careers through the tough economy.
I have heard lots of people say, “It’s not my responsibility to pay the server. The state should pay them more.” Well, that’s probably true. The fact is…it just isn’t happening. I can’t tell you how many times I have waited on a family of four, given them excellent service, pampered their children, refilled their drinks and given them my undivided attention-only to receive a $2 tip on a $50 bill. What is wrong with this picture? Is good service and hard work not appreciated? A bill of fifty dollars should easily be a tip of at least seven or eight dollars. If the service was great, the bill should warrant a ten dollar tip.
I often wonder if people are taught the rule of etiquette when it comes to tipping. Good service should be rewarded with a 15% tip. For example, if your bill is twenty dollars and you received good service, then you should leave a tip of $3. If you received excellent service, you should leave a tip of 20%, which would be $4. Now, I know there are times when people cannot afford to leave such a tip. If this case, they should probably consider going to a fast food restaurant or even not going out at all.
When I receive good service, I appreciate it. I appreciate a kind smile, a nice attitude, and a good meal. I realize the server’s job is not easy. It’s not fun dealing with mean customers while your feet are killing you. Serving is an honest living for hard-working people. It is not a job that should be frowned upon. Without servers, there would be no restaurants.
When you go out the next time, take the time to thank your server for their service. Show them your appreciation and leave an adequate tip. Without tips, these hard-working people cannot make a living. So when you put food into your mouth, don’t take it out of someone else’s.
Author: Rhonda GutierrezPhoto: Renee Gonyeau
Very nice. It’s about time someone said something about this subject. People have no idea how hard it is. They need to think about how cranky their own family’s get when they are waiting for their dinner, now with that thought in their minds they need to realize that we deal with about 40-50 cranky people waiting for their dinner while we have been on our feet for the past 8-9 hours straight! Not to mention the fact that our little $2.65 an hour we get just goes to uncle sam, so we depend on their generosity, and unfortunately most of the time their lack of generosity.
I always give waitresses a hard time. If she is really nice, I am the type of person that knows if she has had a bad day or not. If she is cranky, I will give her more of a hard time to see if I can make her laugh. I usually will say something stupid or have a crazy order to see if I can make her laugh to take her mind off of the situation or mood that she is in.
For example, if her name is Rachel, I will call her Rack to see if I can get at least a smile out of her. If she does, I know that I can play around with her. My wife doesn’t like that I do that, but I know and she knows that it’s all in good fun. I will also leave her a great tip because I know that she is working her ass off to try to make a living. That just gives me more respect for her in what she is doing just to make a living.
I’ve enjoyed reading all your articles and your blog….and this is especially a great one. People need to be reminded, not only about having better manners and appreciating what people do for you, but also tip giving ettiquite! Nice job Rhonda
You make some great points. People dine out for a great meal and for the experience and should be willing to pay for both.
As ususal I love your article I agree 110% , I think if you cant affort to tip stay home and serve yourself. I have worked as a server in the past and know that when someone leaves a few extra bucks it could make your day, but when you get stiffed it can ruin your day/night. Keep up the good work I am looking forward to your next article!!!!