joey & friends lay it all out. other than the fact that it makes me cringe when the word “suck” is used to mean something is bad, this is great! I waited tables for a year, which was probably the worst year of my life. I learned a) that I am not good at that job, and b) to never ever ever tip less than 20%……. like they say here, it’s not the customer’s role to punish the worker for things that are most likely beyond their control!!! even if they are a terrible wait-person (like I was!) they are still working hard and deserve to make a living for their work.
A lot of people have no idea how to go to restaurants. Our latest video can help. Look below for more complete descriptions of each rule.
Written by Joey L DeFrancesco. Shot and edited by Jori Ketten.
Cast: Couple—Ben Nadler and Jamie Sarfeh. Server—Hannah Zoll
HOW TO NOT SUCK WHEN YOU GO TO A RESTAURANT
1. Don’t show up 15 minutes before closing
Showing up late is one of the most annoying things you can do. We’ve just worked a 10 hour shift and now we have to stay an extra hour just for you. Because of you, we can’t do our cash-out, we can’t clean up, we can’t do our sidework, and we can’t see our friends and families or go to our second job for another hour.
You might say , “Oh don’t you want more money?” Well, maybe if you’re going to tip us $100, but most likely you’re going to spend $30 and tip us $5. Most restaurant workers make sub-minimum wage, often as low as $2.13/hr, so even with your $5 we’re still below minimum wage for the hour.
So, when you see that closing time, assume that’s when the restaurant shuts down and you have to be gone. That means show up at least an hour before closing if you want to sit down for a meal.
2. Know how many people are in your party when you’re being seated.
It really slows things up when you keep adding people or when you say “Oh I’m not sure how many will be coming.” How are we supposed to seat you?
3. Don’t name drop
Everyone knows the owner. Nobody cares. Plus, we probably hate the owner. Why should we have to work harder to make you feel special and keep up the owner’s social network.
