As you may know by now, my husband and I eat out often, like so many Americans do these days. Just look at the number of restaurants! Somebody is supporting these eateries and their wait staff, right? So, today I am going to write a little blurb on we don’t like about dining out…things we didn’t put in our blogs…oh, how I have been waiting for this…:) 
One of the biggest deal breakers for us, besides the quality of food served, is the level of service or lack of it. While we don’t care if we have to wait for a little while to order or get drinks, we do care about the attitude and manners of the waiter or waitress.
For instance, if they ask unnecessary questions, or personal questions, we object. If they make it the “Sally the Waitress” or “Sal the Waiter” TV Show, by telling us all about their personal lives when we have just met them, we object. If they make it off color joke time, we object. If they are ill and handling our food, we totally object! If they are wearing scents that hang in the air long after they have left our table, we object.
Our advice is,
1. Always be pleasant, but not obnoxiously happy.
2. Never call me, a female customer, “guys”.
3. Never serve hot food cold or cold food hot.
4. Never interrupt two people having a conversation. Wait briefly until the customer recognizes your presence. It usually won’t take more than a few seconds. Slow down and don’t rush us.
5. Do offer refills.
6. Do offer more napkins with BBQ or sticky buns.
7. Don’t leave used dishes on the table.
8. Do say thank you for our part in the transaction.
9. Do make sure the order and the bill are correct.
10. Never wear perfume, after shave, or perfumed soap. Many people are allergic to perfumes. The scent of perfume can easily overcome the subtle aromas of food and beverages. Once again, the meal is not all about the wait staff. It is also about the good experience of people who have come to eat and converse with each other in a special setting, in a congenial atmosphere and with agreeable people.
I know how hard it is to work in the hospitality industry, and service with a smile is sometimes tough to produce, but when you don’t project a nice face, people like us may tip you more that day, but may not come back on another, opting for a more upbeat experience, or just staying home. things tend to go better when you smile, but don’t force the smile either. Try to strike a nice balance between, “Oh, no more people! Now I have to work.” and “Gee my life would have been awful if you had not come in at this very time!”
Overall, Northfield has a group of restaurants with really fine people and super service. There’s just those few, probably new people who haven’t gotten a training sheet or proper personal instruction. For those people, feel free to use the instruction given herein. No charge, but be good to us when you see us in your booth or table, and we shall tip you well. May you have a profitable and very happy, Happy New Year!
And for the rest of you…please tip well. This is a place where you can do a lot to help someone’s life right away…fair pay all the way! Thanks for listening.