Dear Grand Rapids: If You’re Eating Out Please Treat The Staff Better
Unless you've been living under a rock, the past three years have been a bit crazy. The Covid-19 pandemic set off a massive avalanche of chaos for the entire world. One of the biggest things I've noticed (and you probably have as well) is that restaurants and fast food establishments are short-staffed and sometimes out of certain things because of the Great Resignation and supply chain issues.
Things have slowly gotten better, but I would say a majority of the times I go through a drive-through or sit down at a restaurant my wait time is still longer than it used to be, and it seems like my orders are messed up more than they were in the past. While that can be frustrating or annoying that doesn't give me or anyone else the right to treat the staff like crap.
Dear Grand Rapids: If You're Eating Out Please Treat The Staff Better
I've noticed several times over the past month when out to eat with my wife Lindsey that my fellow Grand Rapidians have been less than kind to the staff at restaurants. There are several things that have made these people upset and in turn, they took it out on the staff who were simply trying to do their jobs.
Longer That Normal Wait Times To Get A Seat
A few weeks ago I was at one of my favorite brunch spots Cherie Inn around 10:30 am. People were waiting inside and some outside for their tables to be ready. The wait time was 45 minutes to an hour.
An older pair of women came in and put their name on the list and after hearing about the wait time they tried to convince the hostess that they should be seated sooner since it was only two of them and most of the other groups were 3-6 people that would take longer to serve. I understand not wanting to wait but that's what happens when you show up for breakfast when everyone else is doing the same exact thing.
The thing that really made me laugh is that the women kept on telling the hostess that they had to be somewhere by 1 pm. What was the hostess supposed to do with that information? Bump you to the front of the line? About 30 minutes later Lindsey and I were seated and I saw a few minutes later that the two women that couldn't wait were also seated. I can only assume they were a pleasure to deal with for the remainder of the time.
You Messed Up My Food Order
If you order something and it's wrong then it's acceptable to say something to your server so they can make it right. My issue is that when there was an honest mistake with your order and you act like it was done on purpose and could have killed you. For example, If you order a meal that includes a particular ingredient you don't want and you tell the server about it and the food arrives with it you have a right to be upset but that doesn't mean you get to talk down to the server. All you have to do is tell them and they will do their best to make it right.
I myself have gone through the Wendy's and Taco Bell drive thru's on Michigan Street near my place and I've had several times where they gave me regular tacos instead of supreme or forgot the sauce for my spicy nuggets. Did I have a complete meltdown? Internally maybe but I either sucked it up and went on with life or I drove back to the place and told them about my problem and they made it right.
Not Leaving A Tip For Your Server
According to Business Insider, tipping originated in Europe, and while its history is not entirely clear, it is commonly traced back to 17th-century England. The word "tip" is speculated to be an acronym for "To Insure Promptitude," which was printed on bowls in British coffeehouses.
I've had several situations in the past where the service was very disappointing and I was not happy with my experience. I still left at least a 15% tip which at the end of the day is not much when you take into account the minimum wage for servers in Michigan. I've had several of my friends that work in the food industry share with me that recently they've dealt with rude customers who decided to tip with just spare change or leave nothing at all.
Grand Rapids Let's Treat Our Servers Better
If you've read my little PSA about eating out and treating the staff better and disagree, then you're exactly who I wrote this article about, I recommend you scroll back up to the top and read it again.
To the amazing men and women in Grand Rapids and all of West Michigan that are simply doing the best they can to provide for their families and provide us with a good experience please know you're appreciated even if a few jerks don't show it.
If you're not a total Karen when you got out to eat then I recommend you check these places out.