I Got Rid of a Couple Who Wanted to Camp Last Night

I am the closer last night and just as I think that is about it on a slow Labour Day evening I get this young couple. Well maybe more like early 20's and out for a bite to eat. Friends like.

They both order water. Tap. Then the guy orders tempura shrimp for an appetizer and a Ceasar Salad for the main course while the girl just orders chicken for the main.

I put in the appetizer and fire the mains off immediately. I don't care at this stage if the mains come out before the guy has finished his appetizer.

The appetizer is served and all this guy is doing is looking at it. Is he going to eat this or what? Then the mains come out and I serve it and they are eating real slow. Finally they finish and there is still the tempura left. I ask if he wants it packed. He says no I am still going to eat it. By now the restaurant is closed.

I smile and walk away then two minutes later I bring the dessert menu. She looks at it and he says give him a couple of minutes while he finishes off the tempura. Then they start making themselves at home by putting their feet up on the bench seat.

I think that is enough. I go over and say if you want a dessert you better order now cause the kitchen which is open a half hour longer for the bar is about to close. He says no just bring the bill. I bring the bill collect the money and they scram afterwards leaving some of the tempura behind.

Sometimes you have to nudge people out the door.

What are some of the things you do to get people out the door quicker when closing?