I Don't Want to Get Chummy With a Regular

If you sit in my section you will be treated like everyone else and I will only be as cordial as I have to be. Don't expect me to make idle chat past the customary 15-20 seconds because I have other guests to attend to and food to run or anything else that needs doing rather than I just stand here and listen to you.

You only interest me when I am at work enough so I can give you what you ordered and ensure your entire meal is as enjoyable as possible. Enjoy the person or people's company you brought with you. They are worth talking to and enjoying your experience with. Not me!

I am only here to facilitate your dining experience by being prompt , courteous , and efficient. That is after all what I should get tipped on and not whether I gave lousy service to the rest of my section because I spent time listening to you.

My goal and do not take offense friend but I want you to leave quickly after you have finished eating. I have side jobs I have to do. I don't want to be rude but when you are done don't stick around.

Besides I know of one thing, the friendlier I am with you the less you think you have to tip what I am due! That is why I am what I am. Never get too chummy with a guest. You will get screwed in the end.

Now here is my question to you. Do you have friendly regulars that come in and because they know you so well they don't feel as obligated to leave you as much as you would otherwise get from a total stranger?

The only way I can tolerate being a waiter after all this time is I don't want to know people I serve , I just want to serve them.

Now That Is Much Better!

Tonight , after getting my bad night out of the way last night , is setting me up for a good 5 days in a row. Yesterday as you may recall I walked out with a paltry sum so tonight was looking for something better and I got it.

I had a 5 table section which was never full as it wasn't at all busy. But this time got some nice guests. Even a table that asked to be sat in my section. They asked me if I remembered them and naturally I had no recollection of who they were. Mentioning that I had done their grandson's birthday party dinner a couple of months ago still didn't ring a bell. Though I did say yes he sure had a good time that night didn't he? I just said that but like I say just say something that is easy for everyone to agree on , eh! That will win you over!

Then when it came time to order the special coffee one of the guys spoke up and said do you remember the last time the coffee was cold when I ordered it from you. THEN I REMEMBERED THIS TABLE AND THIS GUY!

I tasted the coffee beforehand to test how hot it still was or had it been sitting to long in the thermos?. I had to make sure it was hot. Anyway this time it was fine.

They tipped me well and another 6 did too as well as a deuce I had earlier on in the evening.

At the end of the night and 19 covers and $723 in sales I walked out with $123 , that after tipping out $25. So my percentages were good tonight and I hardly worked up a sweat doing it.

I like those kind of nights. Started at 6:15 and was out by 10:12 , home by 11.

Bring on the weekend I say!

The Numbers Are In

It has come to my attention that for the first time that I can remember where I work is busy all the time. After New Year's Eve there is usually a lull in most places even in good economic times during the first week of January.

Well last night we did close to 700 covers and on Friday did over 600 covers. The GM mentioned last night we are way ahead in revenue during this period and tonight which looks just as busy is just gravy on top. How about that!

There are many restaurants doing nothing right now locally.

On a personal note I am really looking forward to 2009. With my bartending course gaining popularity and a busy restaurant to work in I couldn't be happier.

Last year my wife who works 24 hours a week and I who work about 18 hours a week both as waiters cleared $56,000 Canadian last year with both our hourly wage and tips. She works 4 mornings breakfast and I four nights dinner. About $1600 of that was from teaching which I plan on doing more of. A wine course is in the works as well either through the school or perhaps I will start one up myself as there is a huge interest out there.

As long as we can keep this up and all remain in good health who knows how far we can go this year.

I am right fired up for more!!!!