I left no tip for the first time in my life. Here's what happend...

in #heux7 years ago (edited)

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I was in a restaurant (Can I get in trouble for stating the name of the place? Let me know in the comments... ) for a business luncheon. The waiter came over with 2 glasses of water. I thanked him and asked for 2 lemon wheels, to which he lavishly rolled his eyes and went to get them. My client noticed, but said nothing as we were on a time crunch.

I looked closer at my water glass and it was filthy. I didn’t want to be ‘that person’. I definitely didn't want to point it out to my client, bc it was my client who picked the location. I just left the water alone and said nothing. Besides, the lemon wheels sanitize the water anyways (protip - science!). Upon his return, he took our orders, almost begrudgingly. I was very confused by his attitude as we were super polite and respectful the entire time.

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I've been in food service (lunch and dinner rush). I remember what it's like.

The orders finally came and mine was totally incorrect. I, honestly, was going to just eat it to avoid possible problems. It's the holidays. He looked like he was having a rough day. I didn't want to be a Grinch about it. However, I was allergic to some of the ingredients. Damned gastric system of mine. Always making it hard on those who make my meals.

I let him know, kindly, that this wasn't my order, to which he exploded, “Yes it was!” I was stunned! My first thought was, "Heux no he didn't!" As he angrily grabbed my plate and 30mins later came with the right dish, I took the time to calm down a bit. When it arrived, I didn’t have the stomach to eat it. I know the food service industry's cardinal rule.

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Don't fuck with the people who handle your food.

A tip is an expression of gratitude for great service and hospitality. He failed on both fronts. We paid and left without complaint (it's the holidays after all), but definitely no tip. I don't plan on ever going there again anytime soon. For my client and I, this was our first luncheon together. I may have lost business over one waiter's sour temper.

I'm curious to know what you guys would have done in that situation. Leave your thoughts in the comments below. I do read my comments and reply.

Your life is an occasion. Rise to it!

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I know I would not have left a tip either.
Food service isn't easy, but you still should treat your customers with respect.

I fully agree. I was being polite bc I had a client, but I was as mad as a stirred up hornet's nest.

You did a great job saving the face with a client.
This dude did not get the tip for:

  1. Not smiling;
  2. Getting the order wrong and not taking the blame;
  3. Arguing with the Guest, which is not acceptable, mostly, unless it is the regular guest who you served on a regular basis and know by name and stuff.

In my humble opinion, if you feel shitty about the way you have been served but do not want to come back to this restaurant personally - use yelp.com or tripadvisor.com.
It is your right.

Been a waiter in four restaurants, including a cruise ship.
There were times when i did not get tips because of my wrongdoings.
And sometimes the customers just did not tip. It happens, too.
Certain nationalities do not. Unfortunately.

So, i think, a guy had a bad day. Maybe he substituted for somebody on a short notice, doing the shift instead of being at home with family. Yes, it is a holiday season.
But i think you deserve a good service and if you are not happy with it - write a bad review.

Best regards,
alex

Thanks soo much for your input. I love getting view points from fellow food service experience persons! It's also nice to hear that I'm not a totally horrid person, lol.

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