- By Matthew P. Binkewicz
- Around Town
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Ask IMOAsk IMOLansing's Advice Column
Dear IMO,
I am a waitress at a local restaurant. It seems that people in this area are becoming less patient and more demanding, especially at peak meal times. The restaurant is often filled with very hungry people who want their drinks, appetizers, and meals within seconds of placing their order. Is there any polite way to ask patrons for some patience, kindness, and understanding?
Thanks, KR
Dear KR,
Your dilemma reminds me of the short order cook who worked the lunch hour at the college pub. Mary, a loveable, street wise, and seasoned grill master, would look you straight in the eye and ask, “what are you doin’ here? Dinin’ hall food not good enough for you?” Before you could get out a word, she would fire offer another salvo by saying, “Don’t tell me you don’t got much time, ‘cause I’m not your mother.” Many students looked forward to the lunchtime verbal assault while waiting for their tuna melt and fries.
You, however, cannot play the role of Mary, unless you want to be fired. There is no easy way to convince the hungry masses that politeness and civility are still the rule of law in public restaurants. Perhaps you might discuss this situation with other wait staff and see if they share your concerns. If they are in agreement, you should arrange for a meeting with the owner or manager to discuss this matter. There might be a way to get the politeness and civility message to the patrons without offending them.
Now, if you are the only one experiencing rude and impolite behavior, you might need to learn a few ways to better serve the customers. Ask the other wait staff how they manage especially at peak meal times. Alas, there will not always be a few individuals who do not nor will they ever understand that their meal is just as important as the person’s at the next table.
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