Don't Let the Elderly Pay the Check!
Hi Everyone -
Today I want to beg anyone who will listen... DO NOT LET THE ELDERLY PAY THE TAB!
I appreciate the fact that you want Grandma and Grandpa to come to dinner to celebrate your Sweet Sixteen, but if they grew up during the Great Depression, please grab the check before they swipe it up. For those on a fixed income, paying a restaurant check for the whole family is a big deal, so they are inclined to be skimpy with the tip.
Tonight I had a party of six. A very nice family of Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, tween boy and teenage girl celebrating her Sweet Sixteen. We had a great relationship going for the entire time. Grandpa didn't really like his choice of meal, so I got him something else that he enjoyed and made sure BOTH items were removed from the bill. We typically serve the birthday Guest a two dollar mini dessert, but since we had such a great relationship going, I got them a large dessert that the whole family could share. I even used vanilla cream to write on the cake. It was time for the check... $140.00. Grandpa asked me how we divided our tips between the staff. I explained the whole process. He snatched the check with his spotted, bony hands and left me $20.00 on $140.00 check. While 20 bucks is still 20 bucks, I expected at least $30.00 for the level of service they received.
Another table arrived at 5:30PM. A couple who clearly were too good to acknowledge me or really even speak to me during the dining experience. They had dinner and wine. At total check of $68.00. They left me $13.00. Great tip. Here's the kicker... They it is 10:30PM. The restaurant is closed. I just got a text that they are still sitting there talking. Five hours. I could have turned that table three times. I lost at least an additional $20.00.
Finally, there was the lone diner tonight. I got him a vodka/soda and an appetizer. He told me he wanted to take his time and wait to order his entree. No problem. I boxed up leftovers for another party and went back to him. He immediately jumped on me. He said, "You are gonna have to come around a little more often! I am NOT high maintenance but YOU have been gone for a LONG time!" Never in my 20 years in the restaurant business has anyone ever accused me of not being attentive. I was blown away. I didn't apologize, I didn't respond, I didn't speak to him again. I brought him what he needed, and what he asked for, but I never said another word. He would say "Thank You" and speak to me, but I never spoke another syllable for the remainder of his dinner. FUCK HIM! He ended up tipping me $7.00 on a $40.00 check. Not bad, but he ruined my entire mood for the rest of the night.
Well, that's it for today. I have to get some sleep because I have to open in the morning.
Thanks for listening!
Today I want to beg anyone who will listen... DO NOT LET THE ELDERLY PAY THE TAB!
I appreciate the fact that you want Grandma and Grandpa to come to dinner to celebrate your Sweet Sixteen, but if they grew up during the Great Depression, please grab the check before they swipe it up. For those on a fixed income, paying a restaurant check for the whole family is a big deal, so they are inclined to be skimpy with the tip.
Tonight I had a party of six. A very nice family of Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, tween boy and teenage girl celebrating her Sweet Sixteen. We had a great relationship going for the entire time. Grandpa didn't really like his choice of meal, so I got him something else that he enjoyed and made sure BOTH items were removed from the bill. We typically serve the birthday Guest a two dollar mini dessert, but since we had such a great relationship going, I got them a large dessert that the whole family could share. I even used vanilla cream to write on the cake. It was time for the check... $140.00. Grandpa asked me how we divided our tips between the staff. I explained the whole process. He snatched the check with his spotted, bony hands and left me $20.00 on $140.00 check. While 20 bucks is still 20 bucks, I expected at least $30.00 for the level of service they received.
Another table arrived at 5:30PM. A couple who clearly were too good to acknowledge me or really even speak to me during the dining experience. They had dinner and wine. At total check of $68.00. They left me $13.00. Great tip. Here's the kicker... They it is 10:30PM. The restaurant is closed. I just got a text that they are still sitting there talking. Five hours. I could have turned that table three times. I lost at least an additional $20.00.
Finally, there was the lone diner tonight. I got him a vodka/soda and an appetizer. He told me he wanted to take his time and wait to order his entree. No problem. I boxed up leftovers for another party and went back to him. He immediately jumped on me. He said, "You are gonna have to come around a little more often! I am NOT high maintenance but YOU have been gone for a LONG time!" Never in my 20 years in the restaurant business has anyone ever accused me of not being attentive. I was blown away. I didn't apologize, I didn't respond, I didn't speak to him again. I brought him what he needed, and what he asked for, but I never said another word. He would say "Thank You" and speak to me, but I never spoke another syllable for the remainder of his dinner. FUCK HIM! He ended up tipping me $7.00 on a $40.00 check. Not bad, but he ruined my entire mood for the rest of the night.
Well, that's it for today. I have to get some sleep because I have to open in the morning.
Thanks for listening!
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