
It has occurred to me that along with this loss of respect for our fellow man has come an almost arrogant approach to all "customer service representatives". When it all boils out of the pot that's what we are. We work the font lines dealing with those that are spending the money they earned doing who knows what, for who knows how many hours a day, and how many days that week. Trust me I get it. We all get it. I know your sitting there reading this thinking "Yea man! I can relate."
Maybe you don't work with customers at this point in your life, but you did at one time. You mowed lawns to get that bike, babysat for that purse that was all the rage that summer. Most of us at one time or another had to ensure our customer was satisfied and called next weekend for more work. Well often as I'm serving tables at a local restaurant it baffles me how many people have lost touch with this, the simple etiquette, and purpose of eating at a full service restaurant.
I realize as I listen to patrons, fellow employees, numerous documentaries, and just casual conversation. Fast food, and the overall pace of modern life has killed the dining spirit of America. "Fast food killed the chef with the five star" hahaha remember the song "Video killed the radio star"? Well same relation here. Not to say that's the only culprit. Many factors contribute, like portable electronic entertainment devices. Instant gratification via Internet purchase and on demand cable.

All these little things add up as I trudge through some days. If you truly know me then you know I LOVE my job. It's all I've ever done and for good reason. But sometimes it gets difficult when a patron loses touch and runs me through the ringer. I call these diners "single server diners". They for some reason think that I'm there for them only. They can't see past the end of their own table. I had an incident today as a matter of fact that suites this perfectly.

Are you kidding me? I was offended. I move fast when I work and am often told to slow it down. I move with purpose, on purpose. I want you to see I'm trying my best to keep up. So when he made the comment I wanted to slam his head right thru the table, good thing all the MMA(mixed martial arts) training allows me to blow off that steam. How am I supposed to handle the situation? I acted like I didn't hear it and killed with kindness. They left me a 40 some odd cent tip. I make $2.13 an hour. All tipped employees in most states work for less than the federal minimum wage. Surprised? Check out the site for the rules on the United States Department of Labor. http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs15.pdf That's the link to the site.

So next time your out at a restaurant do me a favor and look past the end of your own table. How many people can't put life on hold for the brief time that they are there? How many tables dose your server have? How many people are sharing their meal and a good conversation? I bet the answers surprise you.

Thanks and remember,
Love food, Live life.
p.s. urbanspoon rocks! I recommend you check their apps out for the iPhone and Android phones. Awesome amount of restaurants and reviews. Huge community of foodies!
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