The Dining Experience From The Other Side Of The Table - An Inside Look At A Restaurant

We've all been there. You walk into a restaurant, order your food, sit down at your booth and wait patiently for your server to come take your drink order. One minute. Two minutes. Maybe even three minutes pass and you're still sitting there, waiting. In a situation like this, it can become extremely easy to get annoyed or impatient as your mind wanders to reasons behind why your server is "slacking on the job" or "ignoring" you as a customer.

However, when you look at (or experience) things from the opposite side of the table, you may realize that things could be very different than you had previously expected.

As some of you may know, about three weeks ago I started working at Swadley's, a barbecue place in Oklahoma City. Previously to this I had never worked in anything related to food service. Regardless of this though, I hoped that my experience and degree in Public Relations, which focuses on public speaking, networking, relationships, and group interaction, would help me to do well working as a server.

Unfortunately however, I was quite unprepared for what the job would pan out to be.

Initially I went through an orientation and training process, during which I learned about the various duties I would perform as a server, such as taking and completing the customers requests for drinks, barbecue sauces, pickles, onions, and peppers, as well as 'running' food out to tables, and completing my daily side jobs (such as restocking products, refilling ice-cream, or wiping tables). After learning all of these detailed components of the job, I was prepared to take my first tables on the floor and start my first official week of work.

My first week I worked Monday through Friday and although it took a little while to adjust to the new atmosphere, I jumped in with intensity and vigor and did really well! That first week I did well waiting tables and make some great tips. (See at Swadley's the servers only make a few dollars per hour and are expected to make the remainder of their salary through tip revenue., similarly to other restaurants.) Unfortunately, this has some serious draw-backs.

The second week I worked things were a little different than the previous week. Due to the State Fair of Oklahoma beginning, our business at Swadley's dropped substantially. According to my bosses and fellow employees this is "normal" for 'us' to have a slower September, but let me point out the obvious, lack of customers (and work) isn't going to pay the bills.

Speaking of bills, I have finally reached the topic about which I was originally intending to write.

I apologize for all my rambling.

I digress.

Previously, before working at Swadley's, I had never been a tipper when I ate out. To be honest, the thought of tipping wasn't even something that ever crossed my mind. (I know, I'm terrible!) I just always assumed that since I was paying for my food that was enough and that my server got paid an hourly wage (i.e. minimum wage…or something) However, since beginning at Swadley's, I have quickly realized that tipping is extremely important…and that assuming is never a good idea!

Since working I have served my share of tables and helped, assisted, and waited on all kinds of people. I have been yelled at, smiled at, thanked, mistreated, ignored, barked at - just about everything you can imagine.

I am not demanding (or even requesting) that you leave a $100 tip for your server the next time that you eat out; however, I do encouraging to leave something, since $2.13 (this figure fluctuates depending on the state, city, and restaurant) an hour cannot pay for the groceries or bills of anyone. If you are not financially capable of leaving something, please do me a favor, let your server know, wherever you eat, that you appreciate their help and that they've done a great job! Make sure they feel valued and important!

….and the next time you eat out and find yourself waiting a minute or two for your server to bring you something, take a moment and realize that you're not the only person they're helping and that they truly are doing their best!

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I'll step down from my soap box now.