Today in the New York Times, Bruce Buschel wrote the first installment of his post, "100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do." Having worked as a waitress for many years, I'm just about inclined to agree with all of them, but the rule below really stands out:
3. Never refuse to seat three guests because a fourth has not yet arrived.
This is one of my biggest pet peeves in New York City. JUST SEAT US. We're obviously going to eat at your restaurant and the table size from 3-4 will not change. In fact, if you seat us, you will probably make more money because we'll order a round of drinks while we wait for our friend. Not seating me will make me grumpy and that will not lead you down a path to a good tip.
And sometimes, life happens, and people are late. Why should I suffer if I'm on time for my reservation? And even once a while, friends want to show up to a meal half-way though just to talk and have a drink. LET IT HAPPEN, NEW YORK. PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD, LET ME SIT DOWN.
Read numbers 1-50 on the staff rules here.
