I have been a server at a family-owned Mexican restaurant for almost 2
years now. This is a decent amount of time for a server to stay at one
location, so I’ve heard. With that being said, THIS IS NOT MY FIRST
RODEO. Not to brag, but I have quite the list of regulars. I have my
single men wanting to be my sugar daddies, military families, and a
few couples that appreciate me for not only making eye contact with
the man at the table. The compliment I hear time and time again is how
attentive I am.
On this particular night, an older blue-collar couple were sat in my
section. I enjoy these kinds of people usually, the wife is often just
thankful for the fact she’s not doing the cooking. I say hello,
introduce myself, and ask them how they’re doing. Chips and salsa were
delivered. The gentleman orders a margarita, the lady a water. They
order their food. EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. I check with them as they
enjoy (or so I thought) their food. Later on, I notice their plates
are mostly clear and pushed to the edge of their table. I ask if
they’d like boxes. The woman tells me the food was awful, and she
would not like to take the rest home.. which wasn’t very much, I must
add. The couple then proceeds to tell me how the salsa tastes
different than usual. (THE CHIPS AND SALSA AT OUR RESTAURANT ARE
COMPLIMENTARY. It’s free, please stop complaining.) I explain that
whether it’s saltier, spicier, etc. depends on who in the kitchen
prepares it that morning. I apologize for their experience and ask if
there is anything else I can do for them. They tell me no and go to
the front to pay their bill themselves. Fast forward about 15 minutes.
I walk to the hostess station to check up on my tips. I find out the
couple stiffed me. They told the hostess that, again, the food was
terrible and I acted like I didn’t care.
Now, this doesn’t sound like a shocking story. But let’s think about
the key points here. I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR FOOD. I AM NOT A
COOK. I MAKE $2.75 AN HOUR AND AFTER TAXES, IT COMES OUT TO ABOUT $1
AN HOUR. AND WHEN I ASK YOU THROUGHOUT THE MEAL IF EVERYTHING IS OKAY,
TELL ME SO I CAN TRY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I don’t know what your day
was like, and I don’t know how your food tastes. I am not a mind
reader, just a waitress.
Also, it really upsets me working-class people in their 40′s (I’m
guessing) don’t have the manners and decency to at least throw me $3
for my service.
I hope this made other servers smile knowing that they’re not the only
ones dealing with inconsiderate people. I know it makes me feel better
knowing other servers out there are miserable, too.