Why are customers so rude to their servers?

Question

I'm a server on third shift, so I deal with a lot of loud drunks and obnoxious teens. Last night we were super busy from the moment I walked in the door. Another server was waiting on this table of 6 ppl. who were rude and demanding from the get go. They were purposely being loud saying (not even to anyone in particular) "where the hell is our food!" and "we're starving, this is ridiculous!" making a scene as if nobody else had to wait for their food. Anyway, one time I walked by as they were saying 'where's my food?' and after I passed them I said out loud "McDonald's!" and kept going bout my business.....they FREAKED! It was hilarious. I denied I was talking to them though considering they weren't talking to anyone directly in particular. What do you guys think about this? Are you this rude to your server when you dine out? Do you know that we only run out your food, NOT cook it OR manage the KITCHEN staff.....who is also highly disrespected? Comments, please.

Answer 1

You know, I think the same thing when I go to work. I'm a server too, and a pretty damn good one at that, I don't understand why some people don't understand that we are servers, not servants.

I think you're at a bit of a disadvantage due to the third shift thing, you're bound to get drunks and kids that are just excited that they get to have mommy and daddy pick them up a little later. I think what you did is probably pretty appropriate, however, I also feel like, from experience that just giving these idiots any more attention that they just get worse.

My theory goes back to my famous question I ask any rude guest I have to interact with, "Hey did you guys ever see that movie Waiting?" No, "Oh, if not, you should go get a copy and watch it." Yes, "Oh, hmmm." And I walk away. Stick in there, the ones that aren't jerks make up for it.

Answer 2

first, your on at night, people are edgy, bitchy, drunk or just had a bad day, then you said the word teenagers, well that says alot right there, no a days, teens have little to no respect for anyone. I never treat people like that because you never know when the tables (so to speak) could be turned and you could be on the receiveing end. I do know that you only serve the food and next time I would suggest that you speak to the management and have them talk to the person/people causing the problem. that is what management is suppose to do. Sorry about the bad night. Hope your next work night is a better one. Good Luck.

Answer 3

I'm soooooooooooooo not rude to my server. Even if I get a cocky server, if I don't like their service, I just won't tip them. That speaks louder than words in their case.
I make sure to be nice to my server and tip them well, but not according to the 15% I tip them according to the way they help me. Once, my husband and I tipped a server more than our actual food came out to be. That was because when I didn't like my food he told me I didn't have to have it if I didn't want it and he would exchange it for something else. He was super helpful and REALLY nice. That kind of service really makes the difference.
I even told hm he was an ideal server before we left. And, my husband, who doesn't really think we should "tip too much" didn't say a word when I left the huge tip. Nope, not one word.
I used to be a server and I'm not so good at it cuz I don't like being in someones face like that, especially when it comes to dealing with food.
I do agree that some people can be REALLY RUDE TO SERVERS!!! I think that most people do it so they have an excuse not to tip. But I think if a restaurant gets rude people, they should just tell them to leave. Simple as that.

Answer 4

I am always nice to the ppl that bring my food. Unless the server totally sucks or keeps forgetting or messing up the order then my smile fades a little. ON your late shift ppl are just drunk and got done partying and have no idea they are being such an a$$...not to mention the group mentality makes it worse that each one has to out do each other as being the bigger a$$.

Answer 5

\ I have been in the food and beverage business for 35 plus years
and even when I first started I could never be rude to a server,unless they where rude to me like egnoring me or she / him is to busy talking to a friend of theirs and my food is sitting on the cooks counter,or forgetting to bring me something I had asked for (,you know not doing their job)then I can be rude ,and that will also show on the tip if theres is one. I have owned my onw business,and had a catering business,I had zero tolerance
for rude servers I fired them on the spot,if i saw their behavior was rude, but I do understand your point I have witnessed rude people in restarants and they are either drunk ,kids, or just upitey
people ,who think the server is a survent ,and they should be at their beck and call.that third shift is a killer ,I could not do that ,I hope you make alot of money and have good shifts ,to show for it
good luck !! and dont take no s***!! Chef smokee!!

Answer 6

totally understand. i use to work as a server also and i quickly found out it was not for me. well, you know the reason why they were so rude, 1.they were drunk, 2.they're teens and 3.when people hang out in groups they tend to get loud. the other thing that kills me is that the public fails to realize that servers make their money from their TIPS!

Answer 7

I've had the opposite problem. Customer service is not what it used to be. I realize that the customer isn't always right, but they are the ones paying the money that provides for the salary of the person performing the customer service. In the past I have had to wait for service a number of times while the customer service person is yacking on their cell phone. They aren't at work to talk to their friends, but to do their job. It's what they were hired to do.

Answer 8

If you ever want to find out how someone treats other people, take them to a restaurant and observe very carefully how they treat the waiter/waitress. If they are rude, chances are they are just ******* in the first place.

I've seen a lot of unnecessary rudeness from customers in restaurants, and that's because they have no class and their parents never taught them respect.

Answer 9

I was a server in high school and part of college. I am never rude to my server because I know what they do in the kitchen. Those storys about pubic hairs in food, urine in food, spitting in food... those aren't made up.
Never mess with someone who is touching your food.

Answer 10

if the food is not right or they are just in a bad mood, you are right the server takes the heat. unless you have been a server you don't know the things they go through. I feel for you.