Why do waiters usually take time removing all of the plates from the table, instead of waiting until we leave?

Question

Wouldn't it be faster/easier for the busboy to do this after we leave? Is the waiter trying to get a bigger tip?

Answer 1

It's just plain good manners... very tacky to leave dirty dishes sitting on the table after people have finished a course. If you were a guest in someone's home, you would expect the same.

In the restaurant environment, besides the etiquette considerations, a good restaurant is always concerned about maintaining its style and ambience for the sake of its reviews and clientele, so they don't want tables full of dirty dishes to make it look like a redneck truck stop. It does also help them manage the table turnover pace, which drives their profits, but a good restaurant will never rush you too much. There are health considerations as well... the faster debris is cleared away, the less risk of all kinds of health hazards arising.

Answer 2

If you are having different courses, each of them would come in their own serving plates and would require the waiter to remove the ones who are being served previously. They take their time removing the plates because they don't want to spilt any food on you. Waiting till you leave to remove all the plates wouldn't be wise as they would be stuck doing nothing if there was a large crowd all coming in at the same time.

Answer 3

Most restaraunts want those plates back. There are only so many plates, and they must be washed before returning to service. Every place I have worked at wanted the servers to pre-bus the tables.

Plus, if you want to hang out a bit and talk after your meal or want dessert, then there isn't a big pile of dishes on the table in your way.

Answer 4

It's to save time during the night. It's much easier to clean as you go then it is to do everything all at once. It also makes your table look better and makes room for any following meals or just for space itself. It's part of whats called a sequence of service.

It's also what most people would expect or prefer. I can't speak for all of us but I personally don't care very much about tips, I just like doing a good job.

Answer 5

No, it's so you can sit and chat without looking at uneaten food on plates. The table is neat and clean. Then they can offer you dessert and coffee/dessert wine. I do the same thing at home w/family when we are having a leisurely dinner. We always clear our plates and then sit and talk over coffee or something.

Answer 6

Some people like to have the dirty dishes etc removed from the table and then sit and linger over dessert, coffee or whatever.
It is certainly easier to serve dessert and coffee with everything else removed.

Answer 7

part of it is basic customer service and part of it is deeper than that. if you go and eat a full several course meal, IE bread, water, appetizer or 2, entree,wine, and dessert with coffee. after seeing a few of the empty plates your mind would think your full, by not seeing the plates then you still think your hungry. Hence you buy more.

Answer 8

Actually it makes it easier after you leave to clean the table and faster too.

Answer 9

in most resturants .. the waiter/ress .. is Taught to remove the dirty Dishes once ppl are done eating.

Its kinda nasty to have dirty plates .. sitting on the table when your done eating ..

I dont think they are doing it to get Bigger tips .. its just there job !

Answer 10

Usually the waiter is trying to show you how attentive he/she is in the hopes to pad the tip.