Is it impolite to expect a discount at a friend's restaurant?

Question

Or are they rude if they don't offer you something for free or cheaper than normal?

Answer 1

Well, there are many factors that you should consider in this question. First, is this a good friend. If you talk to this friend on a regular basis and consider yourself to be close, then yes, I would expect a discount. Now, the exception to this would be when partners are involved. They may have certain limits and criteria that was agreed upon. Also, if the restuarant is struggling financially, then you should not expect a discount, but as a friend you would patronize the restuarant more often.

If this is simply someone you know casually, then no, do not expect a discount. Personally, I think it is tacky to ask for a discount unless there is a good reason to do so. Some restuarants offer coupons, maybe you could go about asking for a discount by asking if there are any coupons that you could use, even though you did not bring a copy of it.

Answer 2

I think it is impolite to EXPECT a discount from a friend simply because you are a friend. If you respect their restaurant and that they are trying to make a living, you should not expect them to lose money by offering you freebies or discounts.

A lot of times, friends will do this, but it's not a good idea to expect it from anyone without giving something in return, like repeated service, or referrels, etc.

Answer 3

I think it is a given that you will get something free or cheap from a friend's business, however it is rude to go there all the time just because you know you can get a discount. Just go there every now and then and let them know you're coming.

Answer 4

yes, because at a lot of restaruants they cant really give discounts to any one other than immediate family. Not only that with everything being computerized you have to ring it through the comp. before the cooks can get it to the worker. they track everything, even the free b-day deserts that will just show up on the ticket as $0
Why should your friend have to put their job at risk just so you can have something free? They are not working there for your benefit...hints why its a job

Answer 5

unless u mean that ur friend is the owner...they could get in trouble for not charging u. waiter's don't have the power to discount unless it's approved and most managers don't give discounts just cuz u know someone there. u can't expect ur friend to put their job on the line just to get u free food or cheaper food.

Answer 6

Is it impolite? yes. In my experience, when the owners give me a discount or even free items, I tip generously... usually the market rate of what I consumed. That way, I allow the owners to show goodwill and I in turn spread the goodwill back to their employees... good feelings all around.

Answer 7

I think it's rude of them to expect it. If you offer them a free or discounted meal occasionally such as their birthday, then it's a nice little gesture, but for them to expect it free just because they know you? Should we expect free labor and parts if we know a mechanic? Free operations if we know a nurse who works in the OR?

Answer 8

Yes! I ran an entertainment complex on Bourbon Street for 7 and a half years and the owner would tell employees (especially during Mardi Gras) that if a customer said they wanted free drinks or preferential treatment because they 'know the owner', simply tell that customer that the owner said that his 'friends' spend money.

Answer 9

Would you ask a friend for money? They're trying to make a living after all. I think it is rude to expect free food.

Answer 10

Maybe, do this person own the restaurant? If so I would not expect it all the time. If he does not it may not be i his power to do so. You got to remember he is in the business to make money. If it won't break him I can see him doing it sometimes but not all the time.