I dine, more times than not, alone. I have noticed many times an apparent reluctancy to serve me once I state that I will be dinning alone. Also I've noticed that in a lot of restaurants, this is particularly true of myself and other males, that eating alone means getting the worst seating in an establishment.
Just a couple days ago I went to a restaurant that had 2 hostesses seating patrons. When I stated I would be eating alone the 2 hostesses started conversation that looked as if finding a table for me would be quite some challenge. I wound up with a decent table.
A few months ago I went to a place(?) in Vidalia, Louisiana that was very popular and busy. They had people waiting for a table and there were some dining in the bar. So, the hostess asked and I agreed to dine in the bar as well. After being seated however, I waited an hour and still no one came around to ask if I wanted something to drink or to take my order for the meal. I'm patient. Then I left to eat elsewhere.
2006-12-30 03:01:06 · 15 answers · asked by swm_seeks_sf 3 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
That's right, moneyball, it's all about the money!
2006-12-30 03:09:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is typically a matter of space. If you are sitting at a table, especially in a busy place you are using space that is usually for 2 or more people. Waitresses typically get assigned a section or take turns rotating taking tables so....being alone, they will not get the same tip they would typically get. Oftentimes too, the single diner may either expect more 'entertainment' from the server, taking her time from other patrons, or (as someone else stated) take an extended amount of time reading or ?? If you are in business u must understand the concept....partner up with someone you can make more money from but not having to break your back to do it. Try to make sure you tip the server what they might get at a two person table....and remember too..the bartenders already typically get a regular wage whereas servers get $3 or less an hour so they have to work for their wage..people often tend to tip bartenders as much as servers
2006-12-30 21:14:50 · answer #2 · answered by Steph 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Serving 1 at a table meant for 2 or 4 or more means less profit.
I often eat out by myself. Many places don't give me any problem at all. Some places ask me where I'd like to be seated.
Sometimes people who eat alone don't like to be seated in the center of the room because they feel others are staring at them. I don't particularly care about that.
Once, a hostess refused to seat me when there was an available table in the smoking section because there were nonsmokers who were waiting to be seated (even tho I got there first.) She asked them if they'd mind sitting in smoking. When i said I was there first, and I had ASKED for smoking section. She told me it was restaurant policy to seat all nonsmokers first. I then walked.
2007-01-03 09:53:47 · answer #3 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of single diners (one tops) are either on a budget, or since they are by themselves they don't splurge on the appetizer or dessert. This sends the server's averages by table or by person down. Many establishments give the best sections to the servers that can sell the most, so maybe that is why they are hesitant about serving one person.
When I dine by myself, I like to sit at the bar. I always get served quickly and I get to talk to other patrons and the bartender. If you can establish a repoire with the bartender, he'll treat you great. This is coming from a fellow bartender/server.
2007-01-03 01:28:32 · answer #4 · answered by trabear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually restaurants don't like to serve a party of ONE because table are for 4, or 6 or 8. There are no tables for one. They don't know if you would consider it an intrusion if strangers were brought to your table so they cannot take it for granted that they may do so. Some restaurants get around this by having in addition to all their tables, a bar, where individuals alone may eat.
2006-12-30 19:15:44 · answer #5 · answered by kasandra k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you sit there and read? A lot of one tops sit for a long time and read to entertain themselves. Waiters hate that. They need to keep turning the tables to make money. The bar loves one tops, specially ones who keep ordering drinks. I agree. It's a money thing my friend.
2006-12-30 11:18:18 · answer #6 · answered by HeartOfGlass 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because tables are made for 2 or more. and by you using a table (as 1 person) they are losing profit
. And if it is already busy thats one extra space for another paying person
2006-12-30 11:04:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
because they don't make as much money on you. Most tables are set for 2 or more.
2006-12-30 19:10:35 · answer #8 · answered by learealtor2003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they wont a lot of people in one table so they can get more money and charger more.
2006-12-30 14:07:34 · answer #9 · answered by lilbeaver67 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all about the money.I try to frequent the same place and tip well.The waitress usually remembers me so I get good service.
2007-01-02 19:23:45 · answer #10 · answered by Linda C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most restaurants have counters with stools, they are used for party's of one.
2007-01-02 12:11:42 · answer #11 · answered by snoweyowl44 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋