Is it me, or do people seem to visit restaurants with major attitudes, or look down on food service employees?

Question

I've been on my regular job a few years, but I occasionally work summer jobs as a waiter or host for extra money when there are conventions or major engagements going on.

Some nights I make over $300 in tips alone, but rarely less than $150 and that's part-time.

Anyway, is it just me, or do many customers visit restaurants with attitudes? When you go out for the evening, or meet with others for lunch, isn't that supposed to be a time to relax? Why not stay home and order take out if you're that angry?

Another thing which bugs me, is that many customers assume all food service employees have no other ambitions in life, not that there is anything wrong with those who choose to be full-time waiters or waitresses.

Many of us make more money than the people we serve, or will soon make more as we are in college(such as myself), and others are working these jobs to finance their own businesses. So why do people come into restaurants with attitudes and pre-conceived stereotypes?

BTW, I'd like to say thank you to the customers who are polite, respectful, and generous when they dine for the evening or at other times.

Alwayscurious you missed the point of the question. I'm asking why people who visit restaurants act the way they do, and behave in certain ways. I didn't ask what others thought of me. My question is perfectly natural when you work with people often, especially if you're a people person.

Answer 1

People who are rude to servers at restaurants are generally people who are unsatisfied with their own lives. They come to a restaurant and actually have somebody taking orders from THEM, and they take full advantage of the temporary position of "authority" and complain about everything and talk down to you as if you're stupid. Because they are used to being talked down to themselves in their own lives. Happy, satisfied, generous people are always completely friendly and appreciative of their servers.

Answer 2

I work with the public too, not in a restaurant, but in a pharmacy, so I know what you mean. People can be crazy! If you think restaurant customers are bad, just imagine what we have to deal with in the pharmacy -- sick, grumpy people who need their medicine NOW and can't believe how much costs! But anyway, I know it's a little different for you, and I agree that people should not get so uptight about a relaxed meal or look down on you just because you work as a waiter, but people still expect good service, and I can understand why people get mad if they have to wait an hour for their food while other people who have not been waiting nearly as long are getting their food before you (this has happened to me once); that's inexcusable. But i know from my own experiences dealing with the public that sometimes even if you do give good service, people will find a reason to complain. There are just some people in this world who are extremely hard to please and think the world revolves around them. They don't understand why they have to wait for their order and that you have other customers that you are taking care of as well. These people might change their tunes if they spent a few days working in our shoes and saw what our jobs were really like.

I think the best thing to do is just not let these people get to you. A lot of them have probably had a bad day and are in a pissy mood and are taking their frustrations out on you for no good reason. Or maybe they just weren't hugged enough as a child and are just rude, self-centered people. If so, don't let it bother you. Eventually they will see where their rudeness gets them.

Answer 3

I agree with you totally. I worked in the same rest. for 25 years and it's like they test you on how long it will take them to piss you off. Or they want something for nothing, usually they are the ones with money. Or they order a thick steak or a hamburger well done but are in a hurry. Why they do this is beyond me, I could never figure it out. I just recently moved and the Walmart store I go to, most of the workers are very rude and customers are even worse. They plow into you and don't even say the are sorry. But I also want to say thank you for all the people out there that make our job easier and that are pleasant to wait on and tip you accordingly and just just plain nice. Being nice is a great thing, I wish we could pass it on like a cold or flu bug.

Answer 4

I know exactly what you mean.I worked at sonic and made on a average of 300 to 500 a week with plenty of hours.It was a great job for me at the time and made good money as a carhop.People often do sterotype,don't understand why or they critique every thing.Use to drive me crazy.Some people I think are just born rude and unkind,

Answer 5

yeah. its not just you buddy. i'm a waiter myself part time while going to college. and i have noticed MANY of my customers are very rude and complain alot. and i also feel that they look down on me because I am a waiter. I hate it most when they ignore me when i ask them what they want to order and they just keep talking like i wasnt even standing there...makes me look like an idiot. but dont worry about it dude. the first thing u need to know about waiting is "DONT GIVE A F*^CK!!!!" lol and u will be fine. anyways you will be richer than most of these low life eeediots! have a nice day my friend! lol

Answer 6

In this society or any other society, there are idiots. They are ruining a pleasant dining experience for everyone else. It is time that decent people to take a stand. If it happens in your family or friend, tell these idiots to stop going out to eat altogether. Better yet, tell them go grow their own foods, weave their own clothings, dispose their own garbage, etc...

Answer 7

I think people expect 2 b waited on hand and foot. Also I observe how my friends become snobs,flirts,extra friendly,and have too many expectation on some one waiting on dozens of demanding people. I tip big because I appreciate that they have a job.

Answer 8

I think it's because all of us at some time or another have had a number of bad experiences with food service employees.

This does not excuse the behaviour or make it alright, but perhaps this is why people are on guard so much.

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

Yes, I totally agree, hungry people are grumpy people !!
If I can't kill 'em with kindness, I'll do it with sarcasm!!
After 20 years in the biz I have learned how to deal with just about anything that may be thrown at me, but I never let 'em see me sweat. EVER.

Answer 10

Why waste your time worrying about what others think of you. You know you have ambitions and goals, that is all that matters. People might of had big problems in their lives, that is why they are ignorant. You can't judge anyone unless you truly know them. Be happy and don't waste precious time on other's opinions.