Why do waiters clear the table before everyone is done eating? I'm always the last to finish and I feel very uncomfortable eating when my plate is the only one on the table. Is this wrong for a waiter to do?
2007-06-20 00:52:12 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
I also hate when my plate is the only one remaining on the table but don't be so quick to judge the waiter. I worked in a restaurant for 11 years and the management team made us do this. I objected because I think it is very rude but they seem to think that the customers who were finished eating, didn't want to look at their dirty plate while waiting on everyone else to finish. I guess it is just policy in some restaurants, so your waiter was probably just doing his job.
2007-06-20 12:05:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are still eating then NO they shouldn't take it. Even if everyone else is finsihed eating they shouldn't you payed for your meal and presumbly are going to be tipping them, they are there to serve you ( you should be respectful to waiters/waitresses though) but it is there job, next time they try to take your plate before you are done put your hand over it and respectfully say thank you but i'm not finished, they may scoff a little but who cares, you are there to enjoy yourself and eat at your pace not theres. Which the first person who answered hit on- they are just trying to get your table out faster eaither to close up or get more people in. Good luck and stand your ground!
2007-06-20 11:17:09 · answer #2 · answered by cattier23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thing about a pet peeve is it could be normal but it pisses you off anyways lol.
I wokr in a resturaunt and yes, the waiter/waitresses are SUPPOSED to clear your table of any empty dishes so we can wash them and use them for other orders. But if you would prefer it you can just ask them to leave it there. They might give you an odd look but thats better then your plate being the only on on the table ont cha think? ;)
Good luck sweetums!
<3 Janna
2007-06-20 07:57:45 · answer #3 · answered by Janna L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the reason the waiter is clearing off the table is out of respect for the host and or hostess who has to clean off your table after you leave....where I work they are suppose to clean off the table in two minutes regardless of the table size SO anything they can get out of the way helps....also when you are done eating do you really want your empty plate just sitting there while you try and have a conversation???
2007-06-20 10:25:01 · answer #4 · answered by JenS12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, its not wrong. In fact it is the right thing to do. A table with dirty/empty dishes is very unattractive. A good waiter/waitress will always see that the emptied plates are removed and water, tea, and coffee cups are full.
2007-06-20 09:42:03 · answer #5 · answered by 1 Sassy Rebel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK, here's how I was trained. Clutter on the table looks bad, so you take the obviously empty plates to clear way for coffee or dessert. If you're still eating and have a fork or utensil in your hand, then we shouldn't touch it. If you've laid down your silverware, it's acceptable to ASK if you're finished. But in no way shape or form should a server assume and yank your plate without asking.
2007-06-20 11:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they're just trying to declutter the table to make it more appealing for conversation as well as coffee and dessert. I am a very slow eater as well and my plate is always taken away last, but this does not bother me. What absolutely bothers me in a restaurant is when someone is sitting near me and blows their nose at the table when I'm trying to eat!!!! <*gag*> I would really appreciate it if they went into the restroom to do that!! This is why I don't like going out to eat...people are too damn rude!
2007-06-20 08:03:09 · answer #7 · answered by auntcookie84 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Although you may think its wrong.. its what they are told to do. If you feel uncomfortable maybe you should let everyone else at the table know to keep their plates until you are finished.
2007-06-21 08:51:43 · answer #8 · answered by MsCrtr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!!!! As a waitress I know its almost common knowledge to wait for all parties to finish their meals before clearing plates, say something next time, some people are just impatient and want to close up earllier so they do this to try and make you hurry up
2007-06-20 07:55:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
To avoid clutter. But I sort of remember my mom telling me that they aren't supposed to do that.
However, my pet peeve are waitresses that don't check back often enough. They may be busy but I have had a few who just NEVER come back or having to call another waitress to get us something. They sure get a lousy tip or none. n
2007-06-20 08:02:49 · answer #10 · answered by Nikki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋