Food is Heavenly; Service is Terrible. What do you do?

Question

Do you never go back? Do you complain to the management? Do you stiff on the tip? Do you ignore the server's attitude and chow down?

Answer 1

Well, since the food is good..... start asking. Start with the waiter, "why does it take so long to get our food?" He may say that they are short staffed in the kitchen (now you know not to undertip the waiter). Be nice to your waiter and compliment the food and ask if the owner knows and is planning about fixing it because you want to be a regular. If the owner is available, ask to speak with him and take the same approach. If unavailable, ask for a comment card or for the waiter to pass on the word! Many times if the owner is there and you politely express the good with the bad, the owner will comp something to show his good will and desire to keep your business. If you don't say anything or don't return they won't know for sure why.

Answer 2

If the food is good, you may as well enjoy it. Return for more, but on the return trip, see about getting a different waiter.

In this time of change, finding employees is hard and many restaurants won't do more than give you a nod or two when you complain to the manager. When you go to leave, usually they say "Did you enjoy your meal?" State your case. "The food was heavenly, the service sucked." Let them decide how to handle it, or whether to get the manager. Keep it simple, to the point and polite. (After all the Manager is not the one who gave you the bad experience.)

As for the tip? Tip according to service. For truly bad service, leave a penny (1¢). This is the ultimate insult (though many young waiters/waitresses do not get the insult)

Answer 3

I would speak with the manager and tell them that you love the food, but cant stand the service! And that it will deter you from coming back. If you've already spoken with them, then I would suggest you move up on the ladder and speak with the owner or the District Manager. I would also suggest that you let them know up front that your not trying to get a free meal or anything like that, you just want to let them know that they can provide a better service for there customers if there is changes made. Good luck, happy eating!

Answer 4

Talk to the manager. You only tip what you think the service is worth. No less than 10% though. The average is now 20%

Answer 5

Tell the server you would like to see the manager. When the manager comes over, request a different server. If the manager does not come to the table, there is no tip, and I certainly let him/her know why on my way out.

Answer 6

Go back but not soon. Complain to the management if it can be done quickly and conveniently. Leave a tip of 2 cents and hope the server complains about it; if he complains to you offer to discuss it with him and the manager.

Answer 7

If you don't like the service, get your food to go and eat at home but make sure you tip them a few dollars. They DO have to package the food, ring it up, check the order, get bread, etc. etc. for it and don't even make minimum wage most of the time.

Answer 8

I have a sure fire way if getting good service from a place with great food. Get 10 bucks in one dollar bills. Lay it on the table. Don't show them how much it is. Just make sure they make a tall stack. Tell the server if you have to ask for tea or a napkin or rolls, you'll take a bill away. Do this and see what kind of service you get then. I bet it'll be better.

Answer 9

I will eat the food then if the waitress trys to pop a attitude I will straighten him/her out then talk to the manager! TRY IT

Answer 10

Talk to the manager.