is it rude to text message and talk on a cell phone in a restaraunt?

Question

I am a waitress and many times I am speaking to my guests and they answer their phones or they are text messaging while I am trying to get their order. does anyone else think that is rude? or is that acceptable because everyone does it?

Answer 1

It's both rude of them and not acceptable.
Walk away and go to another table and come back later. If they complain about poor service tell them you didn't want to interrupt their "more important" conversation!

Answer 2

I am so glad you brought this up. I am also a server. At least a few times a shift customers interupt my job telling them specials or trying to get their order by answering their phone. It's always some annoying ringtone at the highest volume level. Other customers are trying to enjoy their dinner and then all of a sudden.....
I have other tables to take care of rather than to keep checking to see if you are on your phone still.
I just think it is so rude. They tell you to continue, but they are not paying attention, and you just end up repeating yourself. I know I am just a lowly server, but I believe it is disrespectful to not look at someone when they are speaking to you. Many times customers will even talk over you as you are trying to serve them. I just don't understand it.

Answer 3

yes. Yes. And- YES! It's VERY Rude, extremely annoying, -and shows just how MANY people- don't have any SENSE!!! It's TOTALLY unacceptable... -& I'm looking forward to the day- when a Signal Blocking Device is invented & installed in Restaurants, Drs. Offices, & Movie Theaters- that will Automatically SILENCE any cell phone that comes within its range! (they might put them in Cars -too, -to keep them from being used -when the car's in motion!) Someday... :)

Answer 4

The person receiving a phone call doesn't know how important a call it could be. Maybe there's a problem with their kids - two years ago my elderly mother called saying she couldn't breath. Taking that call saved her life.

However, most calls can be delayed. Americans, in particular, need to learn to tell their callers that they are at a restaurant and will return the call when they leave.

It is rude to make unnecessary calls - it's rude to the people they're with and it's rude to other diners in the restaurant. We don't need or want to listen to your life. They're stealing from out time.

Answer 5

It's super rude. I can't stand it when someone I'm with gets on their cell phone. It's like saying they think they're more important than everyone else. So rude.

Answer 6

So frigg'n RUDE. I used to be a checker in a market and I hated when people would be talking on their phone while I am ringing up their things. As I greeted them they totally ignored me.

Answer 7

Heaven forbid anyone should leave their phone at home. It's rude.

Answer 8

OMG I hate that!!!! I could not agree with you more...some people dont even realize its rude...COME ON!!! I can not stand when I am out with a friend and they do that!!

Answer 9

Yes I think so but now a days life moves so fast...If I am out without my kids and my phone rings..the world will have to stop so I can make sure they are okay!

Answer 10

Omg! you ppl are sooo clueless of yourselves really, like seriously, answering a call while your dining out or whatever, is so rude??? what about Kissing in public?? what about showing your goodies to every1 else in public?? what about a teenager not listening to his/her parents?? Come on! Think before you type ppl, but, although I do agree with answering your cell phone or textin' whatever is rude when your with with others depending on what matter your in,and especially when a waiter/waitress is trying to take your order ;)