I used to work at an independent coffee shop which has 2 owners, one owner is at the cafe everyday and there is a "silent partner" who comes in maybe once every 2 months or so. the owner who is there everyday loved me, thought that I did great and she actually wanted to put me up for a promotion to manager and keyholder.
However, the silent partner was there just last week and he thinks that I was 'flirting with the customers" and fired me on the spot.
I was not flirting with the customers but instead providing good customer service. We have lots of repeat customers and I knew most of them by name, what they usually order and some I even know more about them. He said that I was flirting when I told 1 guy that I like his tie and he also said i was flirting when I asked another guy how his vacation went and I am glad he is back. According to the silent partner, I am only allowed to take orders and ring up customers. NOT 'flirt" . what is your opinion on this?
2007-10-27 03:46:32 · 16 answers · asked by blah 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Even though what you were doing would probably not be considered by most people to be flirting, you are probably in a right to work state (where collective bargaining is weak) and only work at the will of your employer. If they want to fire you for any reason except for those classes of employees protected by law, they can. I had a job at a country club. When one of the members who was also a friend had a fight with his partner, I patted his shoulder and told him it would be okay. The next day I was fired for being physically gay at work.
2007-10-27 04:13:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like this silent partner really needs to get out more. Seriously, a friendly server is the perfect way to attract customers. If you know you're going to be greeted with a smile by someone you actually know, it makes all the difference. Otherwise you can just go anywhere if you just want to be ignored.
I'm guessing this silent partner is a broker, or some other impersonal professional and is the primary investor. He doesn't really understand the hospitality industry, he just wants to make money. Hopefully you can talk to the other guy and keep your job. But really even if you do, start looking for other work. The silent partner is obviously going to be a problem.
Good luck to you.
2007-10-27 11:17:34 · answer #2 · answered by rohak1212 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say you kick that so called "silent partner" in the shin and get a new job. He obviously has no idea what the benefits of good customer service are. If you ask me, he must be jealous. Forget about him. Talk to the owner that is at the cafe everyday about the situation. If that owner doesn't fix it. Do what I said. Good luck!
2007-10-27 03:52:29 · answer #3 · answered by Amos E 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I worked at this restaurant for two years, i was head wait. We served up to 300 people. Maybe more at times if we had receptions. Anyways. i was making great money. loved me job on time every day stayed late and worked my *** off. I got fired for "flirting" my boss said "this is not hooters you are not welcome here" I have a large chest and i wore my work shirts he gave me, (an XL because he made me wear it, and i am a normal M (I'm only 140). Anyways. i know what your saying, do i think it's fair no???? because you were giving more to the customers than others, you wanted them to keep coming back, so you had to make them feel like you really appreciated them!? that's not flirting, that's doing a favor for where you work... with repeat customers. they will come in for the hospitality not just what you sell.
2007-10-27 03:59:31 · answer #4 · answered by mommak071005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know the customer is always right-lol. I work at a truck stop overnight and i encounter all kinds of crazy people-i have been cursed out so many times-. I wish that i could say that or worse to many of my customers-I bet it felt good though didn't it. Maybe some day when i don't need my job so bad i will-lol.
2016-03-13 07:30:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go to the labor board and tell them what happened and the should be able to give your job back, Even if you were or weren't flirting thats not a reason to fire you. What a dick ,he should be fired. He should be promoting you cause from what I can see your great with customers and when you ask customers questions it shows you care. Maybe he fired you cause he was scared some guy might take you away from him. I think he did it cause he likes you and doesn't have the balls to tell you he likes you and he wants you all to him self. The guys a loser.
2007-10-27 03:54:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
1. he is owner, his word is law.
2. any employment application states that employee may be terminated for any reason the owners see fit, as again, their word is law.
3. he is owner, he sets the rules, there is no higher power unless he breaks the law.
4. he is right, tie comment, vacation talk, etc is flirting as its past the set rules established by the business in how to handle customers. you might not see it as bad, but as a business owner, you are altering what he has set as the rules, rules that are there to grow the business a certain way.
2007-10-27 05:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone who doesn't work there has the right/ability to fire you he must be the finance partner. That means he owns it the other runs it. You will be unlikely to change anything going to your everyday boss, you may get somewhere with unlawful firing but best just chalk it up to experience and get a good recommendation from your working boss.
You are going to find ***holes in supervisory rolls that nothing can be done with. You work with those you can but the rest you just move on. Someday they will get theirs.
2007-10-27 04:04:29 · answer #8 · answered by paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO WAY was that flirting. That is just stupid. People LOVE it when you remember personal things about them. I commend you - it's really hard to keep it all straight.
What an IDIOT!
I have to say that MANY MEN tend to think that anytime a woman speaks to a man (stranger) then they are flirting. For instance, if I'm out with friends and I speak with the guy standing next to me, my male friends would say it was flirting when in actuality, I was simply being friendly.
2007-10-27 03:57:22 · answer #9 · answered by audacious440 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That does not seem right. If I went to a place on a regular basis I would hope I could chat with the person who was waiting on me. I hate it when I go into a place and they are rude...don't say hello and just take my money. What did the other owner say that is there everyday? Have you tried to get in touch with him/her?
2007-10-27 03:56:43 · answer #10 · answered by dresh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋