Ok, so I may be the minority here, but for the most part I love my tables. I enjoy people, and they pay my bills, even though what I have to do for them isn't all that hard. So, bring your kids, or your uppity attitude and I have no qualms because I'm just your server. I don't need your humble respect or overwhelming graciousness--just a decent tip between 12 and 20 percent, provided that I don't seriously screw anything up.It takes a lot for someone that doesn't even know me to make me feel bad. I've got thick skin and it seems to help when dealing with the occasional jerk. I figure that the chip on their shoulder isn't my fault anyways and if I somehow make them feel better by just taking it with a smile or, better yet, finding a way to make them smile. Those types, along with the needy types, who run ya around a lot and implicitly try to belittle you, I view as a challenge, game and opportunity. If I go above and beyond in some way or another, then I will often get a great tip. Very rarely does someone give you less than ten percent when you gave it a hundred and ten percent.
All that aside, I guess the part about serving that really roasts my chestnuts is when I can't do my job as well as I would like. For instance, when I have wait for change or a computer, or some other hold up when I know that there are empty glasses that need to be filled. Or when things work out to where all of the sudden I need to be in four places at once and then have no choice but to make people wait for service. I pride myself on paying attention to detail and being Johnny on the Spot with refills, clearing plates, etc before they have to ask. It's all about anticipating their needs and doing everything within my control to make things as splendid as possible. I feel that I am in the business of delight, not satisfaction. In order to make the most money from every table I have to exceed their expectations, not just meet them. Anyone who has seen my reaction to anything or anyone standing in my way of doing just that knows that I am way too serious about it :) But it's worth it when you know you made someone's experience that much more enjoyable or keep them coming back.
