(DA) I knew there was a reason...

Apart from the idea of 'tips' I knew there was a reason I wanted to work as a server. I wanted to be able to relate to the people who handle my food in a restaurant, and know all the steps that go in to good service. That way I can really appreciate their hard work, and can empathize when something doesn't go according to plan.

I've been at this job for nearly 2 months and I've already gain a whole new perspective on the work that goes into working at a restaurant.

Things I never thought of before:

-Servers are busy! They often have many more tables than the one you are at.
-If you have a party, especially one with dietary restrictions, call ahead to the restaurant so they can prepare for you.
-If you have a coupon, get a discount, or free meal, if you enjoyed the service your server gave you, tip on the price without the discount. Servers don't make anywhere close to minimum wage and they give a percentage of their tips to the bartenders, hostesses and the kitchen staff.
-Tip on a bottle of wine. Servers uncork it and serve it. It's the same as we do for your beer.
-If you have an allergy, let your server know. They will go out of their way to accommodate you. If you have a food sensitivity, let your server know. Instead of saying, "No ranch", say, "I am lactose intolerant, so I won't need the ranch sauce." Or, if you just don't like something, tell your server. If you don't like bacon on your Caesar salad, let them know.
-Cooks rarely get praise for their hard work. If you liked your meal, tell the server to thank the kitchen staff.
-Kitchen staff work on their feet, in the heat, for HOURS, without breaks. When your tummy rumbles hungrily, they are working, and they keep working till you are long gone.
-Dishwashers are highly underrated.

In conclusion, working in a restaurant is like working with people who aren't thanked enough for their work and don't get paid enough for all that they do. Just because the patrons don't the work, doesn't mean it's not happening. Be courteous to your waitstaff and thank them for a job well done!

-Brandolyn