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Reader offers tips for restaurants

Aug 23rd, 2009 by Rosemary

I recently received this witty letter from a reader, and I had to share it.

Would love to hear what you think, I myself am a little torn.

Here it is:

Good morning Ms. Ford,

Since you review restaurants for The Eagle-Tribune, I would like to comment on disincentives for eating out. I suggest eating places could do better by putting themselves in the position of their patrons.

How to make the experience comfortable:

1. Turning down the lights at 6 p.m. Why? So the customers find it hard to see the food? I asked at once place and was told it was for atmosphere. This wasn’t a bar. It was a family restaurant. Darkness isn’t atmosphere. It is darkness. Is there a ground swell of customer requests for darkness?

2. Waitstaff asking, “Is everything all right?” several times. Don’t ask. If it’s not, I will tell you. Why do I have to interrupt my meal to talk to you. You are the waitstaff, serve competently and the tip will be good. These interruptions don’t improve my dining experience.

3. Waitstaff asking, “Have you eaten here before?” Why the question? Do I get a free appetizer if I have?

The Burger Kings of the world do it better. Good service. Decent quality. Good lighting. Others could learn from them.

Posted in Dining out | View Comments

  • andymurray

    Really, Burger King? That's the idea for an enjoyable meal? I agree about the darkness campaign (I would add the deafening cacophony of music and shouting most bars have), but you don't like it when waiters interrupt your meal to talk? So we're supposed to eat alone in a well lit area where people don't ask if we've been there before? Sounds a little institutional. Cafe Mass General. Or Chez MCI Concord. Here's a trick I try to remember when I'm feeling blue. People in the service industry are human beings, too. That always makes it easier for me to talk to them. Who knows? You might even make a friend. Of course then you have to tip. But the food's way better than Burger King.

  • penelopepeapod

    having worked in the business of serving customers , the reasoning behind asking questions of you're diners is that some will NEVER tell you on their own if there's an issue, instead taking it out on the waitperson by STIFFING THEM, so in the long run, those destined for Burger king should GO THERE.

  • Rosemary

    lmao Andy

  • Rosemary

    Good point, penelopepeapod.

  • Gregg

    I have an answer as to why we ask if you've been to our restaurant before. Many times, someone who is there for the first time does not know the menu at all. By asking that question, we can better guide the guest through the order process rather than assuming the guest knows all our dressings, sides, and other commonly asked questions. For example, I work at a restaurant that isn't simply “be seated and a server will be right there to help you.” Therefore, if I know it's a guest's first visit, I will guide them on how to get their food, how to order, where they can sit, etc. If I do that with every guest, the regulars will be annoyed. If I don't do it with anyone, the new people will be confused. It's a simple yes/no question and if it bothers you that much, then there is probably other issues you need worked out.

    As for your second point, about servers asking if everything is alright. You say “if it's not, I will tell you.” OK, maybe you will, but 90% of guests will not say anything unless we ask them. And if we don't ask them, and they leave without the issue being address, they are likely not to come again.

  • Rosemary

    Good points Gregg. I hope our angry eater reads this.

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