Now, I want to clarify. As servers, we don’t assume that because you are a one-top you are bitter. Far from it! I have three one-top regulars off the top of my head that I can think of, and not one of them has ever had a cross word to say to me. I admire people that come into a sit-down restaurant and have a meal alone, because frankly I’ve never been able to do that myself. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely consider myself to be a confident person. But to walk into an establishment like ‘look, I’m hungry, I don’t want a fast food burger, and I don’t need to go find somebody who wants to hang out with me just so I can eat’ I mean that is so awesome! So trust me when I say this. Servers don’t automatically feel pity or disrespect for a one-top.
Special Note: All of my tables start out with an A with me. Even if I took care of you before and you had an attitude problem. I just assume you had a bad day before. Your behaviour, the way you choose to conduct yourself determines your grade with me. When you decide not to be an A-1 customer, there’s a good chance you’re not getting my A game any longer. I’m now focusing that on my customers who still believe in using manners.
We’re servers, not servants.
Back to the one-tops. People tend to walk into a restaurant as a one-top assuming no one wants to serve them, all the waitstaff is in the back locked in an intense rock-paper-scissors deathmatch, and you’re going to get a resentful server who drew the short straw. I’ll tell you this: I love one tops! They’re generally nice, easy going people. Business types, or mothers out running errands, people who are thrilled to grab a peaceful moment to have a good meal and reflect on their day or return phone calls. Nine times out of ten they are low maintenance, and leave phenomenal tips. I can have a section with a four-top, a two-top and a one-top. I give all three tables excellent service I should get excellent tips, right? Sometimes I’ll get five dollars from the $50 four top, $4 from the $35 two top, and $7 (the change from a twenty) from the one-top! Which table do you think I’m happier about?
If you are embarassed to be by yourself, I’m sorry. If you’re depressed because you’d rather not be there by yourself, again, I’m sorry. I don’t want you to feel bad about yourself! I don’t want any of my RCs to be sad. But you chose to eat out by yourself, as opposed to hit the drive thru. It’s not fair to make me miserable about it. I’m just saying.
I'm a first time reader of your blog. I really love it. Your writing is excellent and entertaining. I have read other blogs by servers and it seems like people who come to eat at your establishments 9 out of 10 times seem to be mean, rude and sometimes outright hard to deal with. I have dined with family, friends and sometimes alone and I have never looked down on the wait staff. I find it strange that people go out of their way and give the server a hard time. Regardless of a person's job everyone should be treated as they would want to be treated. I have a lot of respect for you to be able to deal with nut jobs and still have a smile on your face the next time they come in.
Bravo.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your encouragement!! Writing this blog helps me keep a smile on my face at work! LOL! God Bless!
I am hyper-sensitive when I dine alone because normally I bring a book. I always tell the server “I get you need to turn the tables- kick me out when you need too”. If I am alone it is at 11am or 3pm. Never during busy period. If I go at peak time, I try to eat at the bar.
Hi Connie! You are soooooooooo awesome! You’re one of the reasons I love one-tops as a general rule. One-tops are usually very low maintenance, with great attitudes. Thanks so much for reading, commenting, and for joining my email list! God bless!
Whenever I approach a customer I am vigilant to always be aware that “It’s not about me”.
Oftentimes a customer is just having a bad day. Acknowledging this and maybe saying “Wow! Some days I just wish I could rewind my day and start again. How about you?” That kind of commiseration makes a customer feel like I can relate and that I care about their plight. Always works for me!! Great article and a hoot to read! It put a smile on my face.
That’s a great tip, I think I’ll try saying that to my next grumpy guest! Thanks for reading and contributing. God bless!