LOL.

I witnessed quite the spectacle today. While enjoying some oysters, I noticed a group of rather annoying customers sitting nearby. They complained about everything from the food to the service, and it was obvious to me (being an ex-waitress) that they were just trying to get a free meal. If you're a server, I'm sure you're getting a very clear mental picture of exactly the type of customer I'm talking about.

At one point, while I was lost in oyster heaven, I guess these people became further angered when their server supposedly "tossed" their change at them after being fed up with their antics. What followed felt so surreal: not just one, but MULTIPLE servers got into it with these customers. They told them they knew what they were doing...just trying to get another free meal by causing drama. As these annoying customers got more heated, so did the servers. They held their ground.

Let's just say things didn't end very well. Nevertheless, it was a dream come true for me. It was as if these servers were saying everything I've ever wanted to say (but couldn't say) to cheap, rude customers. Sure, some of them are probably getting fired. But they MADE. MY. NIGHT.

For those of you who don't know what it feels like to be a server, here are some basic tips on how to be a good customer:

1.) Don't try to complain your way to a free meal. It makes your server look bad, and it makes you look like trailer trash. Then again, if you're actually doing this, you probably are trailer trash.

2.) Learn the tip scale. 10% is for shitty service. 15% is for "ok". 20% is good, and 25% is VERY good. Also, don't shaft your server by leaving a small tip on an expensive meal just because you weren't aware of how pricey it was gonna be. If you can't afford it, go to McDonald's.

3.) Don't walk into a restaurant 5 minutes before they close. It's rude. Would you want to stay at work for an extra hour and a half?

4.) Be nice to your server. Half the time, if something goes wrong it's not his or her fault. How would you like it if he or she came into your workplace and mentally terrorized you?

It's not rocket science, people. Get it together!

xxxxxxx