When I was in fourth grade a classmate asked me to come to his houses one Saturday. This was a big deal to me because I never got asked to come to someone’s house.

So Saturday arrived, and I was dropped off.

I don’t remember much about the day. I do remember it was chilly. He wanted to play outside. I wanted to play a game, Mousetrap if I remember correctly. We ended up outside at his mothers suggestion.

At some point my parents arrived to pick me up. I reluctantly got into the car saying I wish I could stay longer.

My mother turned and said, “you never want to over stay your welcome.” I had no idea what this meant till years later, but I remember her saying it vividly.

It was true then.

It’s still true.

Know when to leave.

Even at a restaurant.

Tonight three ladies showed up at the door at 5:00. They wanted to sit at the bar. Unfortunately, I couldn’t sit the three of them together.

But.

A reservation for 5:00 had cancelled.

I gave the women this table.

And back to seating people I went.

And as 7:00 approached I watched as they continued to sit at the table. Even though they were finished.

7:00 came and went. And they continuited to sit.

7:30 approached and they continued to sit.

By this time the server has lost two opportunities for a 4 top. And I’ve had to move people around to tables they didn’t want to keep things moving.

They finally got up around 7:40. Having been finished with their meal almost 45 minutes.

This happens a lot.

Sometimes they sit for two hours after they have finished their meal.

It also happens a lot at the end of the night with people thinking that because we close at 8:30 it doesn’t matter.

Fun fact: we take our last reservation at 8:30. Especially in the summer. So while you sit, the smiths are in the lobby still hungry.

When in doubt ask the server if they need your table. Ask if you can move to bar or cocktail area.

Years ago we sat a table at 5:15. A 30ish couple. At 8:45 I approached the table and explained if they wanted dinner they’d have to order now as we closed at 9:00. I don’t remember if they ordered. Just that they sat for 4 hours without ordering.