I’d like to speak to the manager!!!
Angry August was in full force tonight.
First 7:00 rolls around and tables are not turning.
A four top comes in.
I recognize one of the women.
She is excited to see me and hugs me.
We chat for a few minutes and she introduces me to her friends.
She says her daughter finally got a job as a sous chef across town at an upscale restaurant.
Their table is ready.
They are taken in by the host.
They are not happy with their table and are asking if they can sit at a two top.
I’m confused as to how this is supposed to happen and the couple for the two top is being seated now.
They ask for me.
I approach the table.
The woman I know speaks.
They are disappointed because they don’t have a window seat. Their friends are from away. They came for the view.
I explain that I can’t ever guarantee a table because I can’t control when people get up.
They change tactics.
They proceed to tell me our beautiful booths are uncomfortable. That they are unbearable. And there is no way anyone should be expected to sit like this.
I don’t even engage.
We’ve sat 100’s of people no one has complained.
I listen. I don’t apologize. And I finally explain that they are at the only table I have.
I leave.
40 minutes later they approach me at the host stand and ask if they can switch tables now.
I think to myself if my mother behaved like this knowing I work in the industry I’d be mortified.
I say no.
Unfortunately, it’s too late to move.
Now it’s 7:20 and tables are still slow.
A four top comes in early. Sits in the lobby. They are offered drinks by the bartender.
I go into the lobby.
See a woman standing there and say hello. She lets me k ow she is waiting to be seated at the bar. I notice the host had already checked her in.
It’s 7:23. Everyone waiting is a 7:30 reservation.
I go back to the dining room to formulate a plan.
I head back to the lobby and there is a man standing at the bar.
I approach him.
I may I help you.
He looks at me and says who are you?
I explain that I am the manager and ask if I can help him.
He says he getting a drink.
I tell him that unfortunately he can’t get a drink at the bar.
He says I can’t get a drink?
I say unfortunately no.
He says we’ll those people have drinks.
I explain that the bartender got them drinks.
He says he’s been waiting out there but Jo one got him drink.
I try to explain it’s because he’s not sitting at a cocktail table.
He moves back to the bar.
I say, I’m sorry sir but you can’t belly up to the bar for a drink.
He says so I can’t get a drink and stand over there.
He’s getting angry.
I say no you can’t belly up to the bar.
He says I seriously can’t get a drink from the bartender and drink it while I wait.
I say you can’t belly up to the bar.
He’s retorts you’ve said that four times already.
And I say, and yet you’re still here.
He immediately wants my name.
And unbeknownst to me he begins videoing me as I move around the restaurant.
Someone I know at the bar tells me this is happening
He is finally seated and he continues to video me. I wave at him like Forest Gump.
They eat dinner.
As both parties leave I genuinely thank them for coming in.
Neither spoke to me.
I'd Like to Speak to the Manager!!! 