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The Biggest Restaurant No-Nos

Owner lays down the law with these rules for staff

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2009 3:30 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The seafood restaurant Bruce Buschel is building will have excellent service—or else. Some staff members, he acknowledges, "will no doubt protest some or most of what follows," but he's the boss, and he presents 50 rules in his New York Times blog. A tasting menu:

  • "Do not take an empty plate from one guest while others are still eating the same course. Wait, wait, wait."
  • Make sure the table is level and the wine glasses clean before anyone sits down or orders a drink.

  • Keep your hands to yourself, not on the rim of a glass or the spout of a wine bottle, and certainly not on a guest: "Never touch a customer. No excuses."
  • "Saying, 'No problem' is a problem. It has a tone of insincerity or sarcasm. 'My pleasure' or 'You’re welcome' will do."
  • "Never remove a plate full of food without asking what went wrong. Obviously, something went wrong."
To see the complete list—the first of two installments—click the link at right.

After you finish pouring, pick up that glass by the stem, please.
After you finish pouring, pick up that glass by the stem, please.   (Flickr)
This person is still eating, so don't take away other diners' plates, even if they're empty.
This person is still eating, so don't take away other diners' plates, even if they're empty.   (Flickr)
Saying 'no problem' to a customer is actually a problem.
Saying 'no problem' to a customer is actually a problem.   (Flickr)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
Krystle
Oct 31, 2009 12:04 PM CDT
Most of them I agree with. Kind of silly to not to allow a polite interruption during a conversation though, especially when some people can blabber on for hours. A waiter shouldn't be expected to have to eavesdrop and wait for a cue to approach a table. Something I do hate though that wasn't on the list yet...when a waiter either kneels down or sits at my table like he's my buddy. I think it's pretty damn rude to just sit at my table and definitely not cute at all.
maevealleine
Oct 31, 2009 8:32 AM CDT
I'm a girl and I still think that restaurants that have all-male waiters are the most elegant. Also, restaurants have lost a lot of their elegance and grace. I've noticed most servers don't even know which side of a person to serve and clear plates. Basic stuff...all becoming lost.
RobN
Oct 30, 2009 12:30 PM CDT
You think the kid at McDonald's is less likely to put something in your food than a career waiter at a really nice restaurant?

 
servers • restaurant • seafood • dining • restaurant industry • waitress • waiter

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