Slow Service & No Ice

September 9, 2012

in Server Stories

My friend and I were at a burger place (think Brooklyn). We were repeat customers; never had a bad experience. We walked in the place, sat down, and a few minutes later we decided to move to the outside tables. The server seemed annoyed about this but he was still fine. We probably waited 10 minutes or so until my friend flagged down the server for her water. I asked for a Sprite. There were only about 2 tables. We waited ten minutes for our drinks… and we were REALLY thirsty. The other table was really nice and shared their waters with us.

Finally our server took our order. I asked for my Sprite again. I asked for a hamburger with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. I think my friend asked for a salad. The server was really snappish. While I asked for my Sprite, he interrupted me to tell me they were out of ice cubes. I was… in shock. How could they be out of ice cubes? The person at the other table said, “Hey, what do you mean? I got eight ice cubes.”

The server looked REALLY annoyed and spat, “We have limited ice trays.”

Limited ice trays. Seriously. I finally agreed to a Sprite with no ice. Five minutes later he returned with the Sprite. No apology. Just plunked it down. We waited for the burger. And waited some more. I looked at my iPod. One HOUR waiting. The server stopped by our table. And stood there, frowning at us. We were really hungry. The other table offered to share some crackers with us. I could feel my stomach rumbling to ” Tik Tok.” Finally the food came. The server almost threw it on the table. The burger and salad were fine. We decided to give the server a 12% tip.

Update: I never did see that server again at that restaurant.

– Herk

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

Ramsay September 9, 2012 at 9:08 pm

If the server treated you so poorly why did you even bother leaving a tip?

Reply

Siobhan October 8, 2012 at 11:58 pm

Because some people with class realize there is a SLIGHT possibility that there are extenuating circumstances. 🙂 Stiffing is very rarely remotely acceptable.

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nyrB November 19, 2012 at 8:07 pm

there's no circumstances that excuse that kind of unprofessional behaviour.

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rei tona November 25, 2012 at 4:27 am

Not leaving a tip is lowering yourself to his level… we have to set good examples and be the change we want to see in the world. stiffing your server never accomplishes that.

Reply

Smithy September 10, 2012 at 10:28 am

That was stupid. Stiff the server – NO tip! Walk out guilt free for that crappy service.

Reply

clare September 10, 2012 at 6:55 pm

The server would not have received 2%, let alone a 12% tip and I would have had a little talk with the restaurant manager too.

Reply

thebabbster September 11, 2012 at 6:20 am

That waiter doesn’t need to be in the f&b industry. That’s for sure!

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poco September 15, 2012 at 11:24 pm

No way in hell I'd have waited an hour for a burger and a salad. I would have walked out taking a moment to speak to the manager on my way.

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Supa September 22, 2012 at 9:07 pm

You should have gone to Burger King. Lol.

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idrisbk September 29, 2012 at 9:36 am

Hi, I'm the original poster.
I did speak to the restaurant manager.
Thanks for your comments!

Reply

Herk October 2, 2012 at 9:08 pm

No, actually I happen to be the original poster. Oh yeah, and thanks for your comments.

Reply

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