This is how you behave in the hospitality industry in good weather!
August 12, 2020 · Wouter Verkerk
HOreca people are the heroes of our timeThey sacrifice much more than you think to give you wonderful moments and, moreover, always do their best. Sometimes things go wrong, but be honest; surely a great deal more goes wrong in your own work, not to mention your household. While you complain about the heat at home, a chef just keeps going at 50 degrees—now it’s your turn!
Shall we make the following arrangements with you?
Hospitality workers are people too—infinitely more fun, nicer, and often better-looking than ordinary people—but they do sometimes make mistakes. If you can't handle that and get very angry about it, and think you are free to start swearing and shouting loudly, then it might be better to look for a flawless environment. Perhaps a five-star hotel in Paris is an option for you? Or are you lacking the budget?
Give a tip or a compliment!
If you see someone working who makes things easy for you, takes good care of you, and truly pampers you, enjoy it. Let the employee know that you appreciate their efforts through a generous tip and/or a sincere compliment. Good service gives a wonderful feeling and is certainly not always a given. Especially when you consider that you prefer to get the best value for your money, and you can guess three times who feels that frugality in their wallet?!
You may be visiting this restaurant for the first time; however, your waiter or waitress works here and is familiar with the area. Although you might get the impression that you know things better and are more knowledgeable, that is unlikely. It is always advisable to rely on the staff member's specific knowledge regarding this restaurant.
Don't order tap water as an aperitif!
If you want a hospitality business to employ adults who are well paid and do not have to work too many hours, if you want the establishment to be well maintained, the products used to be selected and prepared with care, and the owner to be allowed to earn something as well, then do not ask for a glass of tap water that you do not want to pay for as an aperitif. Moreover, do you occasionally remember that we were closed for a few months?
Hospitality professionals master their trade under the most demanding conditions. However, you do not need to constantly put that professionalism to the test by picking glasses from trays, placing them correctly, stacking plates, and indicating whether to handle plates that are far too hot only to let go again screaming. It is also common practice in a restaurant to remain seated more or less motionless when a course or drink is being served. Your flailing arms would be an unnecessary obstacle.
Photo by Stephan Müller via Pexels
The experience lies in the unknown
Before you choose the carpaccio, the steak, and the crème brûlée from the menu, ask yourself which dishes you haven't already eaten a hundred times. Consider ordering something you are unfamiliar with. You will find that it enhances and pleases your dining experience. The ‘experience’ lies in the unknown, not in what you already know.
When you park your rollator, suitcase, and/or buggy in a hospitality establishment, would you please take a moment to ask yourself whether the other guests and staff have a clear passage? The same applies to the space your chair occupies when you recline it.
If you wish to smoke a cigarette between courses, you will unfortunately be directed outside. Would you be so kind as to plan your smoking breaks in consultation with the wait staff, so that they can ensure you receive your meal warm?
A drink on the house? NO!
Hospitality staff create a festive atmosphere in a restaurant. They are aware that many visitors share a celebratory moment together, and they will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable. If you are wondering whether they couldn't also ‘just offer a drink on the house,’ the answer to your rude question is NO!
Hospitality professionals are known for their sense of humor. Guests are therefore free to play along. It might be good for you to know that hundreds of people eat in a restaurant every week who have also played the joker in similar situations. Unless you don't mind being the last one to crack a joke, it might be wise to take the above into consideration before you launch into your knee-slapper.
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