Server mocks customers who make these common ordering mistakes: ‘Was this your first time out in a bit?’
A server is explaining the dos and don’ts for ordering at a restaurant, including many no-brainers that seemingly go over customers’ heads. Commenters shared some additional tips for clueless customers that would make pretty much every server’s life easier, but they also added that there’s little hope for some restaurant goers who act like it’s their “first day on Earth.”
TikToker Fckraisins (@fckraisins) noticed that some customers come out like it’s their “first time out in a bit.” So, she made a comedic video pointing out some of the most common and frustrating things people have asked her on shift, which has since gotten 2.1 million views on the platform.
In it, she addressed some of the biggest “server icks” there are, from letting someone who can barely read order for the table or ordering items that aren’t even on the menu. Unsurprisingly, many servers in the comments shared that the skit hits pretty close to home.
1. Don’t waste time with lengthy questions or ordering methods
Fckraisins explained a few different serving icks that are awful for those working in the restaurant industry. Amongst those is any sort of comment, complaint, or ordering method that results in a server having to meander around the table waiting for a response. Or, any sort of question that seems incredibly obvious.
On average, servers can work anywhere from three tables at a time to four or five tables. The number of tables a server works can depend on whether they’re new to the restaurant, but generally, servers have more than one table at any given moment, even if they’re new.
When a server is working with one table and addressing their needs, then they’re not able to address any other table in their section. If one table takes an exceptionally long time to order, for instance, by having a two-year-old try to conduct the entire order like Fckraisins described, it could end up negatively impacting other tables.
Other questions, like having a server “guide” a person through the whole menu or explain simple concepts, take up extra time when ordering and require a significant amount of attention.
2. Don’t make elaborate changes to dishes or order off-menu
Another somewhat obvious but unnoticed idea that Fckraisins pointed out was that servers don’t really like elaborate changes to menu items.
For one, Fkraisins and other servers have noticed customers asking for significant changes to side items that would normally come with ludicrous upcharges. A customer asking to substitute a side of coleslaw for a ribeye, for instance, is a big no-no. It’s not an easy swap to make, and it creates a compilation for the server where they have to vehemently explain why those aren’t equal substitutions.
Asking for items that aren’t even on the menu, too, can create problems for servers. Fckraisins pointed out that some customers “request” items like blended drinks with add-ons even though they already know they’re not offered.
Then, what can be even more frustrating is when customers order things that servers know they won’t like only to complain later. Fckraisins described a typical customer ordering an “arugula salad,” but mentioning that they don’t really even like arugula. When Fckraisins offered a substitute for the arugula or something else entirely, the customer in the hypothetical scenario insisted they wanted it.
Commenters pointed this out, saying that there was a huge chance this sort of hypothetical customer wouldn’t eat the arugula and would instead complain about it after the fact. So, they recommended that servers placed in that position put the arugula on the side if they know a customer isn’t fond of it.
3. Know your allergies and bring a jacket
Commenters who work in the service industry had even more complaints to add to the pile. For one, customers not being aware of their own allergies and the typical items that come in food products is a big ick for servers.
“One time had a lady look at me and say she’s super allergic to tomatoes and ask if spaghetti sauce has tomatoes in it. like actually how did you make it this far,” one commenter shared.
Others emphasized that customers asking for special treatment, such as changing the thermostat by a few degrees for just one table, can be frustrating.
“‘Can you turn the heat on, we’re cold. Just over our table is fine,” as if I can control the heat at certain coordinates,” another viewer added.
According to many viewers, Fckraisins satirical video is “zero exaggeration.” Many servers have encountered identical experiences while working in the restaurant industry to those that the content creator poked fun at. And while most servers will put on a smile and deal with the questions, they won’t be too happy about it during their shift.
@fckraisins Like was this your first time out in a bit or #server #pov #serverlife #restaurant #customerservice ♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89
The Mary Sue reached out to Fckraisins via TikTok direct message for comment.
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