Badgering the witness, I mean customer.....

Ever have one of those bosses who seems to think everyone is inept? Surely we are far too stupid to have done our jobs correctly. At times he makes us wonder why we are even allowed to live.

There have been numerous times when someone at the bar is having an appetizer, there are a couple of bites left, and he reaches to take the plate out of the way (because I’m too ignorant to remove a dirty plate) only to be told by the customer, “We’re not done with that yet.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have served entrees at tables, noticed that the bread basket was empty and asked them if they would like more. “No, we’ve had enough bread.” A minute later, he swoops by and decides they need more bread, and drops off an overflowing basket. Good move. How are we supposed to sell them dessert if you keep force feeding them bread?!?

One night he stopped by a table to chat. It was the last table in there, they were all finished with their meal, and in the course of conversation he asks them if they want coffee. “No, thank you.” “How about some dessert?” (As though these questions had never entered the servers mind) “No, thank you, we’re stuffed.” “Are you sure you don’t want any coffee?” “Yes, we’re sure.” There he goes with the force feeding again. Quit badgering the customer! They have already been asked these questions by the server!

Oh! One night a woman sat the bar, she was waiting for a friend and decided to order some appetizers for them to split, as she was expecting him to arrive any minute. Well, her friend was a little late, she ate half the appetizers, and saved the rest for him. As Mr. Let Me Overwhelm You with Unnecessary Questions, comes over to chat (her knew her) he stared with the 20 questions again. “Can I wrap these up for you?” “No, I’m waiting for Bob.” “Do you need more wine?” (I’m standing right here!) Her glass was half full. “No, I’m fine at the moment.” “Can I get you some more bread and oil?” “No, I’m fine.” “Are you sure you don’t want a box for these leftovers?” (Once again) “No, these are for Bob, he’ll be here soon.” “Can I take anything out of your way?” (He’s really trying way too hard to find fault with something I may or may not have done) Now she’s getting exasperated. “NO. I don’t need anything, everything is fine, We’ve got it all under control.” Really dude! All objections overruled! Go away!

When he finally walked away, she looked at me and said, “I used to work in restaurants. I’m not going to let him undermine you.” Enough said. (And than you, ma’am.)