Customer Etiquette: Advice from an Ex-Foodworker

Hey, how’re you doing? I’m sure we’ve all ordered out, gone to a restaurant, or sped through a drive-thru. It can be one of the most stressful things ever… for the employee. Having spent 8+ years in the food service industry working my way through college and then well into my twenties, I can assure you that you probably haven’t been the easiest customer. Here’s a quick list of customer etiquette advice.

Give your greeter/cashier your undivided attention. There have been too many times when I’ve greeted a guest with the utmost sincerity only to be ignored or brushed off. Social anxiety exists, we all know that, but a small nod helps us feel better.

If you ask a question, let us answer you. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had a guest ask me about the respective restaurant and it’s ordering procedure only to interrupt me and ask about something I was just about to explain.

Please don’t get mad if the establishment doesn’t meet your dietary restrictions. At most of the fast service restaurants I’ve worked at, we’ve been more than happy to go out of our way to accommodate your gluten free, dairy free, low sugar, vegan, meal but sometimes things are sold out or inventory was screwed and we weren’t able to, but that doesn’t mean we were out to get you. Things happen and it sucks, but your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

Be patient during busy hours. If you’re walking into a popular restaurant on your 30 min lunch break, please understand that at these times, it might take a little longer than normal to get your food to you. Most of the time we’re understaffed and backed up. Pro tip: Order ahead over the phone and cut your wait time in half. No promises though.

Be conscious of the other guests. We have no problem listing every single ingredient in a Caesar salad, but like, if there’s a line building behind you, you might want to let someone in front of you or just go with the most popular menu item.

Understand that we are middlemen. You’ll probably run into a situation at an eatery and realize that a policy they have is a little wonky. It’s probably not fine, but don’t take it out on the 18-year-old cashier who hasn’t developed interpersonal skills. You can get mad or angry, but ask for a manager and have a conversation with them. If you’re inside, use your inside voices.

If we’re reaching out our hand, don’t put your form of payment on the counter. This one is slightly rude. If I had a dollar for every time a customer placed their card or cash onto the counter for me to have to fumble to pick up when my hand was ready to receive it, I probably wouldn’t have to write this list on etiquette in exchange for money 🙂

If you make a mess, let us know. Accidents happen every day, hour, minute, second. Please let us know if something has gone wrong in the dining area or the bathroom. We can get it cleaned up right away and avoid other mishaps.

Tipping. I honestly could care less if you tip because I’m giving everyone the EXACT same service and at the end of the day, I’m getting paid by the hour. You leave nothing or something, but please rethink the petty comments in the tip sections.

Our Bad: If you find something wrong with your meal, no problem, our bad. We’ll make you a completely new dish and probably offer you a refund. Ask and you shall receive.