unRavel

Server Chronicles: Campers

istock.com

Campers.

Camping is fun.

You’re in the wilderness, all night, with friends, making s’mores and drinking beer.

That is when you should be camping.

 

When you’ve been sitting in my section for hours after you’ve cashed out, we call you campers, and we don’t like you.

 

This is how the system works:

I have a section, and at my job, it’s usually four tables. That is all I have to make money for the night.

I have to turn these tables to make money.

So, when your check was $28, you tipped me $5, and then you sat for hours, well, you ruined everything.

 


Courtesy of giphy.com

 

In the three hours you sat there gabbing with your friends, I could have turned that table maybe three times. That could have been an extra $15, $30, $45, who knows, but it would have been money that I need, but you aren’t letting me have.

If I have ever sat somewhere chatting for a while, I made sure I tipped well.

And some people do; I have had people that sat forever and threw me an extra $10 or so, which makes it better.

But this is my livelihood that people don’t seem to understand.

Your water has been empty since the sun was still out, yet you are still sitting there.

Aren’t you parched?

 

Can’t you guys talk in the car, or go to the bar next door, or go to a park?

Anywhere. But. Here.

Trying to pay bills here, people.

 

I can’t expect everyone to understand the logistics of how we make money, but know the person that takes care of you, obviously is there working for a reason, so please take care of them, and don’t stay for 4.5 hours.

Yes I have seen that.

Sorry but the booths are NOT that comfortable.

 

Courtesy of quickmeme.com

 

Another note about our sections:

Some servers may have a section in the bar, where tables are first-come, first-served.

This can be a mess, but these are tables where you are still able to drink, and eat dinner.

So when you purchase drinks from the bartender, and then sit down at these tables just because there’s more room, that isn’t fair either.

Why do you do these things?

 


Courtesy of wordpress.com

 

These are a part of my section, and you are taking up space where someone else could be eating and I could be making money.

I should be able to tell you to get up, but I can’t.

This also falls back on management.

So we just stand around and wait for you to be done with your drinks, even though there was room at the bar for you and your friend.

If I did this, I would leave $5 or something, just for taking up space.

But that would make too much sense, right?

 

Just be aware of your surroundings and what you’re doing.

I always try to think how I affect other people because I am considerate.

So many people are selfish and don’t care, but if I was directly affecting your bank account, I am sure you’d have something to say to me, wouldn’t you?