March 27, 2007
I want to know the culprit–that is, the restaurant chain–that started this new trend of having the server sit down at the table with you while they're taking your order.
I'm sorry, but it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable when the guy or gal just kind of takes a seat, usually with a big cheerful, I'm-your-friend-smile, and takes your order. And I've been noticing it more often than not. Chili's, Red Robin…other places.
So, what's up with that?
And while we're on the subject, is there anyone who really likes those big birthday song/announcements they do at the restaurants? Or is it just embarrassing and annoying for everyone involved? Heck, just give us the free sundae and spare everyone the singing and clapping, okay?
(Ahem. Rant over.)
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My novel, 
March 27th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
You go, girlfriend! I’m with ya all the way (although I suspect that having a family of four helps keep the servers at a distance).
March 27th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
See no, that bothers me. I don’t think I could handle a place like that. Unless they’re willing to look after my kids so I can eat. In that case anytime!
March 27th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
This hasn’t happened to me, but I’m with you - I don’t want them sitting down at the table! A waiter/waitress can be friendly and helpful by smiling and being pleasant, not by sitting next to me like we’re friends gabbing. That seems rather lazy and unprofessional.
I don’t like the attention with the birthday thing, but I was recently at the Cheesecake Factory and my friend loved having them all sing to her. Some people live for that stuff.
March 28th, 2007 at 6:36 am
I’ve had this happen over the years…I find my annoyance is tempered if it happens to be a cute girl. I’m such a guy!!!
March 28th, 2007 at 8:34 am
People do this? What?! Holy crap, Lancelot would go ballistic.
March 28th, 2007 at 9:52 am
It depends on what mood I’m in. I want more restaurants to let you color on the table cloth like Macaroni Grill. The Roommates and I save for weeks to go there and color…and the food is awesome.
Birthday songs = lame. I went to a Hard Rock Cafe once where they just had everyone yell “Happy Birthday!” to the person…which was actually funny.
March 28th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
oh thank you! i HATE when the server sits down at the table. i will sit on the very edge of the bench at someplace like outback just to keep them from sitting down. it’s all i can do not to just push them off! if they want to be that friendly then they can just pay the bill too!
March 28th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Oh, and I just remembered a segment from NPR’s THIS AMERICAN LIFE this week. They followed two waitresses around, and observed how the waitress’s attitude effected a customer’s Tip percentage. When a waitress was more aloof, didn’t talk a lot, and wasn’t overly excited/happy, the customers tipped 17-20%. Excited waitresses received 13-16% in their tips. It was an incredibly interesting piece!
March 28th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Cosmic, it does sound like an interesting story!
I’m not surprised at all.
If a server is too perky, it makes me crazy. I want to order, receive what I asked for (correctly), eat, and have my drinks refilled…but not think I’m going to be her new best friend!!
Ren, I like your idea. I’m going to remember that.
Gypsy, you’d better make sure no one does that at your restaurant!
Susan, I think you’re right on the family thing. When Music Man and I have our three kids with us, that just doesn’t happen. But when I’m alone or with a girlfriend or two, it happens a lot.
March 28th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Oh my gosh. I’ve never heard of such a thing! I wouldn’t like that AT ALL. If they want to get that friendly, let ‘em pay the bill, too!
March 29th, 2007 at 7:54 am
It depends on the situation. Sometimes if we are at a new place and its confusing, I don’t mind them sitting with us or crouching down, trying to explain things.
The birthday songs, however, make me want to run and hide. I’m even embarrassed for other people when this starts. When I’m not even involved.
April 6th, 2007 at 12:58 am
I guess I’m in the minority. When it’s my birthday, I *love* getting sung to and the whole nine yards! LOL I expect my friends and SO to make a big deal or else! *grin*
The only place I’ve found the wait staff sitting down with us when taking the order was at The Outback, but again, I quite enjoy it… but then again, one of my favorite sayings has always been, “Don’t you dare call me normal!!” LOL
Okay now that I’ve proved how much of a whack job I am for my first reply on your blog… heh