Etiquette for Restaurateurs

Dear Ms. Etiquette,
I eat at many restaurants simply because I don’t like to cook at home and I enjoy a good meal. However, I am beginning to get irritated at some restaurants who think they don’t have to have good morals or ethics. Can you address this?
From,
Restaurant Guest

Dear Restaurant Guest,
I hear what you are saying and this discussion has come up before in my manners group online. I have to quote Jeanne Nelson, etiquette guru when she made these points.

• Honor reservations
• Seat people in the order in which they have been waiting
• Provide the best seating possible to each party
• Charge fair and appropriate prices
• Serve fresh, safe, healthful and well-prepared and flavorful dishes
• Don’t water down the alcohol or be stingy with it in mixed drinks
• Provide prompt and cheerful service
• Resolve issues promptly and courteously
• If someone sends back a dish for any reason, make sure the staff behaves in the kitchen
• Provide top notch training to, supervision and treatment of the staff and pay them fairly (don’t skimp on salary because they receive tips — and make sure they are afforded opportunities to make tips)
• Don’t pass on credit card fees to the wait staff; let the company absorb the fees
• Don’t substitute cheaper versions of foods that are marketed and priced as something else
• Don’t serve foods — meat, fish or vegetables — that are threatened or endangered, or in any way harms the environment or is unhealthy to consume
• Keep a spotless kitchen, and have the premises frequently inspected and treated for rodents and insects
• Deduct any problem food or drink from a patron’s check
• If a mistake is made on an order, apologize and fix it immediately so that the injured party does not have to wait while her dinner companions eat, or while her companions let their food grow cold waiting for her replacement

This all sounds like good common sense and good ethics when running a successful restaurant.

Irma Wolcott is the owner of Fun With Etiquette. Call her at 956-492-4762 for more information. Website: www.funwithetiquette.com e-Mail her at: [email protected]

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