Would you complain?

[Anonymous]

I had lunch at a sit down restaurant and when I asked for the check I mentioned wanting to use a “birthday reward” discount I had. The waiter looked clearly annoyed and said “I have no idea what you are talking about”. I said I received a text message and he said “show it to me”. Once I showed it to him, he took my credit card and cane back with the tab to sign. He said to me “this was a real pain in the ass.”

The restaurant was almost empty; I left a 20% tip on the full tab (before the discount) but I feel like emailing the restaurant. I think it was really rude but maybe I’m overreacting.

[Anonymous]

Pre Covid yes I would. I would have spoken to the manager right there and then though. Now with Covid I’ve been letting a lot more slide so I would probably not.

[Anonymous]

Let it slide. Service industries are so understaffed right now, and people are overworked and dealing with a lot. You did the right thing by leaving a 20% tip on the full tab.

[Anonymous]

Covid or not, I would absolutely say something. I’m sure restaurant workers are stressed but there is literally no excuse for telling your customer they were a pain in the ass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Covid or not, I would absolutely say something. I’m sure restaurant workers are stressed but there is literally no excuse for telling your customer they were a pain in the ass.

Not saying OP deserved to be called a pain in the ass, but many, many customers really deserve a big dose of honesty.

[Anonymous]

I think you either speak up in the moment or you say nothing.

[Anonymous]

You are a total push over for leaving a 20% tip after he called you a pain in the Assad. Wow

[Anonymous]

Yes. This is way over the line and I'm generally pretty empathetic with service staff

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had lunch at a sit down restaurant and when I asked for the check I mentioned wanting to use a “birthday reward” discount I had. The waiter looked clearly annoyed and said “I have no idea what you are talking about”. I said I received a text message and he said “show it to me”. Once I showed it to him, he took my credit card and cane back with the tab to sign. He said to me “this was a real pain in the ass.”

The restaurant was almost empty; I left a 20% tip on the full tab (before the discount) but I feel like emailing the restaurant. I think it was really rude but maybe I’m overreacting.

You were right, it was rude. I would never go back again and tell the restaurant too why

[Anonymous]

OP here — I just received an email from the restaurant asking “how did we do?”.

I think I am going to answer honestly since they’re soliciting feedback.

[Anonymous]

The comment is over the line but I agree with a PP that you either address it in the moment or not at all. Agree with PPs about letting it slide b/c Covid. All of that said, I thought you are always supposed to mention those types of coupons/discounts in advance so it feels like a minor faux pas that you did not. Not saying that justifies the comment as it does not, just that being more proactive would be better.

[Anonymous]

He didn't call you a pain in the ass. He said it WAS a pain in the ass. Maybe he should tell his supervisor that their marketing/discounting process needs to change.

I used to complain to people more. I don't bother anymore. Half my day I want to tell someone what a pain in the ass something was.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here — I just received an email from the restaurant asking “how did we do?”.

I think I am going to answer honestly since they’re soliciting feedback.

I wouldn’t send an email complaining but since they’re asking you for feedback you should let them know so maybe they can simplify the process to help the staff out.

[Anonymous]

Since they asked....fire away.

I waited tables all through high school and college in restaurants owned by relatives, this would never have happened. No restaurant owner would allow their employees to speak to customers like that.
If the restaurant issues a coupon or an offer, the staff needs to honor it.
Sheesh, what the hell, I am imagining my dear restuarant genius Uncle would have to say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here — I just received an email from the restaurant asking “how did we do?”.

I think I am going to answer honestly since they’re soliciting feedback.

Do that, but gear it as a training issue-- the guy didn't know about this discount and it sounded like a PITA to put in the register! It's not you or him, it's his bosses who suck.