Request for Mother's Day Reservation at Fully Booked Restaurant Owned by Friend's Parents

[Anonymous]

Tacky, presumptuous, and puts them in an awkward situation. They’re just supposed to “bump” other patrons because you failed to plan? No.

[Anonymous]

If you want to celebrate at one of their restaurants, you should ask them about it a month+ in advance. Not only do they likely not have space at this point, but it looks like you are asking them because you couldn't find a reservation elsewhere and are using them as a back-up. So they would have to say no regardless, and will also think you're disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our elementary school-aged children are good friends, and we also have a great friendship with their parents who happen to own multiple high-end and popular restaurants. We talk often and enjoy each other's company.

With Mother's Day coming up, we were considering celebrating at one of their restaurants. However, we noticed that all the restaurants are fully booked for that day, and we're unsure if it would be tacky to request a reservation from our friends. We're hesitant to bring it up and don't want to put them in an uncomfortable position.

What are your thoughts? Would it be inappropriate to ask if they have any way to fit us in on that day? We're happy to consider other options if that's a better approach.

Thank you for your advice.

Even the neighborhood diner is fully booked for Mother’s Day. What were you expecting?

[Anonymous]

Yes you should do it. This will be a test of their friendship. Hopefully they will pass the test.

[Anonymous]

Less than a week out? Extraordinarily tacky. What a horrible position to put them in.

[Anonymous]

Don't do this. DH used to own a business and friends/family would sometimes get to use it too. There was an understanding that you didnt ask at peak times. We always knew who the users were and it would cause damage to the friendship.

[Anonymous]

Easy solution: take mom out on Saturday instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t do this less than a week out from Mothers Day. It will change the way they feel about you. Surely your friendship with them is worth more to you than a Mothers Day reservation.

Seriously. This. Your inability to plan in advance is not their problem. Never let them know you were even considering this.

[Anonymous]

Wow - is this even a question? Super tacky.

[Anonymous]

Lots of restaurants hold back tables for regulars or friends of the house, but probably not on peak days like Mother's Day. I wouldn't ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never go out to eat on actual Mother’s Day - that’s a total rookie move LOL. Go another day.

Ugh. This. Even my favorite places with typically excellent food service churn out terrible food & service on Mother's Day because they're so overwhelmed.

We have good luck eating out on Saturday but even that is becoming more popular with others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never go out to eat on actual Mother’s Day - that’s a total rookie move LOL. Go another day.

Ugh. This. Even my favorite places with typically excellent food service churn out terrible food & service on Mother's Day because they're so overwhelmed.

We have good luck eating out on Saturday but even that is becoming more popular with others.

And to be clear - I learned this from spouse who worked at a high end restaurant to put himself through college and grad school. We never go out to eat on actual Vday either. Your friends would think you were noobs for asking for a mother's day reservation. LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our elementary school-aged children are good friends, and we also have a great friendship with their parents who happen to own multiple high-end and popular restaurants. We talk often and enjoy each other's company.

With Mother's Day coming up, we were considering celebrating at one of their restaurants. However, we noticed that all the restaurants are fully booked for that day, and we're unsure if it would be tacky to request a reservation from our friends. We're hesitant to bring it up and don't want to put them in an uncomfortable position.

What are your thoughts? Would it be inappropriate to ask if they have any way to fit us in on that day? We're happy to consider other options if that's a better approach.

Thank you for your advice.

Nope nope nope. Super tacky. They own and don't run them correct? Meaning they arent involved in day-to-day management. Avoid favors on high-stress or high-volume days and don't use them to make reservations.

[Anonymous]

You should totally go to their restaurant tho on another day. I love to support my friends.

[Anonymous]

You can ask, but they'll never speak to you again if you do.

You don't seem to grasp the concept of reservations.