20% and we're happy!

I like to think I'm pretty good at reading people. After working with the general public for so many years, it is quite obvious that not everyone is kind and generous when it comes to tipping their server. It is also true that some people are just never satisfied! After greeting a table, getting their drinks and beginning to take their order, I have been given enough time to know two things: 1. If they will tip decently. and 2. if they are going to complain about something. It has little to do with what they look like. I'm not judging here! It's mostly about their ability to actually say please and thank you or their willingness to flash a smile. Sometimes it seems like people go out to eat just to try and ruin my day! But do you think I let it bother me? No! If they can't be kind enough to appreciate the fact that someone is waiting on them, they obviously aren't someone who would be worth getting upset over.

I will admit that there have been many times that people have suprised me. Most people over the age of 60 still believe that 18% is the standard for tipping. News flash: It has changed to a 20% minimum! We're trying to make a living here people! So last week I had a table with 3 seperate checks. One check was for a couple in their late 20's, slightly high maintenance, but nice. I expected 20%. Another was for a couple in their late 50's and their elderly mother. Depending on who paid, I figured they would give around 18%. Last was a couple in their mid-60's. They didn't ask for anything special. They smiled and were polite. Easy enough. I expected 15% from them. This is where the shocker comes in! I am usually right when guessing how people will tip. Sometimes I freak myself out. But here's how this table ended up tipping(and it's strange how I remember these things!):
1. the 20 somethings- $4 on a $29 bill. Boo!
2. the 50-somethings and grandma- $6 on a $45 bill. Another boo!
3. the 60-somethings- $23 on a $37 bill. WOAH!

Maybe they were well aware that the rest of their family didn't know how to tip. Who knows! But that one totally came out of nowhere and I was grateful.

The point is, we work our butts off all night smiling and apologizing when people really don't deserve it. Is that cheese really not melted enough? It probably tastes the same either way. And do you really think I care if you know my boss? You're not getting a free drink. So if you want to be a pain in the butt and think you're cool by orderering a top shelf long island, make sure you can tip appropriately! Otherwise, stay home because you obviously need that $2 more than I do! :)