Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Mr Monroe's Day

As I have previously said...even the best server can crack at any moment...

Mr Monroe is a good server. Part of what makes him good is that he is aware of the guest's perception. If there is the slightest problem he will let the manager know so that we can swing by the table just to touch base.

A BLESSING AND A CURSE

One day Mr Monroe came and told me that he had a table that made him want to just leave...the chicken was too charred and she was ticked...for those of you who have ever served, this comes from a multitude of places...

You don't want to go into your section bc you don't want to see them...you don't want them to see you...you don't want them to harass you any more. But more so because you don't want them to see that they have stolen your cool. That is where the fight or flight in you tells you to fly away.

So Mr Monroe let me know that his flight had kicked in...and I would not allow it...so I went to visit the table. Usually when people see a manager at their table they straighten up their act a bit...you know to build credibility. Well not this table...I was immediately asked for a refill...so I obliged...

I was confused as to why there was no other food at the table, and for a moment I wondered if I was at the wrong table. I asked this table had chicken that was overdone. The scowl I got from the 400 lb woman told me that I was indeed at the right table. Then her mother and sister started in...they gave me a run down of her medical history...(I care...I really do)...ok, maybe not...

So I apologized and assured them that I would get the chicken out quickly. I decided that at this point I would be all over this table...I would make this overweight, diabetic, high blood pressure having, pissy woman leave here happy.

I would like to confess something you guys...I am not a small girl...but I also don't go out to eat every meal and eat my self into a diabetic misery that causes me to be ugly to people who make $2.13 per hour.

I brought the perfectly cooked moist chicken breast to her table, and she ate it with great satisfaction. So the rest of the table's food was easy...so I thought...I was dropping off the the rest of the food to the table and overheard them bitching...grrr

not wanting to, I asked them...Is everything ok???

The other 400lb woman said, "Well, my bacon is overcooked on my burger and my FF's are under seasoned."

The 400lb man says, "Yes, and my bacon is undercooked on my burger and my FF's are over seasoned."...WOW

Some people would be frustrated by this...not me, I look at it as my opportunity to shine...So I take the plates and make them right...within 2 mins...

and I was ALL over that table...

at this point the prospect of a tip has gone right out the window...so you would think...

on my last swipe through to check on them the mother said that this was the best service they have gotten in 2 years in this town and because of that they would definitely be back...Mr Monroe made a bee line for the back of the restaurant where he chunked the chip basket and cried out, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

I couldn't help but laugh...they wanted my area director's info so that they could give us props...I gladly gave it to them...all bad situations don't have to end that way...they are what you make of them...and we made out nice!!!

2 comments:

L.D. said...

You seem to have made the best of a bad situation and made some customers happy and glad they came. Isn't that what all restaurants want? Congratulations on your leadership by example. We all seem to like to be "lead" by those who have walked in our shoes and aren't afraid to put them back on. Congratulations!

Mr. Monroe said...

I must admit, after readin' this, the frown I had on when I left tonight has turned into a huge smile!! Thanks!