Attention all restaurant owners!

I would like to institute a new policy when I go out to eat. 

I propose the following:

If I have to wait longer than 2 minutes after I am finished eating, you agree not to charge me for my food.  If I wait longer than 5 minutes, while holding my credit/debit card or cash in hand, you owe me the amount of the bill.

This seems fair to me. 

As a restaurant owner, it's in your best interest to turn the table, right?  Lately I have noticed that it is just taking too long to pay for a dinner.  Maybe the waiters aren't needing tips anymore, or the art of turning tables without being pushy has been lost.

Would this be a binding contract if I say this is a "opt out" statement?  You know, it is public now that it's hit my blog...wishful thinking.

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tags: restaurants | waiters | customer service

Comments

[Greg]

That happened to me last night. It was a late dinner so there was no need to turn them as fast I guess, but there is nothing worse than being done and ready to go and having to sit and eye down your waiter /waiteress with your wallet and credit card out on the table. :-) At the same time I am working on patience :-)

[Paughnee]

I think the server has to figure out where each customer falls -- impatient to have the check ASAP or wanting to sit and enjoy the conversation. Bringing the check promptly could be perceived by some diners as being rushed out of the restaurant before they're ready.

The best thing to do -- for your own sanity, if nothing else -- is let the server know up front that you'd like your check when your meal is served (or when the plates are cleared, or whenever).

Just my 2cents!

[K. Todd Storch]

Paughnee,

Great points. I'm not saying that I'm shoving the food down my throat and trying to rush out of the restaurant (even though when you have 3 kids you get to be a master at this, especially at your own dinner table!).

When you've finished a meal, your plate is empty, you've got nothing else to drink and there's no waiter to even take the food away or ask if you want anything else, much less "would you like your check".

It's almost like once a drink glass has been filled one time once the food is delivered, the waiter just disappears. It even happens once the check has been delivered, then they disappear without taking the credit/debit card. Help me! I'm trying to pay you!

Thanks for the comment,

Todd

[Shawn Wood]

I probabaly fall too far on the side of feed me and get me out, but I am waiting for the day when there is a credit card swipe machine at each table!