Book SummaryThe Bitchy Waiter, by Darron Cardosa

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Bitchy Waiter

Server's View on Customer Behavior and Attitudes in Restaurants

Servers Often Face Difficult and Unreasonable Customers

This section highlights the author's experiences with difficult and unreasonable customer behavior. Cardosa shares anecdotes that demonstrate a lack of respect for waitstaff and the demanding nature of certain patrons.

Customers Make Unrelated Requests, Like Switching Off the TV or Fetching Store Items

Cardosa reveals the frustration of receiving customer requests that extend beyond reasonable service expectations. He cites examples like customers demanding the TV be turned off because their kids are present, even though they chose to dine in an establishment with a TV. Even more outlandish are requests for servers to exit the restaurant and purchase items from a nearby store, as if fetching a Coca-Cola from a deli is part of a server's duties when the restaurant only serves Pepsi products. These anecdotes emphasize a sense of entitlement and disregard for the role and responsibilities of servers.

Cardosa also shares a humorous anecdote about a host who received an inquiry regarding the weather conditions during a future performance date. While the hostess kindly found the information, Cardosa humorously suggests a sarcastic weather report he'd give, highlighting the absurdity of such a request. These examples illustrate the author's frustration with the expectation that servers cater to every whim of the customer, no matter how unrelated to their job. This section serves as a reminder to diners to be mindful of their requests and to recognize the boundaries of a server's responsibilities.

Context

• In restaurants, servers and hosts are primarily responsible for taking orders, serving food, and ensuring customer satisfaction within the dining experience. They are not typically expected to provide information unrelated to the restaurant's services, such as weather forecasts.

Other Perspectives

• Some customers might not have been aware that the TV would be on when they decided to dine at the establishment, and it could be a simple courtesy to turn it off if it's causing them discomfort.
• The request to fetch an item from a nearby store could be due to a genuine need or emergency, such as a customer forgetting an essential item like baby formula or medication.
• In some establishments, going above and beyond for customer requests is encouraged and can be seen as exceptional customer service, which might lead to positive reviews and repeat business.
• In some cases, customers with special circumstances, such as having children or specific dietary needs, might feel compelled to make requests that seem unreasonable but are important for their personal situation.

Customers Often Act Entitled and Rude, Failing to Recognize Servers' Skills

Cardosa challenges the assumption that serving is an unskilled profession, noting that many servers hold college degrees and choose this work for the flexibility and earning potential. The constant need to cater to demanding customers and maintain a positive attitude, even under pressure, can be mentally draining. The author recalls a former co-worker having a breakdown due to the stress of managing a full section, and while he humorously describes finding her "sobbing, curled into a fetal position beneath the pay phone," he emphasizes that serving at restaurants can be a demanding and stressful job deserving of more respect.

The author further laments the misconception that servers are beneath their customers, citing instances of customers snapping their fingers to get attention, immediately ignoring the server upon arrival to answer their cellphones, or making condescending remarks about servers' intelligence or supposed lack of ambition. Cardosa challenges these assumptions by highlighting the reality that waiting staff are skilled professionals navigating demanding situations and should be treated with respect and courtesy.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal budget that includes potential earnings from a server position. Use a simple spreadsheet to track your current income and expenses, then add a column for potential earnings as a server based on the information you've gathered. This will help you visualize how a job in the service industry could impact your financial situation. Consider factors like the number of hours you're willing to work and the tipping culture in your area.
• Create a "Customer Challenge Diary" where you document daily interactions with difficult customers, noting your responses and the outcomes. This practice will help you reflect on your customer service skills and identify areas for improvement. For example, if a customer complains about a product, record how you addressed the issue, their reaction, and what you learned from the experience.
• Establish a peer support buddy system at work where you and a colleague agree to check in with each other regularly. This can be a casual, informal arrangement where you simply ask how the other is doing and offer a listening ear. It's a way to ensure that both of you have someone to talk to about work stresses, which can help prevent feelings of isolation and overwhelm.
• Volunteer for a shift as a server at a local charity event or community dinner to gain firsthand experience of the challenges servers face. This immersive experience can deepen your empathy for restaurant staff and...

The Bitchy Waiter Summary Suggestions for Better Diners

Cardosa offers practical advice for diners, encouraging mindfulness of their behavior and expectations. By understanding a waiter's perspective, customers can contribute to a more positive dining experience for both themselves and those serving them.

Use the Menu; Unavailable Items Not Provided

Cardosa strongly emphasizes the importance of adhering to the menu. He explains that the options serve a crucial function: they clearly outline what's available on the premises. Ordering off-menu items creates unnecessary complications and demonstrates a lack of respect for the curated selections. He recounts experiencing customers requesting items not featured in the menu, like potato skins or onion blossoms, and then expecting the kitchen to accommodate their whims.

Cardosa humorously imagines the laborious process of crafting potato jackets from scratch, highlighting the impracticality of such a request. He stresses that if an item is not listed, it isn't available. This reiterates the importance for customers to understand the role of the listed offerings and to focus their choices on what's available. By following the menu, diners avoid placing undue burden on the kitchen and...

The Bitchy Waiter Summary Humorous, Bizarre, and Personal Experiences From Waiting Tables

Cardosa uses his personal experiences to provide a humorous and insightful look into the world of being a server. He shares anecdotes ranging from the bizarre to the heartwarming, revealing the diverse range of situations servers encounter.

Servers Encounter Strange Customer Behaviors and Requests

Cardosa recounts various perplexing customer encounters, showcasing the bizarre expectations and behaviors often encountered in dining settings. He humorously describes encountering a "Crazy Mashed Potato Lady" who, under the influence of alcohol, ordered an excessive amount of the dish and later complained about the cost, highlighting the absurdity of customer demands.

Examples Include Requests for Sugar-Free Drink Rims and Irrelevant Customer Chatter

He humorously details a customer's request for no-sugar on the edge of a Lemon Drop martini, emphasizing the futility of saving 12 calories from the sugar rim while consuming a 347-calorie cocktail. The author satirizes the obsession with calorie counting while indulging in alcoholic beverages, coining the term "sugarless lip service" to sarcastically address the customer's bizarre request.

Cardosa also humorously recounts...

The Bitchy Waiter Summary Challenges and Lessons From Working in Restaurants

Cardosa delves into the challenges and valuable lessons learned through his extensive experience working in restaurants. He highlights the transferable skills gained and personal growth resulting from navigating demanding situations and interacting with diverse customers.

Restaurant Work Instills Multitasking, Prioritizing, and Calmness Under Pressure in Servers

Cardosa stresses that employment in a restaurant goes beyond serving food and drinks; it's a training ground for valuable life skills. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure when stressed, particularly during busy shifts with multiple demands.

Server Skills, Like Chitchat and Humility, Are Useful Elsewhere

He further highlights the refined ability to multitask and prioritize, illustrating how servers master juggling multiple tables, remembering customer orders, conversing, and managing payments simultaneously. He emphasizes that these skills translate seamlessly to situations beyond restaurant work, enhancing personal efficiency and resourcefulness in everyday life.

Cardosa also acknowledges the emotional intelligence cultivated through serving experience. He underscores the importance of...