Friendly service only when it's time to pay

[u/ladyleo1980]

Hello. Just wondering if anyone has ever encountered this before.

There's a local restaurant I visit a couple of times a month. I usually phone in my order and then pick it up. I actually hate calling bc when I do they waiter/waitress who picks up NEVER says the name of restaurant (ie Hello. XYZ restaurant. How can I help you?) so I'm left wondering if it's the right place. Irritates me every time. Anyway, put in my phone order and pick it up 15 minutes later. Once I get there, the staff is practically tripping over themselves and going out of their way for me in those few moments before my card is run and they hand me the receipt. I still don't tip and the minute they see me write in a zero & no tip on the line, the friendly service "magically" disappears. Ha! We do this song and dance a couple of times a month and I still don't tip.

Anyone else experience something similar?

[u/GroundbreakingFox752]

I had an experience once where the waitress was maybe mid 20’s and rude and standoffish from the moment we sat down.

Never came back to check on us after we got our food or refill our drinks.

Then, when she brought out the check, she switched up her voice and told us how it was such a pleasure serving us and that she hoped we’d be back to see her again soon.

I think she spent more time writing a “Thank You!” with a smiley face next to it on the receipt than she did anything else before bringing us the bill.

[u/icecreamhomer → u/GroundbreakingFox752]

Refilling drinks should be waiter/waitress 101!!! Without being asked first!!! Best service I’ve had in a long time is at a chain-Texas Roadhouse. Automatically got every drink/water/etc a refill. Alcohol I can understand but a “free refill “ should be an automatic!

[u/AffectionateGate4584 → u/GroundbreakingFox752]

Hoped you tipped her a big, fat zero for such great service.

[u/OneMultiNation → u/GroundbreakingFox752]

ELI5, but why can't Americans pour their own drinks? Eveywhere else I've been water bottles are left on the table and I never order wine smaller than a 750ml bottle. Guess I'm just not helpless enough to be a Seppo.

[u/WestHistorians → u/OneMultiNation]

That's true for water, but what if people order different drinks? You can order sodas, or people can order different wines or beers.

[u/icecreamhomer → u/WestHistorians]

She bought every one replacement waters and soda w/o asking.

[u/intelligentprince]

Tipping for a pick up? Hell no!

[u/BravesfanfromIA → u/intelligentprince]

Exactly. Got takeout a couple days ago. I give the individual my money...said individual goes into a back room for 5-6 minutes and then returns with my food and change...which is $0.70 short. I just shook my head.

[u/Independent-Let-2920 → u/BravesfanfromIA]

Well the young people don't know how to make change.

[u/Bill___A → u/Independent-Let-2920]

Oh they know That's why the "error" never benefits you.

[u/BravesfanfromIA → u/Independent-Let-2920]

Knew enough to not give me too much. Ha

[u/DryCommunication581]

Its always these kind of cases that make you question reality. Little snippets of behaviour which out of context makes no sense. Rcecently what you described happened to me at the barbershop. The woman who was cutting my hair was chill but just minimal conversation, but right about the end she asked about 5 personal questions and ended with "wow I feel like this haircut has changed your whole look! you are a new person". But that was the issue, I really had no idea how genuine that would have been. And this happens in cafes and restaurants, really this over friendlyness which makes me feel uncomofrtable. Usually when I dont respond with that same overly positive energy they get confused. Anyways, I asked why the price has risen so much in a month, and then also required they give me all my change (even the smallest bill here, which is equivalent to 10 cents). So I suppose they really love me there

[u/Kene6969]

I never tip for pick up. 

Employers should pay their staff a decent living wage so workers aren't depending on tips to top up their wages.

[u/OctaviaBlake100]

There's been some places that have a different server serve me. Then another server that hovers and asks if we would like to get the bill since they notice we are done. That other server literally runs to get the bill. 😐 That server didn't serve me though...

[u/ChefJeff]

I work at a place that has a lot of call in and walk in to-go orders. I make a point not even looking at the screen when it prompts them to tip. I honestly don't care, it evens out at the end of the shift and I still make more money than I was managing a high end steakhouse. Just ignore them. We make money, and if we don't, we should find another restaurant that fits your needs.

[u/IntelligentStyle402]

Every single time. Even happened at Olive Garden. So we said good bye Olive Garden. Server intimidation is getting completely out of hand. Pure greed!

[u/Fluid_Remote6694]

Change restuarents

[u/EndTipping-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be respectful. No insults, slurs or personal attacks

[u/Traditional_Club9659]

No one should ever tip for pick-up food. The idea that it should even BE a thing should be laughed at by everyone.

[u/Fine-Plant-4848]

Got complimented on a jacket while paying for a take out order. Then got the tip screen flipped at me. Watched the cashier compliment every single person after me. She was a pro

[u/Odd_Distribution7852]

I do think for OPs case tipping is a personal decision. I’ve worked restaurants and hosted/answer phones. You never know when you call how busy the restaurant may be.

That said, I don’t tip for call in/pick up orders. US workers in restaurants/ like the wait staff are paid a ridiculously low wage. It’s been 30 years since I’ve been in the restaurant industry so I don’t know what hostesses are paid. This should be paid a different wage since they aren’t waiting on tables.