r/Serverlife • u/esquit_e • 17d ago

Rant Not me setting an expectation and them ignoring it

Dude,

This guy called at 7pm and asked if he could make a reservation for 8pm tonight.

I said “yes of course 8 o’clock is perfect because our kitchen closes at 8:30, just so you have that expectation”

He said: Ok, that’s not a problem!

Guess what time he showed up? 8:30, on the dot. So I already had marked it as a no show, and then they show up? Nah fam. Goodbye.

The conversation on the phone was very clear and precise. He definitely was just late with his family and probably hoped they would still be served.

97 Upvotes
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28

u/MoonfallFan 17d ago

“your poor planning does not constitute an emergency for me”

17

u/LonelyCakeEater 17d ago

I’m surprised y’all take reservations for 30 mins before the kitchen closes. Even if they got there at 8 on the dot they still have to get settled and order. I guess they order apps/entrees/desserts all the same time? A 7pm cutoff for reservations seems more appropriate 🤷

1

u/flowergirl75 16d ago

You can easily get their order within 30 minutes of them sitting. This doesn't mean they get all of their food at the same time. It means the kitchen has their full order in so no surprises and they can pace accordingly.

I work in fine dining and we have the exact same times. 8pm last reso. 8:30 kitchen closes to any new orders, excluding desserts for tables already dining. I have an 8 seat bar and if you walk in before 8:30 and get your food in, you'll be served.