Campaign for Real Service

I am asking each of you to join us in a “Campaign for Real Service.” My wife and I went to a new restaurant and we were quite excited to try their menu. The service we received there however, left us surprised. The young lady who served us was so familiar that she actually sat down on the bench next to my wife to take our order. She also told me I was wrong when I expressed my disappointment at being served instant potatoes. Later she returned to tell me I had been right but the damage had already been done. This and other experiences has prompted my asking you the question: When was the last time you received good service from an hotel, restaurant or any other place of eating? I am listing below areas that might get you thinking. We are anxious to hear your comments.

1. When was the last time you received really good service at a restaurant?

2. What kind of reception did you receive from the Host/Hostess? Were you welcomed warmly and sincerely? Were you escorted politely to your table or were you left behind to find your own way? Did they chat with you in an interesting manner? Lastly, I have to ask this question because it is a pet peeve of mine, was your host/hostess chewing gum?

4. Do you feel that the pay per hour for a server ($2.13 in some establishments) has any impact on the service you receive?

5. Do you feel that management and owners are to blame for bad service in restaurants etc? Why?

6. Do you feel that age and maturity of the servers influences the quality of service?

7. Do you think that restaurants should offer better training for their servers?

8. How do you feel about leaving a tip for bad service?

9. What would you like to see improved in the service you receive in restaurants?

Lady Roberts and I will be visiting some restaurants over the coming weeks to observe the service and to determine whether it was good, bad or indifferent. We will write about our experiences and name the restaurant we attended. In the meantime, please send in your comments to us on the above questions and help us to start our “Campaign for Real Service.”