Not all change is necessarily "good" however.
Take for instance, Kat, one of our newest employees. With Kat came new suggestions and tips for how to run a restaurant since she was raised in the service industry environment.
Well, there is a phrase that goes something like, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Those are my feelings for her, when it comes to the workplace.
Change #1: Different containers for our yogurt sauce, ketchup, garlic sauces and barbeque...
Not horrible except I squeezed the container the wrong side facing down (since both the tops and bottoms are identical) and shot myself in the face with the garlic sauce-- reeking of it for the entirety of the day. Filthy.
Change #2: The plates the cups of soup are served on will now have a beverage napkin placed on it, which we will refer to as a "soup liner". For all intensive purposes, it will serve to stop the cup from sliding on the smooth surface of the plate. It's called a fucking doily. It's not a new invention; In fact, it's been around since the 17th century, I kid you not. Why the hell did this just go into effect NOW when I had mentioned it right AFTER I dumped a cup of steaming hot clam chowder on a man's crotch almost two years ago?! At the time, I was scolded for being wasteful with the napkins. So the sudden change of heart? Don't get me started.
Change #3: A marking tray. When I was told of this, I sat there with a look of "dead behind the eyes". A what? Yes, when you remove silverware from a guest, you should take another minute out of your busy night to walk this dish over to them, presenting like you would a dessert tray. Under a black folded linen lies (you think this would be good, but no) a bevy of both forks and knives. You are to let the guest reach and pick up their own silverware from the plate.
What? Ugh. Gross. Shouldn't a pump of purell be mandatory before touching? No, you can just hand me a wrapped up linen with utensils, thank you. In a restaurant where you don't know what bugs are being passed around, with other guests who are eating with their hands, licking their fingers, picking their teeth, for those that are hacking into their closed fists, sneezing into their palms, uh YEAH, like I'd want their hands all over the community utensil plate. It is as good as eating the peanuts from the candy dish on the bar. So unsanitary.
Change #4: If your name is Kat and you are a new employee, you can change the rules of tipping out and decide not to tip out your bartender because you didn't like our policy... You know, the one that has been in effect since years before you were hired and a part of the waitstaff. The one that everyone else pays mind to, except you? Cool beans. You still owe me; I'll just add that to your tab.
Change #5: It's a free for all. By all means, if you have not met a table yet (especially my regulars), go up to them and jam your hand in their face to introduce yourself while they are mid-conversation. And then pour the bottle of wine I had corked and chilling for them, ask how their food is tasting, and what else you could possibly get them. Oh wait... that's my table. Apparently "being a team" is making your fellow server, or bartender, look as if they are an inadequate worker. I am four feet away and am capable of serving them myself. This little stunt makes me appear lazy and gets my tips docked. Being a team is all chummy and whatnot-- but it sure as hell doesn't pay my bills.
Honestly, I'm glad we hired someone who not only shows up for shifts, but actually enjoys working. I just cannot wrap my mind around how much of a Bossy Betty the girl is. Yes, I know I'm the queen of bitches and moans with this post, but I need a break. Ask me if I've already confronted her. Ask me how productive that conversation went... Nada. What gives?
If there is a disagreement, I will try my best to level with you and see from your perspective. If anything else, I will try to find a compromise. I will not however be told how to do my job from a fresh face on the staff working the same position as I. Must I accept the things I cannot change? I'm running low on Excedrin-- this is going to be a long weekend.
-Malia Etienette
Photo Credits:
Tea Stained Doily DIY Mel's Monday: www.theoceansidebride.com
Bar Nuts: www.cooksandeats.com
Teamwork: www.memeguy.com
Little Miss Bossy: www.mymumdom.com
