Quite Rightly, Waiting Impolitely Is Unsightly

(The restaurant is very busy, so food wait time is longer than usual.)

Table 1: “When is our food coming out? This is ridiculous; we’ve been waiting 20 minutes!”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am. We are very busy right now, but I’ll be bringing out your food very shortly.”

Table 1: “Well, I hope so! You’re the worst server we’ve ever had!”

Me: “I’m sorry you feel that way. Like I said, it’ll be out shortly.”

(I move to another table.)

Me: “I’m really sorry about the wait, I’ve checked on your food and it will be out shortly. I’m so sorry. I realize you’ve been waiting 40 minutes.”

Table 2: “That’s not a problem at all…don’t worry about it.”

Me: “I’d like to offer you your meals on the house, and thank you again for your patience.”

Table 1: *overhearing* “How come WE don’t get our meals on the house?”

Table 2: *to table 1* “Because WE’VE been waiting POLITELY!”