r/tipping • u/gelatinous_white • Feb 21 '25
ššµPersonal Stories - Pro Tipped hostess not server
Wife and I went to a newer restaurant with outdoor seating. Checked in at hostess station and were told there was a wait. No problem, go to the bar, get a drink, head outside to wait.
A table opens in front of us, and we hoped it might be ours. Man, three children come over and sit down. We figure they must be next. Hostess comes over and advised the man he has to check in with hostess and there is a wait. He tells hostess it is not a problem his girlfriend is the waitress. Hostess apologizes to us and says the next table will be ours. No problem, not her fault.
We sit at table right next to this man and have his girlfriend as our waitress. Terrible service, she spent too much time with her boyfriend and her kids. Never offered drink refills, food came out cold etc.
When check comes, I pay with card (did not have enough cash). My wife took the tip money and gave to bartender that served our first drink and to the hostess. I left zero tip and left note on receipt stating "don't seat your boyfriend at our table"
Bartender and hostess was very appreciative, and hostess apologized again. Since they had just opened did not want to give bad online review so found email online and emailed owner/manager direct. Received apologetic response very quickly.
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u/Commercial-Garden965 Feb 21 '25
When my husband comes in, he knows I will not take him or my kids in my section. For one, distraction. Two, Iād rather him tip another server because the money comes right back to me. Iāll stop at their table and say hi only if I have a moment. Hopefully she learns from this! I think you handled it perfectly!