We all have those things that simply drive us up a wall.  You know, pet peeves.  I have plenty! Like the  shoppers that go through the self-checkout line for the first time ever(with TONS of produce) when the market is PACKED.  Or how about the person that stands way to close to you in a line?  I swear there have been times when I could feel their breath on my neck!  But this particular post, I will be dealing with my restaurant pet peeves.  Those  annoying things,  that when I am dining out, absolutely make me insane.

Pet Peeve #1- The Absentee Hostess.  Don’t put up a sign that instructs me to “Please Wait To Be Seated” and then have an empty host stand.  I HATE this.  My husband and I once stood at a host stand for 15 minutes waiting for the hostess, who was flirting with the bartender, to come and seat us.  By the time she sauntered over to the host stand and sighed , ” Two?”  I was ready to take her head off.  Lesson: Restaurants, if you are going to have a host stand, please make sure there is a competent, attentive host standing at it.  This is a first point of contact for your guests and can elevate or taint the rest of their experience at your establishment.

Pet Peeve #2- The Forever Hold.  First, let me make a disclaimer, here.  Having worked many years in the restaurant business, I make sure to call with questions, reservations, etc. during off hours.  Read, NOT during the lunch or dinner rush.  Please don’t call a restaurant during prime service times and expect fabulous phone service.  That being said, my pet peeve is about when I call during off hours and am still placed on hold for more than 3 minutes.  I don’t know about you, but I hang up.  AND I am angry and at times, no longer even want to dine at said restaurant.  Lesson: Restaurants, train your staff about the importance of phone etiquette.  Again, this is a first point of contact.  Guests, don’t call a restaurant between 11:30-2:30 and 7:00-8:30, they are in service rush.

Pet Peeve #3- The Ice Cold Butter.  Really?  Is it that hard to take the butter out of the refrigerator before service?  That rock hard butter is not going to spread on the bread, period.  Lesson: Restaurants, take the butter out of the cooler so it can be soft and spreadable.

Pet Peeve#4- The Charge For Bread Service.  Stop it.  Remember in the olden days (like a year ago) when you would dine out at a restaurant and after you sat down they would bring you bread?  And, if you wanted more, they happily brought it to you?  I do.  This charge for bread is petty and short-sighted.  I understand that the economy is rough, bread costs money, etc.  But this is NOT the place to save.  Lesson: Restaurants, charging for bread makes you look petty and ungracious.  Guests, don’t be the people that greedily eat up four loaves of bread and then share a half salad.  You are the reason why these restaurants started to think charging for bread would be a good idea.  Stop ruining it for the rest of us.

Pet Peeve #5- The Gum Chewing.  Don’t get me wrong, I love gum.  I chew gum.  Gum is my friend.  But I do not chew it in professional settings and neither should ANY restaurant staff.  Excluding of course, the diner type establishments where this is part of the schtick.  Nothing is a bigger turn off than being greeted by a hostess with a wad of gum in her/his mouth.  Or a server that is chomping on a piece as he/she is reciting the specials.  Lesson: Restaurants, instruct your staff to just say no to gum while they are working.

Pet Peeve #6- The Sitting Check.  You know what I mean.  You have eaten your meal, you have placed your cash or credit card in the pretty folder and then you sit.  And sit.  And sit.  Even if you have had a fabulous time up until this moment, this sitting can ruin it.  It is just as important to be prompt with the check as it is to be prompt with the greeting.  Also, might I add, don’t make me wait endlessly to even get the check.  Lesson: Restaurants, make sure that your team knows that the end of the meal is as important as the beginning.  Managers, HELP!  If a server is slammed, run the check for them.

Whew! I feel better!  Do you have any restaurant pet peeves?  If so, please share them with me here.  Trust me, you will feel much better…