Waiters Fast to Remove Plates and Drinks from Table

random12 on 18/12/2021 - 01:15
Last edited 18/12/2021 - 01:17

Given it is end of year and many people are probably having end of year lunches at work.

Went to a restaurant, and the waiter was so fast to remove my drink.

Hand comes out of no where and takes the bottle, and then they ask 'Are you done? Can I get you another?'.

Why? If I want another, I will ask. Or at least suggest before you take it away.

There is no reason to be so fast to take stuff. I know some people might appreciate it, but I do not. There was still room on the table. It could have stayed where it was. It wasn't doing any harm. If we need the space, I will specially move it to the side and ask for it to be taken. I believe it may have still some amount in it. Maybe not look like much to the eye, but still leave it until I tell you to take it.

It was not particularly busy. There was no rush to turn tables. There were plenty of other tables available.

Open message to all waiters.

Taking stuff without asking is not appreciated.

Food & Grocery

closed Comments

  • spackbace on 18/12/2021 - 01:18
    +139

    Wow, stop the presses, waiter grabbed an empty bottle off the table šŸ˜®

      • spackbace on 18/12/2021 - 01:35
        +93

        or to another (empty) table on the side

        You don't get waited on very often, do you? They're trained to clear the table, top up drinks, etc etc. Putting shit on an empty, clean table is 1 of the worst things you could do.

        Maybe stick to whinging about empty chip boxes at KFC

          • spackbace on 18/12/2021 - 01:37
            +34

            @random12: Rant posts generally seem to be habit forming, which is clearly the case here.

          • cute as duck on 19/12/2021 - 12:13
            +1

            @random12: Wow, and here I was thinking your actual post was you trolling us.

            I can't believe your post is real, I've shared this post to everyone I know. It's comedy gold.

          • pegaxs on 18/12/2021 - 09:25
            +6

            @random12:

            I don't 'put shit' on other tables to mess them up.

            Literally putting shit on other tables that doesnā€™t belong on that table is the definition of ā€œmessing them upā€.

            Especially in this time of COVID where they have to disinfect tables after every use, you moving your used ā€œglasses and bottlesā€ to another table will require that other table to now also be cleaned.

            So, yeah, you do put shit on other tables to ā€œmess them upā€, because you are just trying to remove ā€œthe messā€ from your own table. It doesnā€™t suddenly become ā€œnot messā€ by you moving it somewhere else.

            • DashCam AKA Rolts on 18/12/2021 - 10:17
              +3

              @pegaxs:

              Especially in this time of COVID where they have to disinfect tables after every use, you moving your used ā€œglasses and bottlesā€ to another table will require that other table to now also be cleaned.

              Exactly this reason why putting used glasses, bottles, plates is a rude/scummy/unthinking/daft thing to do.

        • Nalar on 18/12/2021 - 05:15
          +21

          Post history of just fast food and Delivery services, maybe this is OP's first time dining as an adult. Id be a bit shook if all my meals usually come in a paper bag or carboard box.

        • Assburg on 19/12/2021 - 02:15
          -5

          Can't take someone who thinks wait staff are "trained" seriously…

          • spackbace on 19/12/2021 - 12:02
            +3

            @Assburg: You don't think wait staff are trained?

            How's that ivory tower going?

          • SBOB on 19/12/2021 - 12:05
            +1

            @Assburg:

            Can't take someone who thinks wait staff are "trained" seriouslyā€¦

            what would you call wait staff that may have 10+ years of experience working in decent restaurants?
            do you assume they undergo no in-house training or external training courses?

            Do you only eat at restaurants starting with Mc? (who also have in-house training they go through)

            • Assburg on 19/12/2021 - 12:10
              -3

              @SBOB: I've….worked in hospitality, polish cutlery, wrap napkins around cutlery, take orders, write them down legibly, handle money, mop the floor and wash dishes, occasionally resolve problems…

              Beyond being shown how to use the billing system and the little cutlery-napkin roll it's literally just… Things you learn to do as a child, but at a higher pace.

              Stressful? Yes. Underappreciated? Yes… But trained? Nah man…

              • SBOB on 19/12/2021 - 12:26

                @Assburg:

                wrap napkins around cutlery,

                perhaps this illustrates the level of restaurants that you've worked hospitality in.
                I guess this goes to illustrate that not all levels of hospitality should be considered equal.

              • spackbace on 19/12/2021 - 12:53
                +1

                @Assburg:

                being shown how to use the billing system

                It's almost like you were trained…

                • Assburg on 20/12/2021 - 00:37
                  -1

                  @spackbace: Does dining or working at a more expensive restaurant make you a better person? SBOB seems to think so, almost like people who lay napkins on people's laps and make sure bread plates go on the left have…some special skillset that requires training.

                  It's just the culture man, no special training necessary for the average person..

                  Look, maybe I'm wrong, but I think showing someone how to do something once and then reasonably expecting them to figure it out from there doesn't constitute training…

            • bondy28 on 19/12/2021 - 16:56

              @SBOB: They are most definitely trained on how to deal with Ass… burg's.

      • AustriaBargain on 18/12/2021 - 03:02
        +1

        "Would sir mind if I remove the empty bottle from the table?"

      • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 03:02
        +1

        it's not to do with making space lol it's to do with clearing empty, dirty dishes so they can be cleaned. and what does probably empty mean? your post and replies is making me irrationally frustated and i can't explain why

      • ebN on 18/12/2021 - 20:01

        Come on man if the bottle is empty then its fair game they take it

    • MrThing on 18/12/2021 - 02:58
      +4

      Whoa whoa, waiter was doing the job he was trained for. stop the press boiz

    • Montyjpm on 18/12/2021 - 20:48

      People can be do previous these days. Complain about the most shitty things. OP, are you Jerry Seinfeld?

      • SF3 on 19/12/2021 - 21:29

        OP, are you Jerry Seinfeld?

        More like a George Cantstandya

    • kaleidoscope on 19/12/2021 - 23:46

      it is end of year and many people are probably having end of year lunches at work

      did you pay for the meal or was that company sponsored meal

      • spackbace on 19/12/2021 - 23:48

        Replied to the wrong comment there…

  • Hybroid on 18/12/2021 - 01:29
    +14

    There is no reason to be so fast to take stuff.

    I know some people might appreciate it…

    Oxymoron there.

    I prefer clutter to be cleared ASAP personally. You win some, you lose some.

    • SF3 on 18/12/2021 - 10:09
      +5

      Here we are another old man OP yells at cloud situation.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 18/12/2021 - 10:19

        Didn't want anyone removing a potential pee bottle.

        • Kangal on 18/12/2021 - 18:01

          We're evolving… only backwards

    • hetzjagd on 18/12/2021 - 20:03

      Thatā€™s not an oxymoron

    • funnysht on 19/12/2021 - 23:50
      +1

      no oxymoron here mate…just a moron -_-

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 03:00
    +8

    if they come and take a plate of food and you're not done, then tell them that. waiters can tell when a dish is empty or full, same as a drink. and if there's still a bit of food or drink that has obviously been untouched for some time, they'll ask if you're done. like you even pointed out in your rant here. you make no sense. if a dish or drink is empty then they'll take it off the table, what's the point in letting it sit there? if your drink is finished of course they'll ask if you want another one. I'm so confused abour your frame of thought here

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 18/12/2021 - 10:20
      +1

      I'm so confused abour your frame of thought here

      O.P. thought they were home.

  • AustriaBargain on 18/12/2021 - 03:01
    +2

    Empty bottles on tables looks trashy. It's literal trash.

  • RockyRaccoon on 18/12/2021 - 05:09

    It the old days you would take a marking pen, and everytime you take a swig, mark where the liquid reaches, then you can catch the waiter out.

    Or if you are a new modern, then take a photo of the bottle after each swig, bingo! Plus it has advantage of time stamp, so you can show him when you took swigs as evidence.

  • Ughhh on 18/12/2021 - 06:23
    +7

    There was no rush to turn tables. There were plenty of other tables available.

    Good organised waiters and restaurant don't start cleaning when the next booking arrives, they clean and prepare before they arrive (this could even mean using your small table to form a bigger table).

    • random12 on 18/12/2021 - 12:29
      -6

      The place was probably lucky to be 40% full the whole time we were there.

      We were on a row of 4 or 5 tables put together.

      There would have been at least two other rows of tables set up as well.

      • echineon on 18/12/2021 - 17:13
        +5

        And the waiter asked if you are done. Say no
        /close thread

      • ThithLord on 20/12/2021 - 09:26

        Hi, team, I know in every good restaurant or cafe we should be clearing the tables in a prompt manner. But look at this place! It's only at 40% capacity. What if, god forbid, there's a random customer that takes offence at the type of service majority of customers expect?

        I firmly believe we should cater to that loud minority (good time to ensure they are vaccinated) just in case!

  • Stopback on 18/12/2021 - 06:35

    Leave your cash at the table and walk away

    • RiseAndRuin on 18/12/2021 - 16:11
      +6

      What if the waiter takes it away too quickly though?

  • iamherenow on 18/12/2021 - 07:15

    Out of your control. Learn to let it go for the sake of those around you. Or not…

    https://youtu.be/V9AbeALNVkk

  • timthetoolman on 18/12/2021 - 07:21
    +27

    I too, hate good customer service.
    The nerve to ask you if you wanted another drink as well!

  • Meho2026 on 18/12/2021 - 07:42
    +2

    Absolutely outrageous

  • TEER3X on 18/12/2021 - 07:53

    OP should be taken to Dick's Last Resort, in the US, for their next birthday

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Last_Resort
    "… Dick's Last Resort teaches its servers to be obnoxious.[1] In addition to the staff, the decor is considered to be "wacky."[5] The restaurant uses picnic-style tables and paper tablecloths. Patrons of Dick's are expected to be insulted, or placed in uncomfortable situations. Adult bibs and large, hand-made, paper hats with insults written on them are given to diners to wear during their stay.[6] There are no napkins on the tables; they are generally thrown at the customers by the serving staff.[7]…"

    • timthetoolman on 18/12/2021 - 07:57

      There is a place in Melbourne called Karen's Diner which is very similar. Op should make the trip down

      • kerfuffle on 18/12/2021 - 09:11
        +1

        Also in Sydney, at World Square

  • SF3 on 18/12/2021 - 08:06
    +3

    OP, you should really be giving your feedback to that restaurant.

    Oh, wait. yes, post on OzB 1stā€¦

  • Hithere on 18/12/2021 - 08:19

    For a minute I thought that I was on the Whirlpool forum.

    They have pointless threads about pointless things that probably don't even happen.

  • mjuice7 on 18/12/2021 - 08:44
    +1

    still got a chip on his/her shoulder about the great kepc chip scam? šŸ¤£ put yourself in the shoes of any person that has to deal with the paying public & you main gain some perspective of what they go through.

  • yellowfever on 18/12/2021 - 08:46
    +5

    OP probably got a free end of year lunch from work and still complaining

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 08:52

    Vote with your feet and never go back to that terrible restaurant again

  • djones145 on 18/12/2021 - 08:59
    +1

    this is a random post…

  • pegaxs on 18/12/2021 - 09:09
    +5

    Why? If I want another, I will ask

    I bet youā€™re a delight at parties and restaurants. And let me guess, if the waiter wasnā€™t right there the moment you wanted another drink, again, ā€œbad waiter.ā€

    Open message to all waiters. Taking stuff without asking is not appreciated.

    Open message to Karens. Pull your head in and let them do their job.

  • slknv on 18/12/2021 - 09:41
    +2

    ozwhinge

  • CyberMurning on 18/12/2021 - 10:09
    +1

    agree. especialy the if there is a food on plate then make sure stand and ask if you done, not take the plate and ask at the same time!

  • Muzeeb on 18/12/2021 - 10:20
    +8

    Which restaurant?

    Sounds like professional service. I would like to go there.

  • rektrading on 18/12/2021 - 10:24
    +1

    Maybe not look like much to the eye, but still leave it until I tell you to take it.

    āš ļø may offend šŸš§
    https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RQoQrlq5pL0/maxresdefault.jpg

    Merry šŸŽ„.

  • JimmyF on 18/12/2021 - 10:26
    +4

    Hand comes out of no where and takes the bottle, and then they ask 'Are you done? Can I get you another?'.
    Why? If I want another, I will ask. Or at least suggest before you take it away.

    OH MY GOD a waiter providing 'service' to a customer. How dare they!

    I know some people might appreciate it, but I do not

    So you like to sit around with dirty plates, empty bottles and cups around you? Hmmm yeah nah.

    Open message to all waiters.
    Taking stuff without asking is not appreciated.

    Open message to all waiters, this guy doesn't speak for 99.99% of us. Please clear dirty plates, empty bottles when they are done.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 10:27
    -5

    Removing plates from the table before everyone has finished is bad manners and service.

  • kanmen on 18/12/2021 - 11:11
    +5

    You sound a bit triggered by this seemingly small thing. Why has this bothered you so much? Are you assigning this some other meaning from other things that have happened to you? Do you feel like people do things to you without asking? Do you feel like you can't say no to people so you feel resentful when people do things you don't like? Where is this coming from?

  • deme on 18/12/2021 - 12:13
    +7

    T R I G G E R E D
    R
    I
    G
    G
    E
    R
    E
    D

  • dscott85 on 18/12/2021 - 12:29
    +6

    Random12: I canā€™t see how a staff member cleaning up a table is in any way offensive & asking you if youā€™d like another drink is a professional response when noticing the customerā€™s glass/bottle is empty itā€™s being attentive & providing good customer service.

    If you are going through life & someone ā€œdoing there jobā€ upsets you maybe ā€œyouā€ have the issue rather than them.

      • SF3 on 18/12/2021 - 12:58
        +6

        And no, I am not a 'Karen'

        That's exactly a Karen's blindspot.

        Allowing the heat of the moment to overwhelm them, even when the situation has passed.

      • freefall101 on 18/12/2021 - 15:36
        +1

        When they asked "Are you done?" you can answer "No". They will leave the bottle at the table so that you can finish it. Astonishing thing, communication between staff and patrons, but they're not actually your slaves to be called upon at your whim.

        Wait staff spend their entire day picking up bottles and drinks. They're actually keeping an eye on things to see if the bottle is empty, not just randomly guessing.

        • random12 on 18/12/2021 - 16:01
          -2

          You have idea how rude/annoying/irritating it is when someone takes something AND THEN asks if you are finished?

          Also, I don't 'call them at my whim'.

          In fact, it could have stayed at the table until we left at the end.

      • crysomemore on 19/12/2021 - 08:02

        Righto Karenā€¦

  • solidussnake on 18/12/2021 - 12:54
    +1

    Worst thing when I go out to a restaurant is slow service and long wait times for another drink, weird that you would be upset over very efficient service

    • random12 on 18/12/2021 - 14:26
      -5

      Again, you completely missed the point.

      I am not complaining about the time to get another drink. I am saying that the current drink was taken away too early.

      They can bring the new drink, and then take the previous drink after.

      • cookie2 on 18/12/2021 - 17:02

        I get it. There is such a thing as over servicing. You should be asked before. Not just in hospitality but in lots of situations. At the end of the day you're dining in, when you're having a convo at the table and the staff member comes to assist they should be confirming, otherwise could be interupting OR run the risk of making you feel like you need to move along, order another though you're not ready etc. Table service doesn't mean anything goes, it means to serve the table. Problem is, as you can see, everyone has a different expectation of how that would be. I think a few ppl are being purposely daft with your post but in saying that Yes, it can be annoying but you should say something at the time, at the venue or thru feedback.

        • lonewolf on 19/12/2021 - 09:35

          Yup, I think a lot of people are missing what is being said here or perhaps it wasnt conveyed well. I think he is saying that the bottle was taken too quickly before he was done with it ,just like taking a plate away when there is still food on it. It doesnt happen often but at times i have had situations where the waiter will take away a drink (not finished , has about 15-20% left) or a plate with some food left on it and not ask (perhaps they dont want to interrupt the conversation). So yes you can then stop mid conversation and say dont take it away i am still going. But at times you are not prepared for it to be taken away as they came from behind you or at an angle to where you were looking so you didnt see them till the plate / glass is being picked up. then you may take a second or 2 before registering at which point they may start to walk away. Sure you can call them back and say you havent finished yet. But not everyone has the same level of assertiveness or perhaps it may be in a busy or date situation where you dont really want to look pushy etc. There can be many variables in a scenario like this.

          It may not happen often but there have been times where i have had food taken away from when when i wasnt done with it.

          • spackbace on 19/12/2021 - 12:04

            @lonewolf: OP said 5-10% left, though their reports vary between comments

            5-10% of the average 330ml beer bottle is 17-33ml. Literally a shot or less of beer (by their own accounts)

            Who really leaves such a small amount? Wait staff would just think they don't like drinking "the dregs" etc

            • random12 on 20/12/2021 - 04:15
              -2

              @spackbace: You seem to forget the forget the fact that it does not matter. The % that gets thrown out does not even really matter. It is principle.

              I pay for something,which has huge markups, I want to get it.

              You want to be a dick and just say 'ahh.. its only 10%, get over it'.

              Good, next time I will only pay 90%, and I will tell them that its all due to 'spaceback's logic from OzBargain.

              You just can't admit that I made valid argument, and now you just want to sweep it away because your ego has been bruised.

              • spackbace on 20/12/2021 - 09:55

                @random12: Except you didn't make a valid argument, hence why the vast majority of commenters are bagging you out šŸ˜‚

                But well done on tooting your own horn

  • xtremehell on 18/12/2021 - 13:00

    What happened to the friendly Australian girl who used to work here?

  • bobbified on 18/12/2021 - 13:53
    +1

    Hand comes out of no where and takes the bottle….

    OP was wanting to take a bite of the glass bottle.

    • buckster on 19/12/2021 - 21:55

      OP might do us all a favour with a bite of the bottle

  • Hithere on 18/12/2021 - 14:00
    +1

    OP wanted to glass the waiter for being too efficient and couldn't as they had already taken the potential weapon away.

  • SBOB on 18/12/2021 - 14:41
    +2

    Was this your first time at a restaurant that didn't start with Mc?

    • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 17:32
      +1

      Previous comments suggest extensive experience with KF as well.

  • lachhelix on 18/12/2021 - 15:30
    +4

    Well reading that was a waste of 2 minutes I'll never get back

  • subywagon on 18/12/2021 - 15:49

    Say yeah I'd like another drink and ask for a cup of tap water next time

  • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2021 - 16:16
    +2

    this is by far the most boomer thing i have ever seen on this boomer website

  • pikapika on 18/12/2021 - 16:35
    +1

    This place is becoming Ozwhiners. Ffs that person was just doing their job and actually doing what they're meant to do šŸ¤¦

    • SF3 on 18/12/2021 - 17:04

      becoming Ozwhiners

      First world problems.

  • Halc on 18/12/2021 - 17:53

    next post:

    waiter sat around when my empty drink bottle sat on table, did not even offer another order. what am i paying for ??? outrageous service

  • CalmLemons on 18/12/2021 - 19:34

    they would rather take it away now than wait for when it is busy, then you complain that your table is not cleared.

    it's also a method to make you feel awkward (as achieved) in order for you to order another drink.

    I find it funny how some people sit at a restaurant or cafe for hours and they've only ordered 1 drink and 1 small snack. literally, there is a business to run.

    • Vallani on 18/12/2021 - 20:00
      +1

      ā€œit's also a method to make you feel awkward (as achieved) in order for you to order another drink.ā€

      Yep, pretty sure this is a key reason, especially in pubs. I find it annoying when Iā€™m taking my time and a ā€˜glassieā€™ swipes my glass when thereā€™s still 20% left and before I can speak up heā€™s halfway back to the bar.

      • Longtimescroller on 18/12/2021 - 20:18

        Glassies gain nothing from encouraging people to drink more. It's purely to avoid them being slammed later.

      • lonewolf on 19/12/2021 - 09:37

        yup this has happened to me in the past as well as i am not a heavy drinker, so i prefer to sip and have something in my hand or near me that i can reach for mid conversation.

  • Longtimescroller on 18/12/2021 - 20:05
    +4

    Ex waiter here…

    We would often do rounds to clear the table of empty bottles, clean tables and replenish drinks whenever we could so that when we are busy with orders etc. The drinks and table are sorted.

    There is no fiscal advantage other than a tip for good service (not a common occurrence in most Australian hospitality venues).

    The waiter is doing a his job and a good one at that.

  • berger on 18/12/2021 - 21:04
    +4

    I was at a dinner event a few weeks ago and when my beer was empty they brought me another without asking. I literally had my last sip and it was changed over.

    I said ā€˜Thank you kind sirā€™

    Maybe Iā€™ll post something in the forums.

  • dbun1 on 18/12/2021 - 21:47
    +4

    Maybe the OP is from a state that didnā€™t have hard lockdowns, however after all the lockdowns (Vic) and not being able to sit in a restaurant for ages, Iā€™m just grateful that we are back to normal for the most part and can enjoy getting out again. Nitpicking the service would not even cross my mind.

    Canā€™t believe the OP. Just be thankful and have some perspective.

  • smartazz104 on 18/12/2021 - 22:04

    All these comments and no mention of what this special drink was…

    • random12 on 18/12/2021 - 22:39
      -4

      Oh just plain free water….

      • SF3 on 19/12/2021 - 00:03
        +2

        just plain free water

        All that rage over free water, and you probably get another full (free) bottleā€¦

        šŸ¤¦ā€ā™‚ļø

        • random12 on 19/12/2021 - 00:48
          -4

          you don't understand sarcasm?

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