Asking For The Manager
When I asked to speak with the manager at the restaurant last night you would have thought I had just hopped up on the table and screamed at the top of my lungs "there’s a rat in the kitchen!"
The waiter seemed perplexed. We could see him processing in his mind trying to figure out what he had done wrong.
He had . . . wait for it . . . done everything right and had done so with great efficiency and friendliness.
The manager approached the table anxious and concerned as to what we would say. She was working through her deep breathing exercises and buttoning up her flak jacket.
The situation was diffused immediately when I said "I just thought you should know what a wonderful dining experience this was and how impressed we were with the attention and service we received from our waiter."
Her countenance softened and she seemed genuinely surprised that our summons was to compliment not to complain.
It’s obvious that managers don’t get called to tables much these days for compliments and encouraging words.
7 Responses to “Asking For The Manager”
Good show Randy. Reminds me of something “master teacher” Harry K. Wong once said. He said he made it a point to call the homes of his students, identify himself, quickly say that they were doing well and that they should be proud of them, and hang up.
I love those kind of phone calls.
I dare say that not only restaurant managers but just about everybody in society these days are bombarded more with negativity than complimentary pats on the back. I appreciate you having the attitude and taking the time to pass along some smiles. There is nothing quite like an “attaboy” or “attagirl” to lift someone’s spirits. Thank you for doing that, and for reminding the rest of us to look for, and acknowledge, the good that is around us!
Good man. I hope I serve at your table one day.
I did the same at Chilli’s Sunday afternoon. We had the very best service I’ve ever experienced and I let the manager know … and left a larger-than-usual tip. I’m proud of you!
It’s amazing what it does on the telephone also. Try asking for a person’s supervisor
to pass on a compliment — the supervisor is most often surprised.
this should be added to those lists for how to bring small (life-affirming) moments of happiness to those around you… and for ways of achieving that perverse pleasure in making someone sweat.
I’m ready for more barbecue!
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