8 tips to be a good hospitality guest again soon
We’re all champing at the bit like excited little horses to be allowed to go out to restaurants and bars again, aren’t we? Snorting with joy, we’ll prance or dash towards the first empty chair that appears, give the table a little hug, and then order liters of drinks and dishes piled high with food. But because we’ve probably all forgotten how it’s done, here are a few tips to help you show up as the ideal guest:
As much as we’d like to, when the first establishments reopen, things won’t yet—or won’t be able to—be the way they used to be. That’s why chefs and hospitality workers are asking for understanding about a changed situation that may last for a very long time, and are giving us these tips. And if we as guests can manage the following, it will be (and remain) fun for everyone!
Make sure all staff can continue working safely
You may only be going out for one evening and remain more or less in one place, but everyone working in the café or restaurant will have a large stream of people close to them over the course of several days. So help them stay protected, as best you can. Follow the rules, and the chances are much greater that the place will actually be able to stay open!
Be on time
And above all: show up at all! Keep in mind the difficult circumstances everyone in hospitality is trying to struggle through: if you make a reservation, come—and come on time! One of the worst things you can experience as a hospitality business owner or employee right now is tables remaining empty because people don’t show up. With the strict reservation policy that will probably be mandatory, such a table can’t simply be given to someone else at the last minute, and business owners see their livelihoods go up in smoke when a table remains empty.
Tip generously
All that money you may have been able to save by not going out over the past few months? You could use it to give a more generous tip than you would have in the past. Perhaps one of the most tangible expressions of gratitude and respect: a well-filled tip jar at the end of the evening.
Stay home if you have symptoms
It may seem incredibly obvious, but there are still people who go into the supermarket (or to work) sneezing and sniffling. Restaurant owners can do everything in their power to eliminate all the risks, but it only takes one infected guest to spoil everything and force the place to close again. Of course, some people don’t even know they’re infected and therefore contagious, but if you have even the slightest suspicion or one of the symptoms, simply keep yourself isolated for a little longer.
Have a little patience (and empathy)
It will take some getting used to for everyone, and many people have really been through a terrible time. Above all, let’s show patience and understanding toward one another, and if a café or restaurant needs a little time to get the new procedures running smoothly (it’s not as though they’ve been able to practise), don’t become impatient or take offense too quickly. Wear your face mask where and when it’s required, wait at a distance until your table is clean and ready, and give one another space. Everyone is doing their utmost—we can assume that, because if anything has become clear, it’s that nothing can be taken for granted…
Go easy on the negative reviews
Did things not go so well? Was everything not immediately running smoothly, or did it take a little longer than usual? Try to resist the urge that might normally make you reach for your phone to leave a bad review. Feedback is always important, and most restaurant owners want to do everything they can to keep you satisfied. If you have criticism, try to express it that same evening so something can still be resolved or made up to you. And if you find such a confrontation uncomfortable, you can send the establishment an email afterward. That gives the owner a chance to make things right or explain, without an algorithm deciding that this one bad review will remain visible forever above perhaps twenty excellent ones.
Say thank you
The tip will of course be hugely appreciated, but a friendly thank-you certainly will be too. Everyone who works in service has had an incredibly difficult year. And of course it’s their job, but almost all service staff genuinely enjoy pampering people and giving them a great evening. It’s really lovely to receive a thank-you in return.
And above all, HAVE FUN
But really, do you remember why going out to eat and drink was so fantastic in the first place?! That feeling of being astonished by how delicious something is, laughing your pants off with your tablemates, flirting with the bartender, and going home blissfully happy after an evening of fun—that’s what we want for everyone again. We can’t wait!
Also read:
- Partying in Vondelpark? Fun! Hospitality venues open? Far too dangerous!
- The hospitality problem that almost nobody has heard of yet
- Michelin stars 2021: all the winners (including new categories) at a glance
