honesty
there was a first tonight for me. a server came in the kitchen and said, “i was busy and there was a table that i missed. they had a bottle of wine already and i didn’t know they needed to order, and they are miffed and could you please make this right away?” of course i made it right away and also took it to the table when it was ready and explained to the table that we are in the throws of a new system of service (which i don’t plan to get into here) and we’ll be working it out over the next couple weeks and i was sorry they were missed. they seemed so appreciative at the explanation, and they genuinely seemed to understand. even though i had a terrible night, and i’ve been having a terrible month in a lot of ways as far as my job is concerned, this was really a highlight for me. it was so refreshing to just be told honestly that a mistake was made, allowing me to address it as best i could. mistakes will always happen, it’s how we deal with them that is so important. the server tonight faced up to his mistake and went so far a to tell me he had messed up. it’s so much better than finding out some other way.
in other news, i must admit i am struggling with running such a busy restaurant. lately it seems i am swimming upstream and although i believe in my vision and am determined to reach my destination, it is still too often too difficult to bring others onboard happily. “hey, i see you floating downstream on that nice tube, would you like to join me as i swim furiously the other way?” “no thanks, you should float this way with us.” i can certainly understand the perspective.
i don’t think i have ever looked forward to a vacation as much as the one i have coming up soon. thanks to the customers who come and enjoy the place, despite any problems they may encounter. there are those who go out and know how to have a good time, and there are those who go out and should have just saved their money and made mac and cheese from a box. anyone who can’t see we’re trying, who doesn’t notice we’re slammed, and who thinks feeding and serving hundreds of people is easy, should come wash dishes for one night at satchel’s. ( i’m not talking about any particular customers here, just generalizing…) i should shut up. i love everyone.
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