Have you ever asked to speak to a restaurant manager to give a compliment?

[rotundofmordant]

We were at a Longhorn Cafe a couple of months ago when the manager had stopped by to check how our meal was going. About ten minutes later, I asked our waitress if I could speak to him. The waitress was a bit worried, but I told her not to be. I was sure she had heard that before.

The manager had to deal with another "situation" but finally came around. We wanted to let him know how on the spot our waitress had been. She was prompt getting the food out for our daughter first without having to ask. She was helpful and refilled our drinks (without asking) and paid attention to us without being overly obtrusive in spite of the fact her section was filled to the brim.

He said thank you and that it been over six months since he had been called to a table to hear a compliment rather than a complaint.

 

[Linzybrooke]

We have had the same experience. Had a WONDERFUL server at our local Abuelo's and asked him to send the manager over. He seemed really nervous but said he would, we told him nothing was wrong. Manager came and we told him how attentive and polite the server was. Next time the server came over he thanked us and said that no one had ever done that before, and it meant so much to him. The manager also said that it was very rare to hear a compliment about a server because people just don't think to give them, but that it would be recorded in his records that he had such a positive attitude with guests.

 

[Grog]

Anytime I have a server go above and beyond I make sure the manager, and the server, know how much I appreciated it.

 

[N.Bailey]

I've never asked to speak to a manager because I hate to be a pest. I'm not saying I would be, but I would feel as if I were. I have written letters and mailed in good comment cards though.

I'll tell you though, it does feel good when it happens. It happened to me twice. One guy (party of 12 to 16) told my manager he'd been to some of the finest restaurants in the world and didn't receive the service I provided to their entire party that night. I thought that was a pretty remarkable comment. Another party of 8 spoke to my manager about his service one evening too. These people were really fun to wait on and it was guests like this that made me love the job.

I also once had a letter from a lady who decided to bring her clients to our restaurant (I worked in a normal steakhouse, but it's a small town and the offerings aren't anything like one would find in a city). She'd written a LONG letter (sent to the corporate office) thanking me for everything and went on to say that because of the choice of restaurants and service (go figure), that she cinched some sort of deal with these clients.

On that note however, I got 1 bad comment card in all my years of waiting tables. The guy raised a fit because I brought a soda out (was free refills) that he didn't ask for. It was MY fault that the prices are what they are. The managers scratched my name out (didn't matter, I told everyone it was mine) and hung it up as a lesson on why we shouldn't automatically take out refills. This was something me and another girl did all the time and we didn't stop doing it after the comment card either. Surprisingly, she'd only had 1 bad comment card that I can recall too, and it was for the exact same thing. Obviously, if you're on dessert and about ready to walk out the door, we wouldn't bring you a full soda, but for most people, it's a given if they're not finished eating yet. My guess is, more people liked it than hated it (was super reflective in our tips too).

 

[Papa Deuce]

Long story I will keep as short as possible...

House of Blues in Myrtle Beach... I went to a dinner show... it was SUPER RUSHED. They cleared us out before I even had a chance to get dessert from the buffet.

I get home and wrote a letter. The manager called me and apologized and said it was his fault 100% because he had forgotten that a show that was scheduled that night had been rescheduled for an hour earlier. He had to get us out ASAP to get ready for the show.

He sent us a gift certificate for 2 free meals in the restaurant ( as opposed to the theater ) and all we had to pay for was liquor if we bought any.... Well, that was nice and all, but what came next was what made me thank him personally. This was one year after the above.

We showed up to dinner with 4 other people - 6 total - and he gave ALL of us free meals! And tickets to that night's show in the theater... KC and the Sunshine Band!

I was so impressed that I then wrote corporate HQ about the manager.

 

[binny]

yep at our Cheesecake Factory last year.

We had an amazing server, the kind of person who makes you feel like you are the only customers he has. The kitchen screwed up our meal big time and he did everything he could to make up for it. I spoke with the manager on the way out and told him how impressed I was with this kid and he said " Oh you mean THIS trouble maker?" the waiter had come up behind me to thank me again for my patience. The manager was great and thanked us for telling him and said he would definately make note of it, the waiter put his arm around my shoulders and said "they get the award for the best customers ever! they weer amazing too!"


I was really happy with that experience. I have actually only met one snotty waitress there and she isnt there any more.


I have called a few other times as well. Good service deserves to be recognized. Maybe if more of us did that the service would get better!

 

[tigercat]

I always try to make sure I compliment any person who serves us. I worked at a store and it was always nice to know that someone was happy with your service. I will however also say something when something has not been good. But for a reason. If the server is trying their best but the kitchen is screwing up then I let the place know that as well.
tigercat

 

[rotundofmordant]

Anytime I have a server go above and beyond I make sure the manager, and the server, know how much I appreciated it.

It is sad that it happens so rarely. However human nature I guess. We are far more likely to complain than give a compliment.

 

[Charade]

Happened just the other day at a Pizza Hut. Just before we got married in May, we ordered a pizza delivery. When we paid the driver, we accidentally gave him too much money and he came back to give us back the excess amount. We had dinner at that PH the other night and called the mgr over to let her know. The driver just happened to be there and he stopped over to thank us for the "thank him"!

It's happened from time to time and about on par with the number of times we complain to the mgmnt.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I tend to tip in a 10% to 20% range. Any time the quality of the service leads me to tip outside of this range, above or below, I will also ask to speak to a manager; explaining only that the tip was outside the range and why.

 

[TPCShauna]

I do this all the time. In fact, DH and I did this last Friday night at Ruby Tuesday's. We were out fairly late and drove by their complex. I was really craving soup and salad so recommended we stop in there (for only our second visit ever.) We walked in at 9:55pm to an almost empty dining room. The hostess started to seat us in a booth but I am unable to put pressure on my knee to sit in a booth at the moment due to injury so we asked for a table.

Just as the words, "I'm sorry, that section is closed" came out of her mouth, a lovely young lady spoke up and offered to pick up our table in the closed section. I used to wait tables and know how much additional effort this requires. This server was exceptional - attentive, friendly, gracious and all around pleasant. After packing up our extras, we asked for the manager. He came out and you could tell he was expecting a complaint. It is always so nice to see the manager's face light up at a compliment.

Our server thanked us for the compliment. We also made sure to tip her well - something like 28% - as it was always my pet peeve to have someone compliment the service I provided yet leave me a lousy tip. I like to show my gratitude in a tangible way.

 

[harleyquinn]

After working in retail for so long I always make sure I do this in the service industry, whether its a restuarant or a store. Most recently at Lowe's. The gentleman was so totally helpful and patient. I made sure I told him and also told a manager. I always tell the employee that I'm telling the manager too. Unfortunatly I know how common it is to not pass on compliments to employees.

 

[JodyLynC]

This is a great practice! I think we should all get in the habit of spreading compliments. We are so quick to complain.

 

[chell]

Yes, this is something we try to do. Most people don't get complimented for their great service so we try to make sure the managers know.

 

[Stacerita]

We do this often. If I am willing to complain when service is bad, then I should be giving the compliment when due.

 

[GirTheGecko]

Since I usually show up just before or during rush times, I don't talk to the manager. I want them to be able to focus on their jobs.

I have filled out positive compliment cards for people. We go to the restaurant that my dbf's sister works at and we request the same waitress. We do this because she is amazing. We tip her well and send in the comp cards for her since she is so incredible at her job.

It's always nice to hear customers appreciate your service since normally, you only hear negative things.