Why do some servers squat down to take an order?

[grinningghost]

It's very annoying.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Short order cooks?

 

[Alice28]

I'm harkening back to my waitressing days; as I recall, most fellow servers who did that were men, at least where I worked. Perhaps it's a way of taking a brief stretch, making eye contact with customer, having a surface to write on, if it's a casual restaurant, that's kind of a way of extending the laid back atmosphere...

I dunno..

 

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
Short order cooks?

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I'm going with - so they feel closer to you or they are so tired of standing up straight.

 

[thegales]

A survey was done, and it found that servers who come down to eye level get a bigger tip.

I agree with you. I think it is annoying.

 

[grinningghost]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
I'm going with - so they feel closer to you or they are so tired of standing up straight.

Well, then I wish they would just have a seat at the table. It gives me the willies having them just squatting there looking me in the eye. I always want to get up and squat down next to them to see how they would feel.

 

[Laura]

Originally posted by grinningghost
Well, then I wish they would just have a seat at the table.

The horror!

 

[grinningghost]

No bigger tips from this cat.

 

[Cindy B]

I have to say sometimes its so LOUD, you have to do that.


Back in my waitressing days, if I got the bar section, I would always squat down, because it was so LOUD!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Actually, in small mom/pop places, I kind of think it is nice. I have even had waitresses sit down across and take an order. I think it is a sign of friendliness and comfort level.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

At the California Grill I was seated against the outside wall and our waiter just sat down beside me and we all had a nice chat.

I was a little weird at first.

Lori

 

[ilovepcot]

Usually the wait staff at our Outback does squat to take your order. I actually prefer this over having to look up and try to catch what they're saying......especially when it's crowded. Couple of weeks ago, when it was especially slow in the restaurant, the waitress did sit in the booth to tell us about the specials. First time we'd ever had that happen, but we got GREAT service!

 

[Keli]

I've always thought they did it to rest their legs for a minute. I don't mind it. I think I must be one of those people that gives the bigger tip because I've always liked it when they get to my eye level. Makes them seem more friendly or something.

 

[IloveDMB]

I do this sometimes. It's usually when my feet and legs are barking. It gives me a little stretch.

Sometimes if there is an empty chair, I will sit down, though it is not company policy.

We also have a live band at my restaurant, so sometimes I squat so I can hear the table and they can hear me.

I never though that me squatting would bother the table, I thought they liked that we could all hear each other better.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I speak from experience and tell you my reason for squatting down to take an order.

I'm 5 foot 9 1/2 inches and when it gets busy in our restaurant and everyone is talking it is often sometimes hard to hear when my guest is ordering. So I either squat or sit at the table and take their order. Before sitting though, I ALWAYS "feel" out the table when I first arrive. If everyone is laughing having a great time and are very laid back, I make myself "at home". Otherwise, I stay "professional" and stand. We don't do it to be annoying, it's often to make the guest feel comfortable. I don't like looking down at anyone under any circumstance, I want to be at YOUR level and that's why I squat to take my orders. Before I lost 40 pounds though, it was very hard for me to do that on a regular basis, but now, it's a peice of cake!!

I will not apologize for other servers squatting to take orders, nor will I apologize for me doing it either. However for those of you that are uncomfortable, I do sympathize, and I do understand.

 

[Pop Daddy]

its so sexy when they squat and say "I will be your server, can I get you anything"

 

[tiggersmom2]

I once had a server at Outback sit down beside me and take my order. It was all I could do to not bump her out of the booth with my bony hip!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Originally posted by tiggersmom2
I once had a server at Outback sit down beside me and take my order. It was all I could do to not bump her out of the booth with my bony hip!

 

[tiggersmom2]

Well, that was rather rude of you Tiggerlover91. I'm sorry but I don't like servers getting too personal. Sorry if that offends you