Large Group, Small Places

[roginoz]

One of the best things about being a ROMEO is visiting mom and pop restaurants in small towns. We need to bear in mind that these folks are happy to see us, but we often stress their resources. Their businesses are structured to serve the day to day needs of their communities. Our patronage does provide a modest one-time boost, but it's their regular local customers that keep them in business.

If your meal is slow in arriving, remember that it's probably bothering the staff as much as it's bothering you. The servers always seem to become the focus of criticism, being the point of contact between the kitchen and customer. Many of these people are young, and experience more stress than their earnings justify. (I hope all of you are tipping at least twenty percent...)

Our waitress at the 56 Family Restaurant today was visibly shaken by vocal criticism she apparently perceived as being directed at her. (Special thanks to the lady in our group who took her aside to offer some encouragement.) While we are paying customers, we need to remember that we're also guests in these small establishments, and need to be at least as courteous as our hosts. People remember us, and we need to make sure that they remember us as those they'd like to see again.

When I schedule our rides, I assure the operators of the smaller places that we'll be patient if they struggle to handle a group that's generally larger than what they're used to hosting. We're generally pretty good about doing this, but sometimes it seems a reminder is appropriate. Like today.

[etaoin]

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[FiremanKyle]

Thanks. I agree. Was very disappointing to be in the group when the comment was made. Thanks for pointing it out. I pray that never happens again.