Wait staff question...is the server responsible? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
We went to dinner tonight at Olive Garden. We ordered 2 appetizers and meals (my "meal" was another appetizer). The salad arrived, fine. One app arrived and the server said that the other had been taken to the wrong table, so they were working on making another (calamari/fried mozz). OK, fine, we nosh on the one appetizer for a long time. Next thing we know, the entrees arrive and still no 2nd appetizer. We were about 1/2 finished with our meals when it finally arrived (at least 30 minutes after the "mistake" was caught). During this whole time, we also never had refills or any real service whatsoever. I tipped accordingly and had it not been 11yo's b-day dinner, would have spoken with a manager. IMO, yes, the kitchen makes mistakes, but it's the server, as the "representative" of the restaurant to somehow make it right/get the kitchen to step it up. Is that how you look at it or is the server just the legs of the kitchen and it's the kitchen's fault?
The server should have been checking on drinks periodically at which point she might have realized earlier that your second appetizer had not yet arrived. I realize that sometimes the servers are really busy, but an attentive server who brings refills in a timely manner always scores a bigger tip in my book. The best service I have ever had at a restaurant was at Emeril's in Orlando. We had TWO servers assigned to our table, and we never wanted for anything! In fact when I went to the bathroom, my napkin had been refolded when I returned! Glasses were constantly refilled and the food arrived in a timely manner. I appreciated that we had great service, yet the servers were very unobtrusive. On the flip side I don't like servers that interrupt constantly, especially when I have a mouthful of food. One time DD and I were at Bubba Gump's at MOA, and the server pulled up a chair and joined us at the table while we were eating. She ended up telling us her entire life story, and DD and I kept looking at each other wondering how to politely tell her to leave. The reason DD and I go out to eat is to talk with each other and catch up on everything. Thankfully somebody else was seated in her section, and she moved on to them instead!
We went to dinner tonight at Olive Garden. We ordered 2 appetizers and meals (my "meal" was another appetizer). The salad arrived, fine. One app arrived and the server said that the other had been taken to the wrong table, so they were working on making another (calamari/fried mozz). OK, fine, we nosh on the one appetizer for a long time. Next thing we know, the entrees arrive and still no 2nd appetizer. We were about 1/2 finished with our meals when it finally arrived (at least 30 minutes after the "mistake" was caught). During this whole time, we also never had refills or any real service whatsoever. I tipped accordingly and had it not been 11yo's b-day dinner, would have spoken with a manager. IMO, yes, the kitchen makes mistakes, but it's the server, as the "representative" of the restaurant to somehow make it right/get the kitchen to step it up. Is that how you look at it or is the server just the legs of the kitchen and it's the kitchen's fault?
since i work for the same company that owns Olive Garden... i will step in here.
First...the minute the 2 app did not arrive..the manager should have been at the table....no excuse for them not being there other than them not knowing.
Second...the easiest part of ANY servers job is keeping drinks filled. This is a no brainer and anything less is un-acceptable.
Third....im assuming that they KNEW it was a celebration...if so then someone should have been doing backflips around your daughter making sure she enjoyed herself to the fullest.....since 75% of the time a return trip is because the children enjoyed themselves and harass mom and dad to take them back. the fact that they dropped the ball on this is worse than the other two combined. And it angers me greatly to know that they didnt make her feel special...its the motto of our company....FEELING SPECIAL!!!!!!
now...here is what you do......find the 1-800 number to Olive Garden.....or call 1-800-LOBSTER and ask them to put you through to the OG guest services.....then you tell them(ADAMANTLY) that you went to celebrate your daughters birthday and they truly did not make your family feel SPECIAL (use that word specifically) and that you were truly dissappointed and may not return because of it. They should do something to make it better for your next trip....it wont correct this one but maybe it will allow us to fix what we screwed up.
Im really sorry about this...ive worked for this company for 13+ years and it screws all of us when one lousy server doesnt do their job.
There are coffee shops where I have had similiar experiences. When I go to a coffee shop I drink coffee(Maybe thats where the name coffee shop came from!) And sometimes I will get a waiter or waitress that just can't be bothered with refills or makeing sure everything is ok. I will leave tips for such people, but I will go to a manager. The old manager at one resturant would pay for my whole meal(I only complained twice) the new one will just kinda look at me and say nothing. Usually the service and meals are very good which is why I go back. Its a hard situation.
We went to dinner tonight at Olive Garden. We ordered 2 appetizers and meals (my "meal" was another appetizer). The salad arrived, fine. One app arrived and the server said that the other had been taken to the wrong table, so they were working on making another (calamari/fried mozz). OK, fine, we nosh on the one appetizer for a long time. Next thing we know, the entrees arrive and still no 2nd appetizer. We were about 1/2 finished with our meals when it finally arrived (at least 30 minutes after the "mistake" was caught). During this whole time, we also never had refills or any real service whatsoever. I tipped accordingly and had it not been 11yo's b-day dinner, would have spoken with a manager. IMO, yes, the kitchen makes mistakes, but it's the server, as the "representative" of the restaurant to somehow make it right/get the kitchen to step it up. Is that how you look at it or is the server just the legs of the kitchen and it's the kitchen's fault?
First let me say sorry that this happened to you on your DD special day and a late Happy Birthday to her. As a server I know how crazy it can get when a place is packed. I as a server when it is like that I let each table know that I have more tables then normal and I will do my best to keep up with what they need and I also tell them jokingly that if they need something and have not gotten back to them just trip me or knock me over the head. When I do this it makes the people laugh and it litens them up a little. However when something like this happens I go right to the kitchen and tell them if you dont get it right right now then the cooks will be paying for the guest meal, my tip and I will talk to the one in charge. As stated before getting drinks is the easy part of being a server. You did the right thing not making a big to do about it that night so that the birthday was not turned into a bad day, however CALL!!!! Call anyone and everyone that you can to let them know how bad it was. Hopefully they will give you a free meal and you can go back with better service the next time.
I am lucky when I do to dinner for my birthday I go to a localy owned place. It is always busey the night that we go because we always go the 1st night they are open. But because we have been going to the place for so many years the servers know that it is my birthday or right around my birthday and they always make it special for me and my family. Can't weight only 37 more hours until them.
Hey the SERVER / FOOD RUNNER took the food to the wrong table ...not the kitchen's fault. Your waitress should have been all over you like a rash especially as it was a celebration dinner.
The waitress should have hounded the kitchen until the meal was produced again. Sounds like she scored zero there too! As for not receiving attentive service - I think she was aware the tip would suffer OR lousy at her job OR scared because she knew the replacement meal was taking too long. There is no valid excuse for ignoring your guests. Waitresses like that give places a bad name and it is not fair for the rest who work their backsides off to impress each and every customer.
A word to the manager quietly before you left may make a difference for the next person and make the boss likely to keep an eye on her performance. Guests don't always complain for discounts, some just want the problem fixed or recognised so it doesn't reoccur.
A phone call now may make you feel better but won't be as effective as on the night.
Best wishes for next visit.
It wasn't the kitchen's fault that the app was brought to the wrong table. Your waiter should have brought both apps out together.
At the very least, you should not have been charged for the second appetizer. I would have told them I no longer wanted it. I can't believe they actually brought it out after they served the entrees.
One of my biggest pet peeves is having to ask for a drink refill. Uh HELLO-we're DRINKING something and unless I'm getting my coat on to walk out of the door, I want a dang refill!!
Olive Garden seems to be really slacking lately-so much so that a has-been favorite of my kids has become a past-been.....we don't go there anymore. I get so sick of seeing the young punky servers stand around and gossip in the back while neglecting their tables. I always say if they give you lousy service make them pay with their tip. I always go into an establishment planning to tip at least 18%, 20% (or more) for exemplementary service. We got horrible service Friday night and I left maybe 8%.
The server we had at Outback copped an attitude with me, got argumentative with my folks over what they ordered, and she yelled at my dad when he was trying to help her set down a plate. BIG no-no in my book.
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
We ran restaurants for over 8 years. Let me give you my two cents worth. Bringing the appetizer to the wrong table is the waitstaff/runner's fault. The delay in getting the 2nd appetizer may have been caused by the kitchen (overly busy, missed the request for a new appetizer, etc.) but the waitstaff should have been on top of that, and if the delay was due to something he/she could not control, he/she should have gotten the manager involved. Was your waitstaff in a large serving area? He/she may have been overwhelmed, to which they should have requested help in keeping their service area attended to. In this particular case, I would say that yes, your waitstaff was at fault.
The server should have been checking on drinks periodically at which point she might have realized earlier that your second appetizer had not yet arrived. I realize that sometimes the servers are really busy, but an attentive server who brings refills in a timely manner always scores a bigger tip in my book. The best service I have ever had at a restaurant was at Emeril's in Orlando. We had TWO servers assigned to our table, and we never wanted for anything! In fact when I went to the bathroom, my napkin had been refolded when I returned! Glasses were constantly refilled and the food arrived in a timely manner. I appreciated that we had great service, yet the servers were very unobtrusive. On the flip side I don't like servers that interrupt constantly, especially when I have a mouthful of food. One time DD and I were at Bubba Gump's at MOA, and the server pulled up a chair and joined us at the table while we were eating. She ended up telling us her entire life story, and DD and I kept looking at each other wondering how to politely tell her to leave. The reason DD and I go out to eat is to talk with each other and catch up on everything. Thankfully somebody else was seated in her section, and she moved on to them instead!
When I was pregnant with my son my husband and I would go eat at Lonestar steakhouse about once a month. We ended up getting the same server a couple of times and I guess she thought she "knew" us and would sit at our table while we were trying to eat. It drove me crazy. I guess she sensed that b/c then she said "Why do you hate me?" She was definitely cuckoo!
I think it the mainly the servers responsibility that the meal goes well. After all there the one trying to earn the tip not the kitchen staff.
When I was pregnant with my son my husband and I would go eat at Lonestar steakhouse about once a month. We ended up getting the same server a couple of times and I guess she thought she "knew" us and would sit at our table while we were trying to eat. It drove me crazy. I guess she sensed that b/c then she said "Why do you hate me?" She was definitely cuckoo!
I think it the mainly the servers responsibility that the meal goes well. After all there the one trying to earn the tip not the kitchen staff.
Maybe our server at Bubba Gump's was sent packing and ended up at the Lonestar Steakhouse where you live!!!
realize that sometimes the servers are really busy, but an attentive server who brings refills in a timely manner always scores a bigger tip in my book.
Me too! I absolutely cannot stand when my drink is empty forever and I have to stalk down the server to get a refill. The best is when they don't even ask if you'd like a refill....just bring you one when they see you are close to the bottom. If my app came after my dinner, I would have told them I didn't want it anymore and to take it off my bill.
__________________
*~*Tina
Picking up our Brasilian exchange student at the a/p
in no way is this the kitchens fault.....the server is at fault 100%
what bothers me more than the lost calamari is the fact that they didnt make your daughter feel special.....its the motto of our company....and the staff's A #1 job!!!!
__________________
GEAUX SAINTS!!
Last edited by DebiDebiDebi; 03-19-2008 at 08:06 PM..
Dawn, I had a really bad experience at an Olive Garden, too - right after Christmas, my parents, sister, her family, and I went to one to eat after seeing Enchanted. The server was not-too friendly, and brought our salad and bread and then didn't bring our drinks until right before we got our entrees. I'm not talking no refills, I'm talking no drinks at all. We stopped another waitress as ours had disappeared, and it still took 10 more minutes to get them. We didn't want to eat without having drinks, so we had just taken our first bites out of our salads when our entrees came. The server bringing the entrees gave me major attitude when I requested they be held in the kitchen under the hot lights, as we had just gotten our drinks. Then our drinks didn't even get refilled. It was really bad!
Anyway, as a former waitress, I usually cut folks a little slack - I know how busy it can get. But empty glasses is unacceptable, and the waitress should have made sure you got something (at least that 2nd appeitizer) for free, whether it was a server's fault for taking it to the wrong table, or the kitchen's fault for not rushing the replacement. I would do what Steffe said - call - I wish I would have after our experience in December.
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Glasses were constantly refilled and the food arrived in a timely manner. I appreciated that we had great service, yet the servers were very unobtrusive. On the flip side I don't like servers that interrupt constantly, especially when I have a mouthful of food. One time DD and I were at Bubba Gump's at MOA, and the server pulled up a chair and joined us at the table while we were eating. 
She ended up telling us her entire life story, and DD and I kept looking at each other wondering how to politely tell her to leave. The reason DD and I go out to eat is to talk with each other and catch up on everything. Thankfully somebody else was seated in her section, and she moved on to them instead! 
GEAUX SAINTS!!
Kimberly
She was definitely cuckoo! 
The server bringing the entrees gave me major attitude when I requested they be held in the kitchen under the hot lights, as we had just gotten our drinks. Then our drinks didn't even get refilled. It was really bad! 
Linear Mode
