Foo - so we ate at chilis tonight...

which of course was a mistake, but it was late and we were hungry.

My questions is, why do these “fast casual” places make it a point to have a different server bring you your food than the one that took your order? Is it to show teamwork? Is it to make sure servers aren't ripping the place off and promising more than what they charge for, hoping to pad their tip? Is it to make it seem like you're receiving service from a whole team of people? I'm curious if anyone knows why.

And you lived. :eek:

Yup, they unfortunately pay the server next to nothing to just do one thing, bring plates to tables. Supposedly, you can serve more people faster that way, so you don't have a waiter waiting for a food pickup, when they can be taking another other or delivering another check to open another table up.

It's all about table turnover...

Whenever I eat chilis, the next morning is like the 13th level of hell.

Hate it when they rotate servers like that.

I hardly ever eat out, and almost never at places like that which are prone to having disgruntled cooks.

And you lived. :eek:


Amazingly, yes. I had a salad that could best be described as a “meat lovers salad”, I feel pretty horrible right now.

I hardly ever eat out, and almost never at places like that which are prone to having disgruntled cooks.

Just had a few RedRobin franchises move into the neighborhood - and don't you know that both of the times I and a friend went to eat before the supper rush (5 pm) and had to deal with the few servers on - we were seated way to the back ... next to the toilet. Good freaking grief. You would think the manager would have had the server tables more up front. Nope, toidies for me and my friend. And the front of the restaurant was empty.

Hmmmm, now what could that have been saying to me, hmmmmm.

1 seating a night - 140 covers - 30$ - $4200
2-3 seatings a night by moving food faster - 280-420 covers - 30$ - max at 37800

Makes sense to me. Its not like you go to chillis for fine dining. Thats why fine dining is generally double to triple the price. Its how they keep their price low.

An ex gf of mine used to work at a "Mexican" food place that rhymes with Fifi's. They hired ex cons because they got some sort of tax break (or the gov paid part of their wages, I forget).

She caught one them pissing in the salsa barrel. Who knows how often that happened before she caught him.

You get what you pay for!

I had a salad that could best be described as a “meat lovers salad”

Just thinking about that is starting to give me a gastro-intestinal tsunami...

makes it easy to not leave a tip IMO

i'm a big tipper, except i don't tip for fast food, or any such crap as what you mentioned with chilis. when i go to a restaurant, i expect to be waited on. by one person. otherwise why the hell didn't i just go to the grocery store and buy ingredients and make the damn food myself. when i spend $15 for an entree i deserve to be treated well on an individual level. it's my right as an american. viva pinata.

okay no more beer for me.

makes it easy to not leave a tip IMO

i'm a big tipper, except i don't tip for fast food, or any such crap as what you mentioned with chilis. when i go to a restaurant, i expect to be waited on. by one person. otherwise why the hell didn't i just go to the grocery store and buy ingredients and make the damn food myself. when i spend $15 for an entree i deserve to be treated well on an individual level. it's my right as an american. viva pinata.

okay no more beer for me.
Does someone not take your order, answer your questions, bring you your food, and make sure everything is satisfactory at a place such as Chili's? If so, then you should tip.

I am sure it is some kind of efficiency thing. Not a big fast food fan. Chili's does have tho, an alternative menu for fussy eaters. A lo cal , lo fat option. It was pretty good too. With truth in advertising laws, guess that option is for real. Sure has to be better than mickie dees.
and they have Amstel Lite, too.

Funny twist to things. Denny's is a place I will not eat at in the states. Done it, regreted it. The quality of the food is best described as greasy.

So, here we are in Costa Rica and an VERY wealthy person tells me - let's meet at Denny's. I guess he saw the look on my face and starts to laugh. He said, you will like it, I promise.

Denny's in Costa Rica shows you what you could have if people cared with the same menu. I kid you not. The place is super clean, the service is wonderful and the food is actually really good. :eek:

Because it is from the USA, all the Ticos assume it must be really good - and so they maintain it to that level. And, the prices reflect that it is a very good place by the way.

Or perhaps it is just that at times I actually crave a greasy spoon? :eek:

American tolerance of sub standard service is at an all time high. I think that comes from addiction to fast food, crass television, the proliferation of chains. look at the substandard service of US airlines and most of all , lousy US beer. Why, because we let it happen..

American tolerance of sub standard service is at an all time high. I think that comes from addiction to fast food, crass television, the proliferation of chains. look at the substandard service of US airlines and most of all , lousy US beer. Why, because we let it happen..
American's let it happen because they want more for less. Cheaper, cheaper, cheaper, has a price, and that price is often decent service.

The book , "Fast Food Nation," is a must read.

The book , "Fast Food Nation," is a must read.

+5

Tis true...

+5

Tis true...
It should change one's life.

the server takes your order, and makes sure you have everything you need.
the person delivering your food is called the expeditor.
it's done that way so that your food doesnt sit under the window getting cold while your server is busy taking an other order.
You're tipping your server but at the end of the night a certain percentage of that tip goes to the expeditor.
it does loses some personal touch because your server didnt do it all for you, but also the priority is YOUR food, and that should get out right away and sometimes doesnt in busy place if the server is in charge of it all.
btw we went out to chillis 2 nights ago, it was terrible, not going there again!

and most of all , lousy US beer.
I'm going to have to disagree with you on that. There are many many domestic brewers producing an outstanding product. Avoid the Big Three (Anheuser Busch, Coors, and Miller) and it very easy to find excellent beer made here in the U.S.A..

polara. I agree with you on that. The US has many , many excellent micro breweries. But, I am just talking about percentages. How many Americans , percentage wise , drink Micro brewery beer. ? I'll bet it's under 10% of the domestic market. ? Thank god for small enterpeneurs in the micro brewery world. But, compare the big marketers in the US compared to other countrys'. Canada with Labatt's, Mexico with Dos Equis and Bohemia. Heineken, St Paulie girl. There is no excuse for the big three being so lousy.

There is no excuse for the big three being so lousy.
Prohibition almost immediately followed by WWII. This is what caused most of the American beers to die out. America "forgot" what beer tasted like, and then during the war with mostly women consumers beers became lighter and less flavorful. Now it's what most people expect beer to taste like, so the Big Three cater to this, and the ignorant masses remain ignorant. Most people are creatures of habit, and are afraid to venture into the unknown. All they know is cr@ppy beer, and aren't inclined to try something new, so that is what they consume.

Doubt the big three are in any threat of going under. But, seems their growth is minimal. What used to really get me upset about the Big Three. They used to buy out smaller independent breweries. Like Heilman, Ruppe., etc. I suspect their goal was to not allow any other mass producers from influencing the American taste buds.

You know what bugs me about those places, and I don't know if anyone else has noticed this. The waiter go WWWWAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY out of thier way to tell stories and try and be funny. Now, I was a waiter for about 4 years during and after college, so I get the idea of being personable. BUT, they take it so over board. All I can think is, " I really don't want to talk to you this much" But i'd never say that, so I politely listen while my food gets cold. And i'm not talking just jokes here, the last time I was in an outback, the girl was like, pitching a standup routine ( badly) and I was like, honey, I just want to eat, thats it. I don't know, could be me.

don't know.

but of the chain restaurants like that, chili's is one of the few i can stand.

There is not a restaruant with worse service on earth, than Chili's. It took us about 2 hours to eat there last time.

Haven't eaten there in over 2 years. best decision ever:D

Am I the only one here that's just happy to be served? :D

Ya know, I was doing quite well with this topic - even last night. Read it, responded - no biggee, no problem.

But decided to check in before I go riding and now all I hear is this bass voice from nowhere ...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Give me my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Chili's baby back ribs...."

Yup, going home and strapping on the family station wagon panniers so I can overstuff them with my many brochures and head down to our Crit all day, humming ...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Give me my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Chili's baby back ribs...."

Setting up my booth, waiting for anyone, someone to come ask me something while I watch the different races that lead up to the pro race, thinking ...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Give me my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Chili's baby back ribs...."

ARGH!

Nearly as bad as singing "I'm a Rhinestone Cowboy" when I'm out for a multi-day tour.


YOU SHOULD BE TOTALLY ASHAMED FOR YOURSELF!

Ya know, I was doing quite well with this topic - even last night. Read it, responded - no biggee, no problem.

But decided to check in before I go riding and now all I hear is this bass voice from nowhere ...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Give me my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Chili's baby back ribs...."

Yup, going home and strapping on the family station wagon panniers so I can overstuff them with my many brocures and head down to our Crit all day, humming ...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Give me my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Chili's baby back ribs...."

Settimg up my boooth, waiting for anyone, someone to come ask me something while I watch the different races that lead up to the pro race, thinking ...

I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Give me my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back.
Chili's baby back ribs...."

ARGH!

Nearly as bad as singing "I'm a Rhinestone Cowboy" when I'm out for a multi-day tour.


YOU SHOULD BE TOTALLY ASHAMED FOR YOURSELF!



Don't forget that bass voice adding in the "barbeque sauce" at the end . . .;)

:mad: and to think ... I'll have a nasty hot dog and burrito booth at me disposal all day. ribbbbsssss ...

but hey, as long as there's a beer tent, I'm happy.

:D

1 seating a night - 140 covers - 30$ - $4200
2-3 seatings a night by moving food faster - 280-420 covers - 30$ - max at 37800

Makes sense to me. Its not like you go to chillis for fine dining. Thats why fine dining is generally double to triple the price. Its how they keep their price low.Yeah, but it offends my delicate sensibilities when they bring out my meal before I've barely begun my salad. Or, in one notable case, when the meals arrive before the appetizer. Sheesh! But, did I pay? Why yes I did. Did I leave a tip? That too. So I suppose it's probably worth it to them. :rolleyes:

Wait, isn't this thread about beer?

There is not a restaruant with worse service on earth, than Chili's. It took us about 2 hours to eat there last time.
the food is a shame!
chilli??? ordered beef chili, where was the beef???
clam chowder? that's a joke!!! everything we got was a joke!

Am I the only one here that's just happy to be served? :D
yes.

Yeah, but it offends my delicate sensibilities when they bring out my meal before I've barely begun my salad. Or, in one notable case, when the meals arrive before the appetizer. Sheesh! But, did I pay? Why yes I did. Did I leave a tip? That too. So I suppose it's probably worth it to them. :rolleyes:

That is just wrong, I am all for turning tables quickly (not my industry but I work closely with a few restaurants) but they should never force the turnover.

Funny twist to things. Denny's is a place I will not eat at in the states. Done it, regreted it. The quality of the food is best described as greasy.

So, here we are in Costa Rica and an VERY wealthy person tells me - let's meet at Denny's. I guess he saw the look on my face and starts to laugh. He said, you will like it, I promise.

Denny's in Costa Rica shows you what you could have if people cared with the same menu. I kid you not. The place is super clean, the service is wonderful and the food is actually really good. :eek:

Because it is from the USA, all the Ticos assume it must be really good - and so they maintain it to that level. And, the prices reflect that it is a very good place by the way.

Or perhaps it is just that at times I actually crave a greasy spoon? :eek:

Ya, denny's in canada isn't horrible. I definately noticed the difference when I was in the states.

That is just wrong,
yes and you dont have to put up with it, you're not finished eating your salads? tell them to hold off on your meals! and that you dont want it cold either! they can cook you a new one of they have to, timing is the essence, the server was off on her timing, doesnt mean you have to suffer from it at all. period.

Ya, denny's in canada isn't horrible. I definately noticed the difference when I was in the states.

ditto

makes it easy to not leave a tip IMO

i'm a big tipper, except i don't tip for fast food, or any such crap as what you mentioned with chilis. when i go to a restaurant, i expect to be waited on. by one person. otherwise why the hell didn't i just go to the grocery store and buy ingredients and make the damn food myself. when i spend $15 for an entree i deserve to be treated well on an individual level. it's my right as an american. viva pinata.

okay no more beer for me.

I think you're getting far too attached to the person who puts the menus on the table.

An ex gf of mine used to work at a "Mexican" food place that rhymes with Fifi's. They hired ex cons because they got some sort of tax break (or the gov paid part of their wages, I forget).

She caught one them pissing in the salsa barrel. Who knows how often that happened before she caught him.

You get what you pay for!

What Mexican food restaurant rhymes with FiFi's???

There is this restaurant above our home at Cabanga - a jewel. Nothing really - view is great. But, what is wonderful is the chef - Alfonso. He has been here for 20 years from Colombia. He is really one of the better chefs I have ever met.

When we arrive he comes out and talks with us and we design what we are going to have with him. Want Langostino (8 inch long river shrimp) - he can do it. Want Italian? No problem. Vegetarian? No problem. A Pina Colada to die for? - fine.

He takes "have it your way to a whole new level" Normally for both of us with fruit smoothies and coffee it is 7 dollars (that would be 3.50 USD for each)

Not sure how we can afford it - but it is worth it. :D

Nope, toidies for me and my friend. And the front of the restaurant was empty.

- which is when you say, "No thanks. I'd like a table up front, please."

What Mexican food restaurant rhymes with FiFi's???

Gimme a "C"...

Interestingly, according to a book I have about how to curse in Spanish, that name also is Puerto Rican slang for the genitals.

- which is when you say, "No thanks. I'd like a table up front, please."


I do, do that ... but unfortunately I was going out with a guy who doesn't say BOO, and if he sees me looking uncomfortable and really want to say something, grrr - holding it in - want ... to ... say ... something (and not nasty either, because I've worked the food service business as a cook, server and bartender), but he would totally have a snit, roll his eyes, act all sorts of embarassed, yet complain about it bitterly afterward. :D He's an ex.

I suspect people go to Chili's for maybe the beer? They were always so very crowded on a weekend. That is why we always had such a terrible wait.

Once some people and I tried to go to Denny's late at night, around midnight or so, only to find that Denny's was closed to the public for a private post-prom dinner.... at bloody Denny's.