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While many servers call for customers to tip well, one server stirred a debate in a now-viral video when he called on customers to "be fast."
Posted by TikTok user @jacobxstephen, the video was viewed more than 900,000 times as he discussed how a customer can get in and out of the restaurant quickly.
According to GloriaFood, an online ordering software company for restaurants, the average time it takes for tables to turnover is about an hour and a half per party.
Faster table turnover typically leads to more money coming into the restaurant.
"And it's not just restaurant owners who benefit from this," the company said. "Servers should aim to increase table turnover too because satisfied customers leave bigger tips."
Fast Customers
"You've heard of being nice to your waiters, you heard of tipping 20 percent, have you heard of being fast?" @jacobxstephen asked at the start of his video.
Ideally, @jacobxstephen said customers will know what they want to drink when he approaches the table, potentially be ready to place an order for food and not have any questions about the menu.
"If you're going to sit there, spend," @jacobxstephen jokingly said. "You can catch up with your buddy on a bench for free."
TikTokers React
The video split viewers' opinions—some agreeing with the sentiment.
"My 5 years in hospitality is why I won't go anywhere without looking at the menu first," a viewer wrote. "I know my cocktail & food order as soon as I walk in the door."
"No cause I've had people just get coffee and sit there for 5 hours," another viewer said.
"This is legit," one TikTok user commented. "I probably walk an extra mile a week because people don't know what they want."
Others, however, disagreed.
"I get it, but one of my favorite things about other countries is the fact that meals are meant to be leisurely and enjoyed," a comment read.
"This is such an American perspective," another viewer commented. "Going out is expensive, I will tip well but I will not rush, I will enjoy the moment."
"Now I can't chill at a restaurant," one comment read. "It's wild out here."
A viewer wrote that they were able to see both sides.
"Restaurant culture is so to each their own," they said. "Being fast is the best turnover of your time but some people aren't there to order, eat and bounce."
'Be A Considerate Person'
@jacobxstephen told Newsweek in an email that he noticed some people—mostly servers or former servers—understood he was joking but saw that others were confused or critical.
He said that there were also many viewers who said it was not their responsibility if a server was not making enough money, which he found disappointing.
"And while it's easy for people on TikTok to shout, 'well then get a different job,' it's hardly that simple," @jacobxstephen said.
He said dining out should be "an experience," but there are some things he wishes customers would understand. @jacobxstephen said a busy night may result in less time going through each dish on the menu or a longer wait time for a drink.
A group of customers sitting at a table may be asked to finish and leave by a waiter as graciously as possible if there is a reservation coming in. @jacobxstephen said it may be "awkward," but they have to respect those who made the reservation.
On slower nights, @jacobxstephen said he'll have the time to check in frequently and offer a taste of various wines if that is what the customer wants.
"No one's asking you to rush," he said. "But, yes, if you're done eating, and if you can close out and find a different bar to chat at—even if it's the restaurant's bar—I think that's great. It's a lot of just being a considerate person, I think, to your waiters and to the guests of the restaurant who're looking for the same experience you are."
Servers often take to social media to share their experiences with the industry.
A waiter's story about receiving a $3 tip for a $58 bill sparked a debate about tipping culture.
Another server revealed in a viral video that she tells her customers elaborate lies, and one waitress showed herself breaking a pair of glasses that reportedly belonged to a customer who left the restaurant without paying the bill.
About the writer
Catherine Ferris is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting for the U.S. Trends Team. She ... Read more