When the hostess shows you to your table, do you ask for a different one? Do you often ask for special substitutions when placing your order? Do you send food back? You have the right to ask waitstaff whatever you want. But are you determined to make sure they earn their 20%?
That’s fine. But I choose an alternate route. I like to engage, but not in a way they’d expect. When they seat us, I invite them to join us. When they say no thanks, I say “Suit yourself. But you’re missing out on some fabulous company.”
When taking my order, I used to ask for the “the #1, whatever that is.” Turns out not everybody has a number one. So I either point to a picture and say “I’ll have one of these.” Or I just say, “Tell you what. How about if you just pick me out something nice?
When our server asks about dessert, I chuckle, pat my tummy and say, “Hey Trevor, do I look like I need dessert? No, sir! I want you to take my generous tip and treat yourself to whatever you like! You’ve earned it, my friend.”
I seldom get the same waiter twice.