Customer got no choice on which table they want to take
By jureathome
@jureathome (5361)
Philippines
August 20, 2012 7:34am CST
We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner yesterday and was seated on a table for two. After a few minutes of waiting for our order to come, a table from accross was vacated by another couple. We liked it's position in the area, because it's a little secluded and not too many people pass by that area. I asked the waitress to clean up the table so we can transfer, and she told me we can't have that table. I thought she was kidding, but she wasn't. I was surprised to hear that remark, and I asked her why we can't have our choice of table. She explained its a busy night, and that table is reserved for guests that are more than 2, like families or groups. I gave her a disappointed look, and asked her again, how come the ones who just left that table was also a couple, and they allowed it. She explained that they came in earlier when it wasn't that busy yet.
Probably, I'm just ignorant on this type of setup. I don't know if it's an SOP, but I don't like the thought that the customers can't freely choose where they want to sit.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@lampar (7584)
• United States
20 Aug 12
I am wondering whether will you decide to go back for your meal in the future in that Italian restaurant again after what the waitress had said and turned you down for a request to change table. May be the food in that restaurant is so delicious that you may choose to take no offence on the waitress and don't mind that a customer like you actually had no say over which empty table you can sit. Many time, a busy restaurant will not emphasis too much on providing great customer service, because they are fully aware that their business is good and losing one/two customer like you may not make much of a difference to their bottom line, the wait stuff could care less to entertain your request, you can either take it or leave it. No need to feel disappointed at all. 
@lampar (7584)
• United States
21 Aug 12
I second your decision not to go back, it is a wise decision. If i am you, i will do exactly the same, go to other restaurant that treat me like a customer and can provide better services. It is not worth going back no matter how tasty the food is, when the service is bad, it just suck!! 
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
21 Aug 12
Food is best enjoyed when you're comfortable eating. And, that includes having the right ambiance and location.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
21 Aug 12
I don't think we're ever going back to that restaurant.
That's exactly how they made us feel. Like we don't matter, because they have other customers to serve and get money from. They are nicer to foreigners. I can really see and feel that, while in the place.
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
When my family has a planned dinner in a certain restaurant we make it sure to have a reservation call before the actual time we could visit the place.In that scenario,
we could definitely have our favorite table in the restaurant,no matter how many guest are coming as long as we have a reservation,it is never a problem.The next time
you wanted a dinner or lunch in your favorite place have a reservation first to guaranty you have your place when you visit the place.
@berting600 (3453)
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
Even if it is not a favorite place,reservation is the most safe way you can get the best place in the restaurant.Have a nice day!!!!!!
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
No, it wasn't a favorite place. And, the experience wasn't about getting a reservation. The table and area we liked, was somehow restricted for groups or families, and not for couples. They have tables designated for customers that come in two's.
1 person likes this
@mermaidivy (15394)
• United States
20 Aug 12
I prefer to pick table myself too but mostly they take you to a "specific" table. Some restaurants let you change table after bringing you to the one even you don't like but some doesn't.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
21 Aug 12
It just doesn't feel right. And, it really bothers us, right from the start when we can't even sit at a desired area. It somehow distracts the whole idea of having a romantic dinner or even just a simple date.
@hsofyan (3446)
• Jakarta, Indonesia
20 Aug 12
Don't be angry with the waiter restaurant. They only obey the command manager or run the SOP.@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
I wasn't angry, and If I was, we would have left the restaurant at that instant.
But, I was really disappointed. It was an expensive restaurant, and being seated at the table of your choice should have been part of the price we pay. Too bad..
@ckciasigurl (2080)
• Italy
21 Aug 12
hi hsofyan! yeah that's true the waiter are just doing there jobs so that there manager will not be mad :)
@Raine38 (12387)
• United States
20 Aug 12
I also had the same experiences about them fancy restaurants. At first I always thought of having a say at least on the matter, bt then, I just think that the night is too good and the food too expensive for me to ruin my own mood by mere tables. I know it would have been more perfect if we have that "perfect" table, but I just tell myself, that they may have the perfect table, but I have the perfect man for me in this table, lol!
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
That's a cool thought. And, exactly what I had in mind, too, at that instant.
Also, I didn't want to make a fool out of myself, complaining about such thing, only to find out that it's a normal thing in fancy restos.
@snookms (53)
• United States
20 Aug 12
I think people who are dining out and are paying for a good meal should have a choice of a vacant table if they want it. Some people want their privacy and space in a restaurant. I understand that the waitress is only doing what she is told to do but I also understand that people who run these restaurants should be more courteous at times to their customers. Some of the smaller tables at restaurants that are for only two people are very small and don't often give you enough room to be comfortable to eat your meal. I understand that lots of places you must have a reservation but restaurants should try to accomodate their customers if at all possible.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
20 Aug 12
Maybe it's a culture thing. In Filipino or Chinese restaurants, customers can choose any table they want.
