A Rebuttal: Restaurant Servers, Please Shower

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I completely agree with Audrey that restaurant patrons need to be more patient, mannered and thankful during their dining experience. I have seen many servers treated poorly in my time, and most of it is completely uncalled for.

On the contrary, I have also seen many servers who are just not up to par. It's not everyone's calling, but for goodness sakes, I had a waitress this past weekend at Shmuffalo Wild Things who probably hadn't showered in a week. On top of it, she was downright rude and un-accommodating for the simplest of requests (like asking for something to drink with my meal, heaven forbid!)

Then there are the waiters and waitresses who think they can remember your order without writing it down- and then completely confuse and spoil your order. I mean, if you're not that sharp with details, whip out that Bic! The two extra seconds you used to write down that order will pay off.

I think a lot of the patron hostility comes from too many bad experiences and mix-ups. I know there are a lot of good people serving out there, but it's not for everybody.

The following people need not apply for serving positions:

•    The chronic allergy sufferer: a nose-wiper who keeps on going like it never happened
•    The impatient
•    The slow
•    The nervous
•    The mathematically challenged
•    The klutz
•    The drama queen 
•    The people that believe hand washing is for people with low immune systems
•    The compulsive apologizer
•    The guy who thinks it's a good way to meet "chicks"

It takes a great deal of patience to work in the restaurant industry and I absolutely have the utmost respect for the ones that get it right, but please, servers of St. Louis, be patient, listen and practice decent personal hygiene! As long as you give it your best, I think people will be more apt to tip and treat you fairly.