In my fifteen years in the restaurant industry, I have witnessed my fair share of entitled patrons. Nothing, however, prepared me for the night Meghan waltzed in and demanded special treatment by claiming an acquaintance with \u201cthe owner.\u201d Her drink order was being taken by someone she didn\u2019t even know.<\/p>\n
The expression on her face when I eventually told her? Priceless.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m getting ahead of myself, though. I\u2019ll begin at the beginning.<\/p>\n
In the 1970s, my grandparents left Spain with little more than family recipes and a goal. They threw everything into a tiny eatery in a corner that had a hopeful and saffron scent.<\/p>\n
By building on that basis, my parents transformed our modest restaurant into a mainstay in the community. Giving me the keys when they eventually made the decision to retire was like inheriting a promise and a legacy.<\/p>\n
I had a vision of my own.<\/p>\n
I maintained the ancient family portraits on the brick walls while updating the room with sleek lighting and cozy seating. I kept our specialties on the menu while updating it.<\/p>\n
Above all, I created an internet presence that resulted in reservations being held for weeks. We rose to become one of the city\u2019s most popular dining establishments in just three years.<\/p>\n
I continued to work the floor even after we were successful.<\/p>\n
I may be bussing tables, speaking with regulars, or personally greeting guests on Friday nights. No work is beneath you when you operate a restaurant, in my opinion.<\/p>\n
There was complete chaos on that specific Friday before Christmas.<\/p>\n
The kitchen is running at full capacity, every table is reserved, and the bar is three deep with people waiting for cancellations. A group of six women forced their way to the front as I was at the host stand assisting Madison, our regular hostess, in controlling the crowd.<\/p>\n
Meghan, their ringleader, had the smile I\u2019ve come to know\u2014the entitled smile of someone who thinks they are exempt from the rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello,\u201d she said with a charm that she had cultivated. \u201cPlease, a table for six.\u201d<\/p>\n
Madison looked at her tablet. We have a packed schedule for tonight, so I apologize. You have a reservation, right?<\/p>\n
Meghan\u2019s hair was flipped. \u201cThe owner is a personal friend of mine, but we don\u2019t have a reservation. We are among the privileged guests he always keeps tables open for.<\/p>\n
Madison gave me a doubtful look. I took a step forward.<\/p>\n
I answered courteously, \u201cI manage our VIP arrangements.\u201d \u201cI don\u2019t think we had someone in mind for tonight. With whose owner do you have a friendship?<\/p>\n
She remained confident. \u201cWe have a long history together. You will disappoint him if you reject us.<\/p>\n
By identifying myself as the owner, I could have put an end to this sham right there. But I refrained because of her arrogant confidence.<\/p>\n
Although I didn\u2019t want to make her look bad in front of her pals, I also wasn\u2019t going to condone this behavior.<\/p>\n
I apologize, but we have a full schedule for tonight. Maybe I could get your number and give you a call when something becomes available. I made an offer.<\/p>\n
Her attitude abruptly altered at that point.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, really?\u201d she exclaimed, loud enough for visitors in the vicinity to hear. Ladies, get a photo of this guy. When I speak with the owner, he will be cleaning the toilets. Have fun on your final shift.<\/p>\n
As one of her pals took a picture with her phone, another added, \u201cGoodbye to your minimum wage job!\u201d<\/p>\n
The other women snickered and gave me a pitying yet contemptuous glance. Other people were gazing uneasily, I noted.<\/p>\n
That left me with three choices. Inform her that I am the owner and put an end to this bullshit, or gently but firmly request that they go, or just enjoy the moment.<\/p>\n
I went with door number three.<\/p>\n
I grinned broadly. \u201cYou know what? I\u2019m sorry. You are entirely correct. It would be easier to make room for you. There is one unique table available. Additionally, your first three beers will be free to make up for any inconvenience.<\/p>\n
Immediately, their opinions changed.<\/p>\n
Without bothering to thank me, Meghan remarked, \u201cThat\u2019s more like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
They were led to our VIP area by me. It had the house\u2019s best view and was a private alcove.<\/p>\n
I said nonchalantly, \u201cWe just need one credit card and ID to keep on file, standard procedure,\u201d as they sat down and gushed about the comfortable seats and soft lighting. We\u2019ll give them back before you depart.<\/p>\n
Meghan gave her cards over without hesitation.<\/p>\n
She bragged to her companions, who applauded, \u201cLadies, tonight\u2019s on me.\u201d<\/p>\n
If only she were aware of what was about to happen.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
I accepted their first drink orders and told them that their table will be given priority by our bartender. They were already snapping selfies for social media when I brought back six vibrant mixtures.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnjoy your first free round, ladies. We\u2019re really busy tonight, so there might be a little wait, but I\u2019ll check on your food orders soon.<\/p>\n
Meghan, who was already enjoying her $24 specialty martini, answered, \u201cNo problem.\u201d \u201cWe\u2019re not rushing.\u201d<\/p>\n
I completed their first three rounds as promised. They were laughing and calling me over with finger clicks by then, and their volume was obviously increasing.<\/p>\n
Meghan waved impatiently after half an hour had gone by without any appetizers.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, waiter! Where is our meal? This place has absurd service.<\/p>\n
I smiled pityingly as I walked up. \u201cI apologize for keeping you waiting. Let me immediately check on those orders. While you wait, would you want more drinks?<\/p>\n
Before the appetizers arrived, they placed two additional orders. They were carefully chosen treats from our VIP menu.<\/p>\n
They were unaware that our VIP tables entitle them to multiple forms of special attention.<\/p>\n
I purposely left the pricing off of the classy menus I had supplied. For our affluent audience, who don\u2019t often worry about such things, it was a subtle touch.<\/p>\n
Our finest offers were the dishes I recommended. West coast oysters at $10 each, imported Japanese A5 Wagyu, Osetra caviar with handcrafted blinis, and white truffle risotto. Every suggestion was enthusiastically accepted.<\/p>\n
While enjoying a piece of truffle risotto, one woman declared, \u201cThis is divine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another said, \u201cLet\u2019s get another dozen oysters,\u201d and Meghan gave a proud nod.<\/p>\n
I began to doubt myself about the time of their fourth round of drinks. Was I going too far with this?<\/p>\n
I figured these women might perhaps be unaware of the quality of what they were purchasing.<\/p>\n
Then I came over with another bottle of champagne and heard what they were saying.<\/p>\n
A woman nodded at me and murmured, \u201cCan you imagine doing this for a living?\u201d \u201cI\u2019d rather die than spend my life helping people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another person said, \u201cHe\u2019s kind of cute, but I could never date a waiter.\u201d Far too much of a slacker.<\/p>\n
Meghan chuckled. That\u2019s why obtaining what you desire is so simple. These service providers are in dire need of tips.<\/p>\n
My shame vanished for a moment. The lesson would go on.<\/p>\n
When I got back, I poured the champagne with expert accuracy. \u201cAn additional twelve oysters for the table?\u201d<\/p>\n
Without hesitation, Meghan said, \u201cDefinitely.\u201d \u201cLet\u2019s also sample that unique lobster dish you mentioned.\u201d<\/p>\n
They had eaten enough high-end food and beverages by midnight to rival a celebrity\u2019s birthday celebration. They had treated me like furniture the entire evening. Nobody had ever inquired about my name.<\/p>\n
When I eventually came with the leather portfolio with their bill\u2014$4,200 including tax and gratuity\u2014the restaurant was almost completely empty.<\/p>\n
I put it quietly next to Meghan. \u201cAnytime you\u2019re prepared. No hurry at all.<\/p>\n
She opened it in the middle of a laugh. Her face was devoid of color.<\/p>\n
Meghan looked over the bill and stated, \u201cThere\u2019s been a mistake.\u201d \u201cThis isn\u2019t possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exaggeratedly concerned, I looked at the check. \u201cYou\u2019re entirely right. Let me take care of this right now.<\/p>\n
The sum had increased to $4,320 by the time I got back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d I said. \u201cYour eighth order of oysters was something I neglected to include. Each of the twelve parts costs $10.<\/p>\n
Meghan\u2019s horrified eyes grew wide. \u201cTen bucks for each oyster? That\u2019s crazy!<\/p>\n
I calmly answered, \u201cIn fact, ours are pretty affordable when compared to other establishments of this caliber.\u201d<\/p>\n
The women were clustered around, going over the itemized bill line by line in a panic. They looked at the free drinks and then totaled all the ostentatious things they had eaten without ever inquiring how much they had cost.<\/p>\n
Meghan suddenly stood up at that point. \u201cI have to go to the bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously,\u201d I answered. Then nonchalantly added, \u201cI\u2019ll keep your ID and card safe right here,\u201d to ensure she knew she couldn\u2019t just vanish.<\/p>\n
She came back ten minutes later wearing new makeup that didn\u2019t completely cover up her red eyes. Her approach had obviously changed.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen,\u201d she said in a charming tone. \u201cTo be honest, the food and service were subpar. We waited ages for our appetizers, and the drinks were weak.<\/p>\n
Her buddies gave a practiced nod of agreement.<\/p>\n
Meghan went on, \u201cat the very least, you should cut this bill in half.\u201d Even though I first said that tonight was my treat, my pals will help pay for it.<\/p>\n
She played her last card when I didn\u2019t answer right away. \u201cLook, I\u2019m friends with the owner personally. He would be appalled at the way we\u2019ve been handled. I wanted to write a positive review for this establishment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand,\u201d I muttered. \u201cAnd who would be that owner?\u201d<\/p>\n
She yelled, \u201cI don\u2019t have to explain myself to a server,\u201d before taking out her phone. \u201cAll right, these are the texts we exchanged earlier today.\u201d<\/p>\n
I took a quick look at the screen and saw that the contact name was just \u201cRestaurant Owner\u201d without a real name. The texts had no conversation history and were obviously recent.<\/p>\n
I said plainly, \u201cThat\u2019s not the owner\u2019s number.\u201d<\/p>\n
She countered, \u201cHe has several phones for business.\u201d \u201cYou obviously don\u2019t have all of his contact details.\u201d<\/p>\n
The moment had arrived.<\/p>\n
I took a business card out of my own wallet and set it next to her phone. It had the restaurant\u2019s logo, my name, and my title as \u201cOwner & Executive Chef.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy name is Peter. In 1973, my grandparents founded this eatery. It was expanded by my parents, and for the last seven years, I have been its only owner. I took a moment to process this. \u201cYou are the first person I have ever seen in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meghan and her pals\u2019 expressions were amazing.<\/p>\n
Meghan stumbled, \u201cBut\u2026 but you were serving us all night.\u201d<\/p>\n
I said softly, \u201cI work every position in my restaurant.\u201d \u201cFrom doing the dishes to welcoming visitors.\u201d That\u2019s how I uphold our standards.<\/p>\n
She made a feeble argument, \u201cThis is entrapment.\u201d \u201cYou deceived us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Did I recommend a food that you didn\u2019t eagerly order? Did I make you buy more drinks? Have I ever claimed to be someone I\u2019m not? I spoke at a level tone. \u201cI just gave you exactly what you requested.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a whisper, one friend said, \u201cWe can\u2019t pay this.\u201d<\/p>\n
I acknowledged that this was an awkward circumstance. However, I have two choices for you. I\u2019ll call the police about the attempted service theft if you don\u2019t pay the entire bill. Your decision.<\/p>\n
As Meghan signed the credit card slip, tears were streaming down her face. To assist cover the damage, her companions dug through their purses and managed to scrape together a few hundred dollars in cash.<\/p>\n
I returned her items and said, \u201cYour ID and card.\u201d \u201cWe appreciate you joining us for dinner tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
I said, \u201cOne more thing,\u201d as they padded to the door.<\/p>\n
They looked completely defeated as they turned.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe sure they\u2019re not serving your table the next time you claim to be pals with someone significant. Ladies, good night.<\/p>\n
I knew they had learned a lesson far more precious than any dinner could have given them when the door closed behind them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In my fifteen years in the restaurant industry, I have witnessed my fair share of entitled patrons. Nothing, however, prepared me for the night Meghan waltzed in and demanded special treatment by claiming an acquaintance with \u201cthe owner.\u201d Her drink order was being taken by someone she didn\u2019t even know. The expression on her face […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29061"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29062,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29061\/revisions\/29062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}