Please Be Kind, Patient, and Understanding When RI Restaurants Reopen: Guest MINDSETTER™ Adams

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Guest MINDSETTER™ Kelly Adams

 

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After reading a story about an ice cream shop on Cape Cod that opened up and promptly closed because customers were being so rude to the employees, I felt something needed to be said. 

As many restaurants get ready to open on a very limited basis it's important that you, the guest, understand that you are not going back to the same place. Yes, physically you are going back to that restaurant you once loved but very few things will be the same. 

First, the menu will look different. Limited seating and limited staff means a limited menu. Please don't be upset if your favorite item is currently not on the menu. As time goes on and we are allowed to serve more guests your favorites will eventually return. Until then please don't yell at your server because you can't get that item you had three months ago. Chances are also very high you can't make substitutions the way you once did. Again, we are not dealing with a full staff or a massive walk-in of produce the way we once did. Until restaurants are fully operational, they will have limited ability to deal with special requests.

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Service will probably not be as quick as you would like it or remember it being. In order for us to open we have to make several changes to comply and safely serve the public. This means what was once a simple one-step task can become a four-step task to ensure you are kept safe. Please try and understand this. Everything will be new even to the most experienced staff. Things will take time.

Speaking of time, be mindful of the time. Restaurants will be struggling due to seating restrictions. Be on time for your reservation. Please don't sit for three hours. We want you to come and enjoy but please understand we need those tables to turn. Let's give everyone a chance to get out and enjoy while allowing the restaurant to turn the very limited seats they have available.

Cocktails. Please don't be upset if you "can't taste the alcohol." You have been pouring your own triples throughout this entire quarantine. Trust us, you are getting plenty of booze. Quite frankly, your liver will be happy to have your favorite bartender back. 

We are still not sure what bars will look like in the near future but I think it's safe to say it will be different. Bartenders will work as quickly and safely as they can. Please be patient with each other and the bartenders. They want nothing more than a full bar and a seat for you. It will more than likely be a while before we see that. So don't be upset if you can't have a seat. Also, be mindful of the time you spend in that seat we want everyone to have a turn.

I watched an employee cry at Five Guys while I was waiting for dinner last week. A woman had called and was berating her over the phone about an order taking too long. I think I found myself writing this because I'm not sure everyone truly understands the inner workings of a restaurant. 

So many moving parts that will be completely rearranged in order to reopen. We want you to come out and enjoy. It makes us happy when you are happy. We just need you, our guests, to be kind, be patient, be understanding. This is new for everyone please don't forget that.

Kelly Adams has been bartending for 25 years in and around Providence, developing menus and cocktail programs. After working for John Elkhay and the Chow Fun Food Group for several years, she made the move to The Boathouse in Tiverton where she has been for the past 7 years. She currently lives in Barrington, Rhode Island

 

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