Be Considerate Of Service Workers During The Rush To Re-Open After Quarantine
Well, fingers crossed, this past weekend began the grand re-opening of society after the covid quarantine. In some states, like Illinois, we’re not entirely 100 percent back to normal, but it’s certainly stepping in that direction. On the Iowa side, it’s full boar, all in, back to the way it was, and, again, fingers crossed that we stay that way.
People are squirrelly and jacked up like spider monkeys on Mountain Dew after months of being in lockdown on social distancing protocols, and as such, it’s probably going to be a wild couple of weeks. But, as always, it’s important to be considerate and positive towards those people who are going to be taking the brunt of this enthusiasm — service workers, especially those in food service and bar work.
A friend of mine recently shared an item on Facebook that I felt summed up my feelings quite well, and I’d like to share it with you, regarding a code of conduct during this time to remain considerate to those working in food and bar service. It’s been going around Facebook, so I’m not sure who to credit for it, so, whoever you are out there, well-stated and well-done.
What’s it say? Well, here ya go…
READ THIS before you decide to dine out:
Yes! Restaurant patios will be open ! This is a new world though. You’re most likely going to a restaurant that threw together a patio in hopes of making some money. The building was not designed for this. They are trying their best but everything may not be perfect. Eating in the streets is fun but it’s going to be hard on the employees. They have to wear a mask and gloves no matter how hot and go possibly a few hundred feet to get more water. They are going to be hot, sweaty and most likely overwhelmed because these restaurants are not set up for this. Please help your servers in this journey by doing the following:
1. Don’t run your server. Try your best to ask for everything you need at once. Remember it’s going to be a long walk from the street into the building for more water or anything else. Help us out by asking all at once
Radicle Effect Brewerks in Rock Island was one of many businesses to re-open to the public this past weekend.
2. No mask jokes or your views on them. The server has to wear it. They have no choice and really your opinion of them while you’re eating not wearing one means nothing to them.
3. The server is wearing the mask to protect you and you have nothing on to protect them. Wash your hands.
4. You eat. You go. Eat your meal. Have some drinks but please do not sit at a table all night unless you continue to spend money. These restaurants are working with very limited space. They can’t afford for you to order 2 side salads and water and sit there 4 hours. Yes people do do that. All the time.
5. Don’t come out if you are sick.
6. Social distancing. Keep yourselves at your own table. Be aware of the rules.
7. Cut everyone some slack. Everything may be a bit slow because this is basically a new job for everyone. Be kind.
8. Tip. They are going to be hot and sweating and it’s hard to breathe wearing masks all to make a buck. Please treat them right and leave a decent tip. If you can’t afford to tip you can’t afford to go out.
9. Be pleasant. You should be happy. You’re finally out.
10. Realize that the staff is doing their best.
11. Remember you have 3 meals a day every day of your life. This is only one of them. Calm down and enjoy it!
11a. Please re-read #8. Many people in this industry have been out of work for a while. While you are being happy to be out of the house, remember this and be generous.
