So, since the start of the reopening of dining rooms in the orange zones of Quebec, how are things going? After several discussions with restaurateurs, here are some irritants and some possible solutions ...
First, you already know, reservation is required. Yes, before going to the dining room, you must absolutely reserve your seat at your favorite restaurant. Usually a quick call and your table is reserved for the date and time you choose. Other establishments prefer email, Facebook message, or the use of automated applications.
As you know, once the reservation is made, it must then be honored! You have to introduce yourself! But, as we already discussed long before the pandemic, the scourge of "no shows", these customers who reserve but do not show up, is still very present ... Every evening, history repeats itself.
This bad trend is hurting restaurant owners financially, who currently have to operate at 50% of their capacity to respect the distance between customers. Managers organize orders and plan schedules in anticipation of reservations made.
This situation could lead restaurateurs to ask the government to adapt the law on consumer protection and thus allow them to ask for a deposit at the time of reservation, which is prohibited at the moment.
Well, for honest customers who show up at the restaurant after making a reservation, it is still the majority of people here, let's underline it, the restaurateurs would still like you to prepare your IDs to confirm. your address and that of your guest or your children. It’s also important.
Remember that the obligation to reserve, requested by the government, seeks above all to avoid crowds at the restaurant reception. But when employees have to make everyone wait at the entrance because customers can't prove their residential address, well, there are crowds and the distancing effect is canceled!
Finally, a former employee of the restaurant industry, now in the marketing arena, took advantage of the reopening of the dining rooms to launch a campaign emphasizing the politeness of customers. He has always found in very bad taste the phrase said by customers "you will give me" ... Other waiters have supported their projects and want this to make people aware of respect and to think about how to address to the server.
Because yes, they are servers, but not servants!
They also appreciate the 'please' and 'thank you'!
Now, the reopening of the dining rooms offers a unique opportunity to start anew our special relationship with restaurant employees.
Are you booking? Introduce yourself!
Prepare your identity document proving your address of residence.
Don't forget your mask!
And say please and thank you!