Restaurants are in the business to please customers, so they can make a profit. Happy customers are repeat customers who will add to a restaurant’s profit margin. Customers who are made to feel welcome and customers who enjoy the overall dining experience tend to stay longer and order more. Therefore, restaurant managers have a responsibility to ensure the satisfaction of their diners. Many diners are hesitant to speak up about problems they experience in a restaurant. However, there are some times when an unhappy customer should ask to speak to the manager to have the issue resolved.

Two or More Problems
Servers can be very busy handling all of their tables at once. If a waiter forget the lemon with a glass of tea, this is acceptable. A simpler reminder usually solves the problem. However, if multiple problems occur during one meal, then it is time to ask for the manager. For example, if a customer has to ask for silverware twice before he gets it and then the waiter forgets to bring the salad before the meal, then the waiter’s behavior cannot be ignored. Customers in this type of situation should ask for the manager because the manager needs to be aware of how a server is performing to fix the problem for future customers.

A Very Long Wait
Some customers experience long delays in the time it takes a server to approach the table, take down orders, or get the food to the table. Small delays are acceptable, especially if the restaurant is extremely crowded. However, if the wait is long or if customers can see other diners getting service while they are being passed by, the restaurant manager should be summoned. Customers should not have to wait more than twenty minutes to get their food, and they should never have to wait more than a few minutes for a server to first approach the table.

A Rude Server
Most servers are very friendly and happy to serve as this is how they make good tips. Every once in awhile, a diner will get a rude server or one with a bad attitude. No paying customer should have to be subjected to this type of behavior. A diner can always call over the manager and ask for a new server. This makes the manager aware of the situation, so he can handle it appropriately with the disrespectful server.

Problems with the Order
Some servers can take care of food orders on their own. If a server can’t fix a problem regarding an order, a customer should ask for the manager. If a customer receives the wrong order or did not get his food the way he ordered it, a manager can help.

Issues Needing Immediate Assistance
There are some issues that can occur that require unhappy customers to immediately ask for the manager. For example, if a diner finds a bug in her salad or a bread tie on his sandwich, the food may have been compromised. A manger should be called over to rectify the situation. A diner should never have to pay for food that cannot be safely eaten and enjoyed.