Restaurant Tact: Re-Cooked
Without Intimidation

When you're dining in a restaurant and the steak is underdone or you have a similar complaint, how do you handle it in such a way that the waiter and chef will want to please you the most?

by Bob Burg

More than just the quality of the cuisine, one's restaurant experience is often defined just as much by the quality of service. And, whether you're in a "greasy-spoon" or a five-star restaurant, the level of service you receive will often be determined more by you than by the waitperson. For example, what if you need to send a meal back to be re-cooked? How do you do it in such a way that the waiter and the chef wants to please you the most?

Not surprisingly, there is a right way and a wrong way; a way to get the best results, and a way that is counter-productive.

In this article, you'll learn one example of, what I call, "Restaurant Tact."

Question: Mark from Wisconsin writes, "Bob, I'm really doing better in the way I ask people for favors and such, and I can see the difference in the way people react (I mean respond) to me.

"Here's a question for you: You're in a restaurant, and there's something not quite right about your food. Maybe your steak is undercooked. How do you ask them to take it back and have it re-cooked without the restaurant staff - not to mention, a temperamental chef - thinking you're obnoxious or high-maintenance?"

Hey Mark, I'm so glad you're noticing such a tremendous improvement in your dealings with others. Your question is a great one, and one I deal with a lot since I am definitely a 'restaurant person.'

What a breath of fresh air you are to this person who is hustling to take care of his guests

When sending food back to be re-cooked or cooked differently, or because of any other challenge, address the waitperson beginning with these words: "Please, tell the chef the dinner is absolutely excellent and I'm enjoying it very much!" There's just one thing, if I could have..." and finish the request with what you want.

You'll immediately notice that the waiter (remember, used to hearing so many diners utter complaints in a most obnoxious manner) is absolutely ready, willing and able to get you taken care of. What a breath of fresh air you are to this person who is hustling to take care of his guests; many of whom show a total lack of respect when disappointed with a certain aspect of their meal.

One more thing: remember to make sure the waitperson intends to share the praise with the chef.

Watch how nicely your meal comes out this time. I've even had a chef or two come out and personally ask me if the food is now to my liking.

Bob Burg of Burg Communications,Inc is author of EndlessReferrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Winning Without Intimidation and The Success Formula. Check out his full line of books, ebooks and CDs from which everyone can grow and prosper at his online store. Bob also publishes a wide-acclaimed free weekly ezine, Winning Without Intimidation. Subscribe here. Sign up here for a free subscription to Bob's Endless Referrals Video Brief.

Some Related Articles:

Complaints Written With Humility Get Better Results
The Pre-Apology Approach
How Do You Treat The Waiter?
Tact - The Language of Strength
Turning Enemies into Friends

Search for further content on the topic of your choice:

Home   Effective Communication Skills  Business Communication   Resource Guide    About Azriel