Do you stack your plates at a restaurant for your server?
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OP
OP
For sure! To clarify, I just threw that picture in the OP because I thought it looked a little plain and I figured having a stack of plates would immediately contextualize the question for folks. Didn't mean to create that confusion! Mea culpa. :)
My exact thoughts. I have been a waiter, and if the table is getting to a point where multiple people are done and I haven't been back to take their plates, I'm doing a poor job. However, when I waited tables, the complaint in the article that a stack of dishes indicates "hey, need some help over here!" is completely valid....except that it's true and it means I should be doing better.
Never even considered doing it. They have to set up in such a specific way so they're easy to carry that I don't even try, and leave it to the pros.
OP
OP
I do. I also tend to wipe down the table. Mainly because I have little kids that make a huge mess and I feel bad about the server having to clean it all up.
Usually just my own plates, if there's more than one. Then I put my cutlery and napkin on one of the plates.
Yep, stack them up in an orderly way, with any remaining food, sliverware, and trash on top. Bowls or other dishes get their own stacks. I also wipe down the table to clean up after myself and others, thought I know they'll still do it again. I'm not sure two waitresses' thoughts will get me to stop.
Once I've finished I'll stack my plates and if the server hasn't cleared them away within about 30 seconds I'll make eye contact with them and push the stack off the edge.
But really though I don't even stack beyond putting my silverware on my plate which I assume everyone does. I'll just pass my stuff down towards the server but on the table. I used to be a waiter and I don't think customers ever stacked stuff for me so I've never really thought about it before. Everyone has their own way of sorting plates and leftovers so they're easy to carry that I feel it's best leaving it to them.
I only stack somewhat clean plates and silverware goes on top. I will not stack a plate ontop of another plate that has a bunch of sauce or mess on it.
Not all the plates at the table, no. I just neatly pile my own plate and silverware. I'm sure many servers have a system and I don't want to disrupt it.
In my experience, putting the plates at the end of the table is more helpful than anything else.
In my experience, putting the plates at the end of the table is more helpful than anything else.
Sometimes.
I know someone who chooses to tip less because she clears the table and wipes it off before the server can.
I know someone who chooses to tip less because she clears the table and wipes it off before the server can.
It actually usually is more than unhelpful than helpful.
The worst is people physically handing you their plate when you already have a bunch of shit in your hands.
The worst is people physically handing you their plate when you already have a bunch of shit in your hands.
I don't often go to buffet style restaurants where I have multiple plates. My family does sometimes go to places where I'll get a salad before my dinner, or at one place, a salad, a stir fry and a plate of fries. I do sometimes stack the salad bowl and the plate, or the plate and stir fry bowl, but the latter one usually takes the finished or empty salad bowl before the other stuff comes. I try to be helpful, and it's not like I'm stacking lots of dishes.
I do stack my plates, but I also try to make sure to have disposable trash on the top level, same with silverware. I also move my plates and glasses to the center of the table and closer to the edge.
I do, I sometimes walk them over to the kitchen too, AND I always leave 30%.
No but seriously, I do stack them. Not because I want to help them or whatever. Just because I don't need them reaching over the table and doing a bunch of shit while trying to conversate with the rest of the table.
No but seriously, I do stack them. Not because I want to help them or whatever. Just because I don't need them reaching over the table and doing a bunch of shit while trying to conversate with the rest of the table.
I always stack plates. Not in a huge messy pile like the way the article in the OP described though. Most of my friends are servers and they all say they'd prefer people stack plates if they do it properly, since it saves them time. I think the person who wrote that article is a bit too self conscious.
I worked in food service until about six months ago. After working that job, I started stacking plates. It makes it so much easier for servers, in my experience. Of course, I make sure not to leave any garbage tucked in between them, 'cause that's a dick move. I always consolidate all food waste and utensils onto the top plate. I say five plates is probably a max capacity stack.
I've never had a manager who cared about seeing stacked plates. It's just more efficient in every way.
This is ABSOLUTELY a thing. I've been berated for trying to pick up plates with a shred of garnish on them.
I've never had a manager who cared about seeing stacked plates. It's just more efficient in every way.
This is ABSOLUTELY a thing. I've been berated for trying to pick up plates with a shred of garnish on them.