I hate writing these kind of reviews, because I always try to find the positive in restaurant experiences having worked in the service and restaurant industry as a Server/Bartender for 10+ years. I know the nuances of restaurants, and how seemingly innocuous things spiral into, or are exhibits of a larger problem or lack of training.
This was the case yesterday. I was seated promptly, though the girl at the Hostess stand could have gave two shits as I walked passed her without a word or a smile. Too busy texting. Oh well.
Found my way to the patio where I was seated by a young chap, forget his name, but he looked no older than 16. Nice kid. Until he started crushing some snacks while walking around to tables.
I get it - you work in a restaurant - You're constantly surrounded by food you're not allowed to eat, that you in fact for hours on end, have to give to other people so they can eat. In my experience there are certain non-negotiables in the industry and that includes eating food in front of guests, carrying and eating food in front of guests, and drinking drinks in plain-view of guests.
This guy was seemingly more interested that his group of teen-somethings had come to hang out at his new establishment and forgot some basic restaurant etiquette. This is actually a good teaching point for the Manager should he read this.
If you want to work, work. If you want to hang out with your friends, great. But it's somewhat hard to do both when you're busy. We all make mistakes. I once got fired from a place because my manager told me I could have a drink at the bar after my shift on my birthday, and the owner came in and fired me on the spot. Things happen.
It looks really bad when an employee is walking around to tables eating food that I hope wasn't from a guests plate, but it bothered me enough that I couldn't stop wondering what else went on here. This guy also was walking around with a styrofoam cup drinking from it frequently visiting his friends, at one point sitting down with them. Maybe they gave him the snack. It was just awkward. Keep employee food and drinks out of sight of dining customers.