Why Do Hostesses Seat You At Bad Tables

I was out for dinner this past weekend and the hostess lead us to a table right near the bathroom. The restaurant was half full and I could not understand why she chose this table for us. I asked her if we could have a table near the window in the front. She said shrugged and said ok and sat us at our desired table. Why would the hostess choose to seat us in what probably is the worst table in the restaurant rather than a good empty table?

What is a good vs a bad table? Here are some examples of what a bad table could be:

• Tables near the front door in extreme weather

• Tables next to heavy traffic at buffets

• Tables next to the kitchen, where servers may walk in and out frequently and the kitchen can be noisy

• Tables around the bar, where it can get rowdy, especially if a sports team is on TV

• Tables by a drafty window, where poorly insulated windows can let in cold air

• Tables close to the restroom, which might not be the most appetizing sight

• Tables near a serving station where the wait staff congregate and bring drinks, silverware and other items to tables.

I started wondering if it was just me or is that a plan seating customers at the worst tables first. I found out that hostess have a tremendous about discretion on where to seat customers. Sometimes, hostesses chose to seat customers at bad tables if they are:

• Not dressed well

• Late for their reservation

• Rude to the hostess

I have to say that I do not think that I fall into any of these categories so why did the hostess try to seat me at a bad table. I think that answer is that hostesses try to get rid of these bad tables so they can seat other demanding customers at the better tables. So in effect, the nice customers get screwed because they will not yell and scream if they are seated at a bad table.

My take is this is not great customer service and really you have two options. First, ask for a better table when they offer you a bad table. Or second, remember the lack of service you receive and find a restaurant that know how to take care of you!

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