Something I've seen a bunch in Asia, and I wish would come here, is Ipad ordering. No idle chit chat, no "any plans tonight", no wait staff trying to show off by not writing down your order, then inevitably getting it wrong. Someone seats you, you order, someone expos your food and busses after, and you pay your bill on the iPad.
Big server is keeping this idea down in North America, but it makes so much sense. Lower staffing demands on owners, who could (should they choose) pay the staff they do have a little better, wage certainty for staff, fewer order errors, and just a more streamlined experience.
I'm sure there are a million reasons that people will say it can't work, but I don't buy it. I'm someone who has always enjoyed dining out, and worked in hospitality long enough to appreciate how hard the job is, and to treat hospitality workers with respect, but I've reached the point of fatigue with the whole experience here. Tipping culture isn't the only problem, but it's a big part of it for me. I'm just so tired of feeling cheap when I only select a 20% tip, and I don't feel like I'm seeing stellar service anywhere very often.
I'm just so over it. Bring on the Ipads and our robot overlords.
|