Good service vs. Attractive servers

[polak]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

I don't care what my server looks like as long as he or she is polite, courteous, timely, and accurate.

Going a step further, I purposely avoid restaurants that very obviously only hire attractive servers. You know the places I mean -- Earl's, Joey's, and the like. I find that practice discriminatory and disgusting.

I know of someone that got turned down for a job at one of those places for apparently "not looking the part". She got a $50 gift card as an apology after she complained.

Dont know if I buy it but I dont see why a girl would lie about her being too ugly to get a job so....

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by polak

I know of someone that got turned down for a job at one of those places for apparently "not looking the part". She got a $50 gift card as an apology after she complained.

Dont know if I buy it but I dont see why a girl would lie about her being too ugly to get a job so....

I played rugby with a guy in the mid late 90's. He managed an Earl's in Calgary. They 100% hire based on looks.

[saillias]

I don't think they're mutually exclusive at all. I like to be served by attractive waitresses who provide good service. To be honest, that's usually the case. Boring answer, sorry.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

Funny you post this as I was thinking this literally at Denny's on Saturday morning when I had amazing service from an older lady who looked like she'd worked her whole life there. I think I'd have to go with good service....

Likewise. My GF and I were at the Denny's while it was slammed on a Saturday AM and received service as if we were one of very few tables.

Compare that to any number of Calgary's pubs and you will find it sorely lacking during peak hours.

[djsFlames]

With some restaurants/pubs (namely a few on 17th), they seemingly only hire for looks. And judging by the service provided, the training also happens on the spot, and accuracy is considered secondary when performing the job. And they expect their customers to forgive everything so long as there is something good to look at.

In terms of pubs with excellent service (as well as some pretty sweet lookers) the Irish pubs around town are generally great I've found. Limmericks, Kilk, Seanachie are some of my favourite quick in and out pubs that can also provide the whole package.

But I prefer a waitress who can make small talk and be friendly, yet doesn't sound like she's coming on to every table of guys she serves, but just is pleasant. Doesn't have to be perfect about everything, but at least show you're trying to provide the best service you can.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by polak

I know of someone that got turned down for a job at one of those places for apparently "not looking the part". She got a $50 gift card as an apology after she complained.

Dont know if I buy it but I dont see why a girl would lie about her being too ugly to get a job so....

If you apply for a job at Cowboys, you have to send a picture. These places are quite discriminatory in their hiring practices.

Heck, show me a 175lb+ girl works at Earl's in the front.

[killer_carlson]

most of my dining out is work related and with clients. It drives me nuts when a client is looking for a refill on their coffee, or because someone forgot to get them a steak knife and the server goes AWOL. Really affects the mood during the client promo.

I 100% prefer service.

[lazypucker]

How about good service vs attractive servers vs delicious food?

I will choose the food...

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by polak

I know of someone that got turned down for a job at one of those places for apparently "not looking the part". She got a $50 gift card as an apology after she complained.

Dont know if I buy it but I dont see why a girl would lie about her being too ugly to get a job so....

Earl's used to do this. My wife, her brother and a friend of mine worked there. I couldn't get a job cause I'm ugly. But I can fix your computer and bike!

and to the question, good service trumps all.

[Daradon]

Completely false dicotomy. Feels like a question from someone who wants there stereotypes reinforced.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I played rugby with a guy in the mid late 90's. He managed an Earl's in Calgary. They 100% hire based on looks.

That would depends on the particular GM not the company itself

[JonDuke]

You could have a hottie at the table next to you if you really needed something to look at. I'd pick service over looks for sure.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

I don't care what my server looks like as long as he or she is polite, courteous, timely, and accurate.

Going a step further, I purposely avoid restaurants that very obviously only hire attractive servers. You know the places I mean -- Earl's, Joey's, and the like. I find that practice discriminatory and disgusting.

I purposely frequent restaurants that hire attractive servers to support these hiring policies. Attractive servers add to the ambiance. No idea why you think it's disgusting as it's not like they are exploiting them like Hooters or a bikini bar. They just want attractive servers to be the face of their restaurants. No different than models used in magazine ads or commercials.

That said bad service is bad service regardless of how attractive the server is.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by btimbit

That would depends on the particular GM not the company itself

There was no written policy, nor was there a mandate from the company to hire a certain type of waitress.

He was very clear that was was an expectation that the Earl's staff look a certain way.

I have no reason to doubt him, unless you have other information.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Daradon

Completely false dicotomy. Feels like a question from someone who wants there stereotypes reinforced.

Wasn't looking for a scientific study here. Going largely by my personal experiences and wondering largely what people value when dining out.

The serving community represents a fairly significant portion of the attractive population in Calgary and you would be kidding yourself you beleive their looks are representative of the entire population.

Lots of servers are hired based on looks. I don't think that is a revelation. I'm curious if they feel it adds value to their experience at the expense of actual 'service'.

[Zarley]

Cactus Club has the best of all worlds.

Good service, attractive waitresses, and brilliant food. I'm looking forward to the new one on Stephen opening.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

There was no written policy, nor was there a mandate from the company to hire a certain type of waitress.

He was very clear that was was an expectation that the Earl's staff look a certain way.

I have no reason to doubt him, unless you have other information.

Not saying he's wrong. Just saying those expectations would be set my that specific GM. I've had some fat ugly servers there but they were pretty good. They don't hire 100% on looks like you claimed. Granted it's usually a good chunk of the necessary criteria, bottom line is if they're bad at the job, they get fired, gorgeous or not.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by btimbit

Not saying he's wrong. Just saying those expectations would be set my that specific GM. I've had some fat ugly servers there but they were pretty good. They don't hire 100% on looks like you claimed. Granted it's usually a good chunk of the necessary criteria, bottom line is if they're bad at the job, they get fired, gorgeous or not.

You appear to have more information.

[Daradon]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Wasn't looking for a scientific study here. Going largely by my personal experiences and wondering largely what people value when dining out.

The serving community represents a fairly significant portion of the attractive population in Calgary and you would be kidding yourself you beleive their looks are representative of the entire population.

Lots of servers are hired based on looks. I don't think that is a revelation. I'm curious if they feel it adds value to their experience at the expense of actual 'service'.

Ok, well I guess then in my personal experience I haven't really noticed any difference. I've had attractive and less than attractive servers screw up my meals. If there is a difference you might be able to attribute it to age and lack of experience over simply being 'young and pretty and not caring' (paraphrased I know, but that did seem like your point). On the flip side though, I've had older servers just going through the motions cause they've been there so long and hate it. So it can work both ways.

Agreed a lot of places hire on looks, and I'm ok with that. But the way you started this thread kinda sounded like a 'pretty girls get all the breaks' and I think that's a little unfair. The 'hot' ones have to bust their humps too because they can get fired and someone will replace them. It happens all the time.

I don't eat at a lot of Denny's type diners, but I don't think it's accurate to say they are harder working on average than say eye candy at the Earls. I've had slow servers, and rude servers there too. I think it's more of a stereotype than anything.

Lastly, it may not be such a big thing to me because I'm pretty laid back about these kinds of things. I don't mind a mistake here or there from anyone, hot or not. I generally tip well, and am not one of those guys who looks down at service staff, or think I'm owed a spectacular dining experience because I do tip. I've worked in the industry and I know how tough it can be. You don't need a degree to do it obviously, but it's faced paced hard work often, with little to no respect. I don't think a lot of diners appreciate how hard some of these people work. Be they guy or girl, young or old, attractive or less than.

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by Zarley

Cactus Club has the best of all worlds.

Good service, attractive waitresses, and brilliant food. I'm looking forward to the new one on Stephen opening.

I like the Cactus Club as well, except for how loud it always is. I've been to the Macleod location and Barlow, and it's always so loud.

...I love having to shout during dinner to have a conversation.

Back on topic: I avoid places like Earls and Joeys, unless I'm taking clients out for dinner. The servers are usually air-heads with no-clue, but at least the food is good.

I find that the Cattle Baron and The Keg have the best of both worlds. Red Lobster is good too.

As long as my food is good and I'm getting the value I would expect, I don't care what you look like. Be courteous, polite, friendly and quick to fill my drink back up...and you'll get a good tip.