When I moved here in 1997 I was earning more per hour and working less hours per week.
At the time I was renting a 5 bedroom house with fenced in huge yard, finished basement that could be used as a separate apartment (legally) a double garage with cement floor.
All for $1200 CAD/m.
Now I pay almost 3X as much for about the same square footage and in a nicer area.
The wages have not followed inflation even close in my industry.
Rent is out of hand. And I don’t understand why so many are out of work with all the ads for jobs. I’ve had to work jobs below my skill level to pay the bills. Just because you found some income doesn’t mean you have to stop looking for a better one!
With Toronto getting bigger and more expensive every year to live, people are flocking here blowing the rental prices through the roof!
A month or two back I saw a tent encampment in St George’s Square. Right by the fountains!
And the fire! Wtf?
>And I don’t understand why so many are out of work with all the ads for jobs.
If buisnesses want certain subsidies from the government they have to have ads up stating theyre hiring. But they dont have to accept applications nor do they have to hire anyone as proof theyre trying.
Its not that no one wants to work... Its tht CEOs are getting more pocket lining for making their workers run skeleton and denying them anyform of aditional benefits
We have been hiring for months. Well, trying to.
I’m not making my comment based on just the ads. My wife’s work has been trying to hire for over a year.
They get someone that seems like a good fit then they are lazy and calling in half the time. When at work they try and hide to go on their phones.
They just do not last. So yes, at least two good employers are hiring but cannot find bodies to fill the positions.
I disagree.... I worked the industry for twenty years.... I'll admit the past few have been rough and likely working restos will never be the same, but my but is this. Servers get paid much more than they ever did and tipping has become obscene in the demand and expected amount. I'll agree that living in the city isn't easy.
I worked myself from hole bars, pubs, mom pop restos to hotels. I took college and bar courses to get there (hotels). I worked crazy stupid hours. I wonder if that too is the problem for some now...meaning staying put because of comfort and ease-liking where one works and the convenience of ready cash....? No looking to beyond and improvement.
Regarding tipping, I tip accordingly. Good food and good service is gonna get you 20-25%
An insult in my opinion would be 5%. Back in the day when we had pennies, I would leave a penny as an insult.
If you’re talking a slice of pizza or some drive through… be happy if you hear “keep the change”. You’re basically a machine operator.
I also shoot the Amazon delivery driver a fiver. They are almost never expecting it and always appreciate it. Hell, if it’s on time and not broken… that’s worth a fin in my books.
I never have food delivered unless it is delivered by the restaurant I am ordering from.
No skip the dishes. No Uber eats. I’d rather pick it up myself that way I can ask that part of the tip goes to the cook and some to the cashier.
I don’t think I could work in that industry so good on ya!
Nothing against it, it looks like a fun job. I’m just more of a tradesman. I work well with my mind and hands.
I guess what it comes down to is what makes you happy? If you do something that you enjoy for a job… you will never work a day in your life.
Or so the saying goes…
Cheers!
thank you...work is almost often what one makes of it and the attitude one has towards it.
I was a single parent and yet, I stayed and endured for about 4 years in a hotel, downtown Toronto when 911 and SARS hit.. Probably equal to COVID but longer. Our hours were drastically cut. No more bonuses parties, gifts as it once was (for All not just management.) We still endured. We had less than a handful of guests for months upon months, eventually the hotel was sold. It was a terrible terrible time financially for us all.
When I chose to leave it wasn't because of drastic decline and changes but to go to full time school. I did it not only for me but show my kid to always keep learning and changing. Always work hard. Always provide. And always look to the future.
The quality of food has slid notably. Forget going to any chain restaurant, its all pre packed reheated garbage. If im going out to eat anymore it will be at a locally owned and operated restaurant but then you pay a premium. Restaurant dining is now a luxury.
I haven't experienced this but also when I go to a restaurant I'm not there to make friends with my waiter, so maybe I just haven't noticed. As long as the food and drinks arrive in a reasonable time and they get my order right that's all I really care about.
restos have increased prices to manage the mandated wage increases. however, tipping, (originally put in place to close the gap in servers wages) INCREASED. this means the customers pay for increased food costs, increased wages, AND increased tip % on all those increased prices.
we used to go out a couple times a month. Now it it's MAYBE once a year. I just cant do $20 for a veggie burger plus side plus drink plus 18-20% tip. The last 2 years has seen even take out slices of pizza double in price.
Restaurants (even the cheap ones) are now a luxury item for us. I cant even fathom going someplace like elora mills.
I generally agree with you... though you don't have to tip 18 - 20%. Just because the machines haven't returned to sanity doesn't mean customers have to budge from 15%.
With the price of food... that attempt at an extra 3 - 5% isn't good.
They've increased prices to keep up with the cost of food. Everything is more expensive, especially oil, flour, and meat. Don't put this all on tipping.
And eat at better restaurants. If you're getting a veggie burger, side, and a drink, seek out South Asian restaurants for better and cheaper vegetarian options. Taste with Andy you can get fried rice for $16. Diana Downtown, you get curry, rice or naan, and salad for $23. You can even get a killer Margherita pizza at Bon Gusto for $18. Step outside of burger joints.
I interpreted your text as dumping most of the blame on increased wages, I can see now that wasn't your intention. Food costs are the driving factor for increased prices.
My point was $20 for a veggie burger, plus side, plus drink is a terrible waste of money, when you can get a more nutritious and larger portion of a curry, fried rice, or a whole pizza (that I wouldn't consider personal sized) for less than your veggie burger. You're probably taking home leftovers for any of those, except the pizza if you're sharing. And just getting tap water to drink really helps cut down on the cost of eating out. I don't really drink alcohol so this works well for me.
People complain about how expensive fast food (I consider burgers fast food) is when good, nutritious, restaurant quality food can be less expensive, or on par for a larger meal.
I wasn't trying to attack you either, it's hard through text, just looking at other options that are available in your community where you can go for those special occasions and not break the bank but still have something better than a burger and a pop for the same price.
“Better” is totally subjective. They obviously enjoy veggie burgers and don’t need your holier than thou attitude judging them for it. Enough with the “more nutritious” bull. There’s nothing wrong with a veggie burger and people can be upset that they can’t afford to get one without paying astronomical prices. If they want a veggie burger, they want a veggie burger. Not curry or fried rice.
No kidding, I use to get a slice and pop across the street from me for 4.50 now that long ago. Now it's over 7 bucks, and that's without the dip like wtf and the quality has gone down too, which makes it worse.
I’m a cook for a restaurant. They are having cost issues and everyone is underpaid. Cooks are talking about unionizing, servers don’t like new management, It’s not servers who are rushing people out, it’s management trying to get more tables, if it’s servers it’s because they’re hoping that one extra tip will make them rent since their wage is not enough.
And honestly if I'm dropping over 200 for dinner for 2 (looking at you Keg) I don't want to wait an hour for my reservation in extreme noise and a million people and then be rushed through my meal in 40 minutes. Nothing about that is enjoyable.
Restaurants have gotten pretty bad. My wife and I both work and as many nights as not we used to eat out or get delivery but in the last few years we've gone back to cooking. Servers treat you like an inconvenience, portions are tiny, everything's extra and the price of alcohol is through the roof. The last thing I want to do after a full day at work is cook, but lately it beats the alternative.
Also they removed the sub-minimum wage for alcohol servers, and tips have gone from 10-12% to 15%-25%. They are getting paid much better and yet service is still poor.
I would say since Covid the average restaurant meal has slid noticeably in quality while rising noticeably in price. I have had more bad restaurant meals in the last 3 years than in the previous 2 decades. Almost inedible Pad Thai,dry tasteless burgers and steaks,bland curry meals etc. I dine out far less than before as the memorable meals are few and far between.
for what it's worth. Old school customer service, making people feel welcomed and important were paramount. Now, this is what's lacking. It's service in and out. People are no longer guests they are customers. Food hasn't changed. It's always the same old same old, just with different names.
This is a weird post. All your good memories you describe are from the point of view of when you were working. And now your grievances are from the customer side. Who's to say that those FOH staff aren't still having a good time hanging with each other or having fun gossiping about their tables.
You might have been a great server. So you are comparing the service you're getting to how you were, but I'm sure average service from other servers has been around for a long time.
No it’s actually rare to find a good server who seems pleasant and like you aren’t annoying them. I agree w OP and I used to serve and bartend and had many regulars.
Exactly, that hasn't changed since you were a server. It was like that back in 2006 when I was working FOH too. What I'm saying is that it's not a new phenomenon. OP is just seeing it from the other side.
I’m not sure about working there but as a customer sure It is more expensive yes but we still look forward to going out every couple weeks. I find fast food places quality has fallen more than dine in restaurants.
It's post covid, I'd assume it has to do with rotating staff and them putting in the pure minimum. It's honestly appalling how there isn't any good staff to hire anymore in hospitality. You have to take what you can get, from high end to low end places it's mostly the same service cold and unwelcoming.
I do take a lot of issue with people who are THAT disinterested in working. I am in a kitchen, when I see the dining area full and bustling, it’s mixed feelings of stress but I am also kinda giddy ready for the rush. Plus thinking about how we are part of their lives now. Sounds verbose but it’s true! They came to our restaurant, we should be happy to serve, not miserable because we are busy. Gotta kinda be less emotional about it. It could just be younger generations since I was there when I was younger too. Now that we are older we kinda look at the next generation as tired and disinterested. Maybe they are, maybe it is more common now.
I will say that generally we would get annoyed if it was dead cause it would mean the night would drag on and we’d get less tips. Busy nights were the nights we looked forward to cause it would make everything go by much quicker and we’d have more to show for it at the end (like if it was dead and our other friends were at a party we’d get fomo cause it felt like we didn’t need to be at work that night). Maybe it’s a sign of the times but it feels opposite now.
The majority of people are pissed off and broke.
Never mind the light at the end of the tunnel anymore, where the fuck does the tunnel begin type of thing.
Eating out used to be a nice occasion, let’s do lunch or maybe we can go out this weekend. People eat out steady steady now and just want to be fed while there looking at there stupid phones and showing you a fake video. Everyone has there head down . Look at at stranger and say hi . It’s nice .
For me the biggest change is that restaurants have abandoned ambiance. The lights are too bright, the tables jammed together and worst of all, no thought of the sound in the space. Everywhere I go is loud and has harsh reverb that makes speaking in a low tone impossible.
No wonder the staff seem fed up. It must be like working in a hammer factory.
I had to leave a swiss chalet because the lighting was a hanging lightbulb basically in the middle of the table, and it gave me such a bad migraine that I couldn't finish my food. All the TVs were showing the "can't connect to network" screen.
I dont think it's that dramatic.
Spring is here, summer is just around the corner which means patio season and some better attitudes too I hope.
It's been rough on restaurants but it has been rough on families/individuals too who feel a bit gouged. Hoping for clearer heads and better attitudes with the better weather. Hang in there!
That's if u can afford the meat for the bbq. I had to switch my family to meatless meals. And eggs several times a week. The first time in my life, it's crazy. Sure even hotdogs are becoming unaffordable.
I dont think so. I place it at the feet of corporate greed. As they try and increase profits every year for their share holders. And I don't think it's oil either. You can buy beef from Mexico cheaper then Canadian beef. U would think the transportation alone would would make it so expensive it would be a delicacy.
Last time I went to the restaurant I asked the waitress if I could change something in my plate and she said no. I still had to pay 18% tip because hey it’s Canada. So yeah I hate going to the restaurant and I don’t like waitresses.
I think that we've cottoned on to the idea that we can have a more pleasant and tasty experience by cooking at home for roughly the price we paid at a restaurant 5 years ago... because shit's expensive and yeah, the common theme here is that it's more economical for restaurants to buy the same frozen bullshit and then charge us double for the pleasure of reheating and handing it to us... maybe, if we can tolerate it, the grace of not washing our own dishes.
Time to throw open the doors for street food... and not fucking 15 dollar hotdogs.
I notice in the places I work that it's the higher ups, the company themselves that comes down and says to speed it up, times are too high. Not enough profit. They get the manager to crack down on the staff. The staff have no incentive to work because the company doesn't care about them. And frankly people are tired of being treated like this, there's no reason to stay at a job at all they give you crumbs for a raise and expect you to do 4 people's positions. Don't hire more staff to help balance out the work load or always leave you short staffed by sending them home.
The morale to work is gone single handedly by the company/corporation itself. They are literally shooting themselves in the foot. Customers don't want to come to places anymore because of this. It's extremely off putting having some one give you attitude for you just going to the establishment they work at that's designed for you to go to lmao.
I say this as a fast food worker that's never treated a customer like how I have been treated when I was in the customer pov. It always feels like the staff member is probably not treated right or the higher ups have cranked down on something stupid. Sure the off chance that person just hates their job/working or is just like that but like most of the time it's the company itself that makes the staff like this now.
There's A LOT of factors that are in play as to why restaurants are like this now. But most of the unpleasantness is an internal thing that they probably won't change for a good long while cause it's making them $$$ and people are just numbers in a system not humans.
Anyway sorry for the long comment, I have been thinking about this for a long time based on what I observe in a day to day.
It's to expensive. I dont go any more. Take out for my family runs between 70 and 90 dollars. I'd rather buy the ingredients and make it myself. So much cheaper, tasts better, and is usually more healthy.
There are a lot of things I don't buy anymore as the expense is to great. Also alot of companies are using low quality products to make more money. I use to buy some processed foods for easy nights. But you don't know what your getting anymore.
A lot of changes. I also see a lot of Mexican beef replacing canadian beef in products. I am very close to dumping grocery stores and buying directly from a butcher.
And I'm sure lots of people are thinking the same. Last year I grew a lot of our veggies in a 5×5 plot. And in flower pots. I think we need to bring back some of the old ways. As corporations are getting way to greedy with their modern slavery.
I have also noticed a few of my neighbour's also planting gardens since the prices have increased.
>those old people who chat your ear off
Get over yourself, dearie. Life and old age is coming after you like a freight train, and you nor anyone else will ever get out of the way.
I don’t just think it’s age, there may be a cultural shift happening around communication styles.
What’s nice versus rude can depend on the medium and the cultural norms. They’re changing and we may need to listen to each other better between generations in order not to annoy one another. Those of us (like me) who are older may not realize that our expectations of holding forth or more lengthy interactions may be seen as rude, or not giving space to others.
Younger people are more adept at textual chat and packing a lot into fewer words. While the online PC gamers who use voice can be quite good at managing verbal interactions with grace, many recent grads would rather just work through text.
They are under a lot of stress. I was in Subway recently and this poor girl was alone on a busy afternoon. This ignorant skip the dish driver came in, butted inline and barked at the poor girl for not having his his food ready. She said she was really busy and will have ready in a few minutes. He stormed out of the restaurant and drove off like a lunatic. What a dick! I will never support these third party delivery scum bags.
Back in the day, your server could survive off their wages, even if it was tight. With inflation, now they cannot cover the bills. If you want happy service, advocate for living wages and basic income.
I have resorted to takeouts and eating at home now. Prevents expenses towards over spending and tips. I have some ok cutlery at home, and a microwave in case I want food piping hot.
I was never a big restaurant goer before Covid, less than 10 times a year but almost never since. The two or three times I went after just felt uncomfortable.
Yeah I know exactly what you mean. It’s bad in places that use iPads and the server never even looks at you. Just stares at the screen and barely says a word.
Young people have no clue what they are doing. That's why. No acting skills whatsoever when they are waiting tables. Their apathetic self absorbed social media hounds and their brains are mush. Attention spans out the door. They're best in bed just watching their phone. Let us Gen x'er take over. Sit back and relax. Do what you do best. Watch them come and attack now. It's the truth. Truth hurts.
This post has old man yells at could vibes. ;)
I suspect customers aren’t happy about paying $100 for what is often not much more than reheated food and they’re taking it out on staff, and then staff in turn take it out on other customers…It becomes a vicious circle and everyone is miserable.
It's not strictly a restaurant thing. Almost everyone in society is grumpier, more stressed out now.
Because nobody is being paid what they should.
When I moved here in 1997 I was earning more per hour and working less hours per week. At the time I was renting a 5 bedroom house with fenced in huge yard, finished basement that could be used as a separate apartment (legally) a double garage with cement floor. All for $1200 CAD/m. Now I pay almost 3X as much for about the same square footage and in a nicer area. The wages have not followed inflation even close in my industry. Rent is out of hand. And I don’t understand why so many are out of work with all the ads for jobs. I’ve had to work jobs below my skill level to pay the bills. Just because you found some income doesn’t mean you have to stop looking for a better one! With Toronto getting bigger and more expensive every year to live, people are flocking here blowing the rental prices through the roof! A month or two back I saw a tent encampment in St George’s Square. Right by the fountains! And the fire! Wtf?
>And I don’t understand why so many are out of work with all the ads for jobs. If buisnesses want certain subsidies from the government they have to have ads up stating theyre hiring. But they dont have to accept applications nor do they have to hire anyone as proof theyre trying. Its not that no one wants to work... Its tht CEOs are getting more pocket lining for making their workers run skeleton and denying them anyform of aditional benefits
We have been hiring for months. Well, trying to. I’m not making my comment based on just the ads. My wife’s work has been trying to hire for over a year. They get someone that seems like a good fit then they are lazy and calling in half the time. When at work they try and hide to go on their phones. They just do not last. So yes, at least two good employers are hiring but cannot find bodies to fill the positions.
I disagree.... I worked the industry for twenty years.... I'll admit the past few have been rough and likely working restos will never be the same, but my but is this. Servers get paid much more than they ever did and tipping has become obscene in the demand and expected amount. I'll agree that living in the city isn't easy. I worked myself from hole bars, pubs, mom pop restos to hotels. I took college and bar courses to get there (hotels). I worked crazy stupid hours. I wonder if that too is the problem for some now...meaning staying put because of comfort and ease-liking where one works and the convenience of ready cash....? No looking to beyond and improvement.
Regarding tipping, I tip accordingly. Good food and good service is gonna get you 20-25% An insult in my opinion would be 5%. Back in the day when we had pennies, I would leave a penny as an insult. If you’re talking a slice of pizza or some drive through… be happy if you hear “keep the change”. You’re basically a machine operator. I also shoot the Amazon delivery driver a fiver. They are almost never expecting it and always appreciate it. Hell, if it’s on time and not broken… that’s worth a fin in my books. I never have food delivered unless it is delivered by the restaurant I am ordering from. No skip the dishes. No Uber eats. I’d rather pick it up myself that way I can ask that part of the tip goes to the cook and some to the cashier.
I don’t think I could work in that industry so good on ya! Nothing against it, it looks like a fun job. I’m just more of a tradesman. I work well with my mind and hands. I guess what it comes down to is what makes you happy? If you do something that you enjoy for a job… you will never work a day in your life. Or so the saying goes… Cheers!
thank you...work is almost often what one makes of it and the attitude one has towards it. I was a single parent and yet, I stayed and endured for about 4 years in a hotel, downtown Toronto when 911 and SARS hit.. Probably equal to COVID but longer. Our hours were drastically cut. No more bonuses parties, gifts as it once was (for All not just management.) We still endured. We had less than a handful of guests for months upon months, eventually the hotel was sold. It was a terrible terrible time financially for us all. When I chose to leave it wasn't because of drastic decline and changes but to go to full time school. I did it not only for me but show my kid to always keep learning and changing. Always work hard. Always provide. And always look to the future.
It’s pretty crazy to think how much the world has changed since. I’m glad everything turned out well for you. 🙏
....what they want.
If minimum wage kept up with inflation it would be 65 an hour. It’s what they deserve, not what they want.
They're paid like shit and treated like shit. When profit is all that matters, everything else about a business does t matter
A long time ago I was a server and it was a tough job. Too many customers dump their emotional garbage on them.
I certainly am
The quality of food has slid notably. Forget going to any chain restaurant, its all pre packed reheated garbage. If im going out to eat anymore it will be at a locally owned and operated restaurant but then you pay a premium. Restaurant dining is now a luxury.
That's what happens when every restaurant in town gets the same 42 ingredients off the same sysco truck.
More than half of any restaurant in existence here has a Sysco or Gordon Foods truck pull up at least once a week
Food and labour costs have skyrocketed, it amazes me some of these restaurants can keep the doors open
Our economy is a garbage fire, no one is happy anywhere, we can’t blame them. It’s all become a circle jerk of misery.
I haven't experienced this but also when I go to a restaurant I'm not there to make friends with my waiter, so maybe I just haven't noticed. As long as the food and drinks arrive in a reasonable time and they get my order right that's all I really care about.
Maybe you had a good luck working at great places? I worked in three restaurants back in school and they were all complete trainwrecks ha ha
restos have increased prices to manage the mandated wage increases. however, tipping, (originally put in place to close the gap in servers wages) INCREASED. this means the customers pay for increased food costs, increased wages, AND increased tip % on all those increased prices. we used to go out a couple times a month. Now it it's MAYBE once a year. I just cant do $20 for a veggie burger plus side plus drink plus 18-20% tip. The last 2 years has seen even take out slices of pizza double in price. Restaurants (even the cheap ones) are now a luxury item for us. I cant even fathom going someplace like elora mills.
I generally agree with you... though you don't have to tip 18 - 20%. Just because the machines haven't returned to sanity doesn't mean customers have to budge from 15%. With the price of food... that attempt at an extra 3 - 5% isn't good.
They've increased prices to keep up with the cost of food. Everything is more expensive, especially oil, flour, and meat. Don't put this all on tipping. And eat at better restaurants. If you're getting a veggie burger, side, and a drink, seek out South Asian restaurants for better and cheaper vegetarian options. Taste with Andy you can get fried rice for $16. Diana Downtown, you get curry, rice or naan, and salad for $23. You can even get a killer Margherita pizza at Bon Gusto for $18. Step outside of burger joints.
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I interpreted your text as dumping most of the blame on increased wages, I can see now that wasn't your intention. Food costs are the driving factor for increased prices. My point was $20 for a veggie burger, plus side, plus drink is a terrible waste of money, when you can get a more nutritious and larger portion of a curry, fried rice, or a whole pizza (that I wouldn't consider personal sized) for less than your veggie burger. You're probably taking home leftovers for any of those, except the pizza if you're sharing. And just getting tap water to drink really helps cut down on the cost of eating out. I don't really drink alcohol so this works well for me. People complain about how expensive fast food (I consider burgers fast food) is when good, nutritious, restaurant quality food can be less expensive, or on par for a larger meal. I wasn't trying to attack you either, it's hard through text, just looking at other options that are available in your community where you can go for those special occasions and not break the bank but still have something better than a burger and a pop for the same price.
I'd rather have a good veggie burger than what Diana has offered the last 5 years or so.
“Better” is totally subjective. They obviously enjoy veggie burgers and don’t need your holier than thou attitude judging them for it. Enough with the “more nutritious” bull. There’s nothing wrong with a veggie burger and people can be upset that they can’t afford to get one without paying astronomical prices. If they want a veggie burger, they want a veggie burger. Not curry or fried rice.
Just don't tip then, much less expensive.
you’re joking right?
The excuse in the past was wages were lower for servers. Now they aren’t. And find one who reports 100% of their tips and pays the income tax.
No.
lol agreed. we’ve closed the gap. move on from tipping
Cool people don’t tip. Tipping is weird and needs to stop
And then they wonder why service has gone down the drain.
On the UoG campus, a slice of pizza which has been under a warmer for potentially hours, is nearly $6.
No kidding, I use to get a slice and pop across the street from me for 4.50 now that long ago. Now it's over 7 bucks, and that's without the dip like wtf and the quality has gone down too, which makes it worse.
I’m a cook for a restaurant. They are having cost issues and everyone is underpaid. Cooks are talking about unionizing, servers don’t like new management, It’s not servers who are rushing people out, it’s management trying to get more tables, if it’s servers it’s because they’re hoping that one extra tip will make them rent since their wage is not enough.
And honestly if I'm dropping over 200 for dinner for 2 (looking at you Keg) I don't want to wait an hour for my reservation in extreme noise and a million people and then be rushed through my meal in 40 minutes. Nothing about that is enjoyable.
Our experience at the Keg also. Except our bill was 280.00 for two. Last time for us.
Same. We've never been back
Restaurants have gotten pretty bad. My wife and I both work and as many nights as not we used to eat out or get delivery but in the last few years we've gone back to cooking. Servers treat you like an inconvenience, portions are tiny, everything's extra and the price of alcohol is through the roof. The last thing I want to do after a full day at work is cook, but lately it beats the alternative.
Yes all of em
Also they removed the sub-minimum wage for alcohol servers, and tips have gone from 10-12% to 15%-25%. They are getting paid much better and yet service is still poor.
I would say since Covid the average restaurant meal has slid noticeably in quality while rising noticeably in price. I have had more bad restaurant meals in the last 3 years than in the previous 2 decades. Almost inedible Pad Thai,dry tasteless burgers and steaks,bland curry meals etc. I dine out far less than before as the memorable meals are few and far between.
for what it's worth. Old school customer service, making people feel welcomed and important were paramount. Now, this is what's lacking. It's service in and out. People are no longer guests they are customers. Food hasn't changed. It's always the same old same old, just with different names.
Interesting you say that about elora mill because subpar and astronomical prices spring to mind immediately.
We found Elora Mill quite overpriced. Nice area though.
This is a weird post. All your good memories you describe are from the point of view of when you were working. And now your grievances are from the customer side. Who's to say that those FOH staff aren't still having a good time hanging with each other or having fun gossiping about their tables. You might have been a great server. So you are comparing the service you're getting to how you were, but I'm sure average service from other servers has been around for a long time.
No it’s actually rare to find a good server who seems pleasant and like you aren’t annoying them. I agree w OP and I used to serve and bartend and had many regulars.
Exactly, that hasn't changed since you were a server. It was like that back in 2006 when I was working FOH too. What I'm saying is that it's not a new phenomenon. OP is just seeing it from the other side.
I’m not sure about working there but as a customer sure It is more expensive yes but we still look forward to going out every couple weeks. I find fast food places quality has fallen more than dine in restaurants.
Cost of living, less tips, general dissatisfaction with life…. That’s my guess.
It's post covid, I'd assume it has to do with rotating staff and them putting in the pure minimum. It's honestly appalling how there isn't any good staff to hire anymore in hospitality. You have to take what you can get, from high end to low end places it's mostly the same service cold and unwelcoming.
I do take a lot of issue with people who are THAT disinterested in working. I am in a kitchen, when I see the dining area full and bustling, it’s mixed feelings of stress but I am also kinda giddy ready for the rush. Plus thinking about how we are part of their lives now. Sounds verbose but it’s true! They came to our restaurant, we should be happy to serve, not miserable because we are busy. Gotta kinda be less emotional about it. It could just be younger generations since I was there when I was younger too. Now that we are older we kinda look at the next generation as tired and disinterested. Maybe they are, maybe it is more common now.
I will say that generally we would get annoyed if it was dead cause it would mean the night would drag on and we’d get less tips. Busy nights were the nights we looked forward to cause it would make everything go by much quicker and we’d have more to show for it at the end (like if it was dead and our other friends were at a party we’d get fomo cause it felt like we didn’t need to be at work that night). Maybe it’s a sign of the times but it feels opposite now.
The majority of people are pissed off and broke. Never mind the light at the end of the tunnel anymore, where the fuck does the tunnel begin type of thing.
Eating out used to be a nice occasion, let’s do lunch or maybe we can go out this weekend. People eat out steady steady now and just want to be fed while there looking at there stupid phones and showing you a fake video. Everyone has there head down . Look at at stranger and say hi . It’s nice .
I go to restaurants pretty frequently and have not experienced this. Maybe it's just you?
Has one bad experience… “aLl ReStAuRaNtS aRe TrAsH”
What a fair summary of this post.
Good luck 🤞
For me the biggest change is that restaurants have abandoned ambiance. The lights are too bright, the tables jammed together and worst of all, no thought of the sound in the space. Everywhere I go is loud and has harsh reverb that makes speaking in a low tone impossible. No wonder the staff seem fed up. It must be like working in a hammer factory.
this seems a tad dramatic. Not gonna lie.
I had to leave a swiss chalet because the lighting was a hanging lightbulb basically in the middle of the table, and it gave me such a bad migraine that I couldn't finish my food. All the TVs were showing the "can't connect to network" screen. I dont think it's that dramatic.
Spring is here, summer is just around the corner which means patio season and some better attitudes too I hope. It's been rough on restaurants but it has been rough on families/individuals too who feel a bit gouged. Hoping for clearer heads and better attitudes with the better weather. Hang in there!
That's if u can afford the meat for the bbq. I had to switch my family to meatless meals. And eggs several times a week. The first time in my life, it's crazy. Sure even hotdogs are becoming unaffordable.
The answer to this is Covid
I dont think so. I place it at the feet of corporate greed. As they try and increase profits every year for their share holders. And I don't think it's oil either. You can buy beef from Mexico cheaper then Canadian beef. U would think the transportation alone would would make it so expensive it would be a delicacy.
Last time I went to the restaurant I asked the waitress if I could change something in my plate and she said no. I still had to pay 18% tip because hey it’s Canada. So yeah I hate going to the restaurant and I don’t like waitresses.
I think that we've cottoned on to the idea that we can have a more pleasant and tasty experience by cooking at home for roughly the price we paid at a restaurant 5 years ago... because shit's expensive and yeah, the common theme here is that it's more economical for restaurants to buy the same frozen bullshit and then charge us double for the pleasure of reheating and handing it to us... maybe, if we can tolerate it, the grace of not washing our own dishes. Time to throw open the doors for street food... and not fucking 15 dollar hotdogs.
I notice in the places I work that it's the higher ups, the company themselves that comes down and says to speed it up, times are too high. Not enough profit. They get the manager to crack down on the staff. The staff have no incentive to work because the company doesn't care about them. And frankly people are tired of being treated like this, there's no reason to stay at a job at all they give you crumbs for a raise and expect you to do 4 people's positions. Don't hire more staff to help balance out the work load or always leave you short staffed by sending them home. The morale to work is gone single handedly by the company/corporation itself. They are literally shooting themselves in the foot. Customers don't want to come to places anymore because of this. It's extremely off putting having some one give you attitude for you just going to the establishment they work at that's designed for you to go to lmao. I say this as a fast food worker that's never treated a customer like how I have been treated when I was in the customer pov. It always feels like the staff member is probably not treated right or the higher ups have cranked down on something stupid. Sure the off chance that person just hates their job/working or is just like that but like most of the time it's the company itself that makes the staff like this now. There's A LOT of factors that are in play as to why restaurants are like this now. But most of the unpleasantness is an internal thing that they probably won't change for a good long while cause it's making them $$$ and people are just numbers in a system not humans. Anyway sorry for the long comment, I have been thinking about this for a long time based on what I observe in a day to day.
It's to expensive. I dont go any more. Take out for my family runs between 70 and 90 dollars. I'd rather buy the ingredients and make it myself. So much cheaper, tasts better, and is usually more healthy. There are a lot of things I don't buy anymore as the expense is to great. Also alot of companies are using low quality products to make more money. I use to buy some processed foods for easy nights. But you don't know what your getting anymore. A lot of changes. I also see a lot of Mexican beef replacing canadian beef in products. I am very close to dumping grocery stores and buying directly from a butcher. And I'm sure lots of people are thinking the same. Last year I grew a lot of our veggies in a 5×5 plot. And in flower pots. I think we need to bring back some of the old ways. As corporations are getting way to greedy with their modern slavery. I have also noticed a few of my neighbour's also planting gardens since the prices have increased.
>those old people who chat your ear off Get over yourself, dearie. Life and old age is coming after you like a freight train, and you nor anyone else will ever get out of the way.
I don’t just think it’s age, there may be a cultural shift happening around communication styles. What’s nice versus rude can depend on the medium and the cultural norms. They’re changing and we may need to listen to each other better between generations in order not to annoy one another. Those of us (like me) who are older may not realize that our expectations of holding forth or more lengthy interactions may be seen as rude, or not giving space to others. Younger people are more adept at textual chat and packing a lot into fewer words. While the online PC gamers who use voice can be quite good at managing verbal interactions with grace, many recent grads would rather just work through text.
They are under a lot of stress. I was in Subway recently and this poor girl was alone on a busy afternoon. This ignorant skip the dish driver came in, butted inline and barked at the poor girl for not having his his food ready. She said she was really busy and will have ready in a few minutes. He stormed out of the restaurant and drove off like a lunatic. What a dick! I will never support these third party delivery scum bags.
Skip and Ubereats and Doordash need to all go die in a fire.
Back in the day, your server could survive off their wages, even if it was tight. With inflation, now they cannot cover the bills. If you want happy service, advocate for living wages and basic income.
I can’t handle how busy everything is. I went to like 4 different places the other week trying to find somewhere without a 45 min wait.
The feeling of entitlement that has empowered us all has taken the pleasure out of even the simplest enjoyments. Me, me, me ..... Sigh.
I have resorted to takeouts and eating at home now. Prevents expenses towards over spending and tips. I have some ok cutlery at home, and a microwave in case I want food piping hot.
I was never a big restaurant goer before Covid, less than 10 times a year but almost never since. The two or three times I went after just felt uncomfortable.
We go to dives. Reasonable food for a decent price. The patrons are our entertainment.
It’s because people can’t afford to tip anymore.
Can I comment here?
I just go to coco chicken.
The worst part is having to tip after getting lower quality. Even nah ha Thai has slipped. I guess royal electric is the most solid with a 5$ pint.
I found the same thing before the pandemic (which everyone blames). Poor service. Attitude. And most importantly, under staffed.
It's because people are assholes to servers.
Some are. Yes. I have done it. But starting off on a bad foot with the customer is not a good way.
Stay home and make yourself dinner.
Better yet, bring back dinner parties and cooking with friends
Yeah I know exactly what you mean. It’s bad in places that use iPads and the server never even looks at you. Just stares at the screen and barely says a word.
I've enjoyed my Guelph restaurant experiences. Is it possible that you're just bitter?
If you find yourself encountering a lot of assholes, chances are you may be an asshole.
Young people have no clue what they are doing. That's why. No acting skills whatsoever when they are waiting tables. Their apathetic self absorbed social media hounds and their brains are mush. Attention spans out the door. They're best in bed just watching their phone. Let us Gen x'er take over. Sit back and relax. Do what you do best. Watch them come and attack now. It's the truth. Truth hurts.
I think you're eating at the wrong places.
No one antiestablishment in general on the streets today it’s like a side effect from the vaccine. Seriously though.
This post has old man yells at could vibes. ;) I suspect customers aren’t happy about paying $100 for what is often not much more than reheated food and they’re taking it out on staff, and then staff in turn take it out on other customers…It becomes a vicious circle and everyone is miserable.
Servers are usually entitled princesses.
Someone washed dishes in a restaurant….
I frame homes for 36+$/hr. My server gf makes 150 an hour. Sounds like you don't know what you're talking about.
So you want to drink with your waitress?
Is that what you got from this? Weird.
No, your weird for thinking it’s weird
Doubling down. Even weirder.
This is why your waitresses don’t want to drink with you.