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bringing dishes back after restaurant/cafe meal

Robsweezie

anyone else always bring dishes, glasses back to the counter after a meal at a café/ restaurant if theres not a waiter around, or if they're busy? I've started doing it recently and the staff react with surprise as if its not the norm. I suppose they're usually left to clean up after people and take the dishes back themselves (part of their job)

especially the case in a rare visit to mcdonalds, I wouldn't be the type to leave a tray full of happy meal boxes, straws, chips and burger wrappers behind me, it helps the staff too if you clean up after yourself. though you're not ''obliged'' too.

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Shergar6

I always empty my tray when in a fast food place before i leave. Would never dream of leaving them, though if the staff were rude then i would - but i haven't had this issue so far.

I wouldn't bring empty plates up in a cafe/restaurant. That's just weird. They are paid to do that so what's the problem?
I do stack the plates up nice and neatly so it's handy for them to clear off and if ive spilled anything i would wipe it up with napkins

harry Bailey esq

Robsweezie wrote: »

anyone else always bring dishes, glasses back to the counter after a meal at a café/ restaurant if theres not a waiter around, or if they're busy? I've started doing it recently and the staff react with surprise as if its not the norm. I suppose they're usually left to clean up after people and take the dishes back themselves (part of their job)

especially the case in a rare visit to mcdonalds, I wouldn't be the type to leave a tray full of happy meal boxes, straws, chips and burger wrappers behind me, it helps the staff too if you clean up after yourself. though you're not ''obliged'' too.

I always bring empty glasses back to the counter upon leaving a bar,its just common courtesy in my eyes, the staff appreciate it, and remember it too. Its the first step towards being invited to a late night lock in.

kingtut

If facilities are provided then I will return my dishes / tray etc (Subway, McDonalds etc). If there are no facilities then I'll neatly pile them up and leave them on the table.

Same applies to the cinema, bins ARE provided so I put all my rubbish in them. Hate seeing the amount of rubbish people leave behind them :mad:

kingtut

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

You're doing people out of a job.

Utter nonsense. People will always be needed to clean the place (sweep, mop, wipe down tables etc). Helping them by putting your rubbish away when bins are provided is not going to make them jobless.

freshpopcorn

kingtut wrote: »

Same applies to the cinema, bins ARE provided so I put all my rubbish in them. Hate seeing the amount of rubbish people leave behind them :mad:

I think somebody who worked in a cinema told me they were happy when it was messy afterwards because it kept them and a few others in a job. If everybody used the bin they wouldn't be the need for all the staff doing a tidy up between the films!

kingtut

freshpopcorn wrote: »

I think somebody who worked in a cinema told me they were happy when it was messy afterwards because it kept them and a few others in a job. If everybody used the bin they wouldn't be the need for all the staff doing a tidy up between the films!

Of course they would be needed, even if everyone used the bins I think it's a safe bet that everyone eating popcorn / crisps doesn't manage to get all of it in their mouths

Also people spill drinks on occasion.

oh and apt username is apt

syklops

Shergar6 wrote: »

I do stack the plates up nice and neatly so it's handy for them to clear off and if ive spilled anything i would wipe it up with napkins

You think its being nice, but in some restaurants it only makes things more difficult for the waitress. Waiters and waitresses are taught how to carry plates and are expected to do it that way. Once you have stacked plates on the table for them its very difficult for them to restack them so they can carry them the right way back to the kitchen without getting gravy and food everywhere.

Just leave the plates alone.

freshpopcorn

kingtut wrote: »

Of course they would be needed, even if everyone used the bins I think it's a safe bet that everyone eating popcorn / crisps doesn't manage to get all of it in their mouths Also people spill drinks on occasion.

oh and apt username is apt

Yes, some of them would be needed but not as many. It used take about two staff to pick up all the popcorn boxes/drink bottle and another to sweep. If everybody put there containers etc in the bin they said they'd only be need for one of them to be doing it.

Shergar6

syklops wrote: »

You think its being nice, but in some restaurants it only makes things more difficult for the waitress. Waiters and waitresses are taught how to carry plates and are expected to do it that way. Once you have stacked plates on the table for them its very difficult for them to restack them so they can carry them the right way back to the kitchen without getting gravy and food everywhere.

Just leave the plates alone.

Ah here, i don't fooking play jenga with them. I'll keep doing it too!

RWCNT

Robsweezie wrote: »

anyone else always bring dishes, glasses back to the counter after a meal at a café/ restaurant if theres not a waiter around, or if they're busy? I've started doing it recently and the staff react with surprise as if its not the norm. I suppose they're usually left to clean up after people and take the dishes back themselves (part of their job)

especially the case in a rare visit to mcdonalds, I wouldn't be the type to leave a tray full of happy meal boxes, straws, chips and burger wrappers behind me, it helps the staff too if you clean up after yourself. though you're not ''obliged'' too.

I always clean up after myself on the rare occassion I'm in a fast food joint, I'd just feel dirty leaving all that paper on the table.

As far as a proper restaurant goes, I've never done it, seen anyone do it or heard of anyone doing it before. Congrats, you are the soundest man in Ireland.

meeeeh

I would be mortified if anyone associated with me wouldn't clean after themselves in fast food places. How would anyone even think it's OK to leave rubbish is beyond me.

But at the same time I would not clean the table in proper restaurant. The last thing you want is dogooder with a pile of plates crashing into waiter carrying food.

1moo345

ScumLord wrote: »

I don't clean up after myself at home, so I'm not going to do it in public either.

If the place is busy they'll likely have someone cleaning anyway. Making the employees work harder cleaning up my crap is going to put the pressure on them to find a better job. So really, I'm doing them a favour.

Wow. So who cleans up after you at home? Are they paid aswell?

You really aren't doing anyone any favours. No one in this world chooses fast food over another job, so they are majority only there because they haven't got another option yet. So, going to a job you already hate, because you'd rather provide for yourself than sitting on the dole, and people come in and make your day that little bit worse because they're 'motivating you'. Just wow.

kingtut

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Yes, some of them would be needed but not as many. It used take about two staff to pick up all the popcorn boxes/drink bottle and another to sweep. If everybody put there containers etc in the bin they said they'd only be need for one of them to be doing it.

Well that's fair enough but I will always clean up after myself when the facilities are provided.

Lady is a tramp

When I worked as a waitress in cafes/coffee shops, it used to be a nuisance when customers did this. They'd leave their stuff up on the counter by the till, where it would be moved to get it out of the way, but often the table wouldn't be spotted as needing to be cleared/wiped. As in, from behind the till, to the waitresses, the table would look "cleared". So the next customers would come in, and immediately complain about the crumbs/spilt tea on the table.

Whereas, if you just let the waitresses do their job and clear the table after you, it'll be done properly. And ready for the next customer.

I'd throw my stuff in the bin after me in fast food places alright.

I don't attempt to stack plates etc in restaurants, I'm sure the people working there have their own system and are well used to it, I'm not going to interfere!

Lyaiera

Chocolate fiend wrote: »

If we were out for a drink we would put the glasses on the bar before we leave.

If it's a small pub, with only one member of staff behind the bar I do that as well.

Sure, in my local I've often delivered pints, carried boxes up the stairs, gone out to the shop for lemons and limes, or gotten takeaway for the bartender if they're rushed and hungry. These people aren't just staff, they're friends, and it all balances out when they give me the free pint when they've pulled the wrong one, or when they're feeling feisty and dole out a free round of shots.

the evasion_kid

I don't do it in a restauran\cafe but I'll pile the dishes up so they can collect them easily,if I'm in a bar I always bring the empty glasses back to the counter.

Tilikum

Always do it....beat into me as a child so now I don't really even think about it.

Pint glasses too.

Samaris

I always clean up after myself in places where you get food on trays (fast-food). I usually tidy up after eating in a restaurant too, gather together the cutlery on one plate sort of thing. I shall have to remember that about plate stacking though, although I only tend to do that when there's two/three there. My partner does it too; both of us have waited tables and can stack efficiently. But it's a good point that they may have their own systems and this makes it awkward for them.

We both always bring our cups back in a cafe if there's a place to put them, or glasses in a bar. The waitstaff seem to be surprised and appreciative for it.

Robsweezie

Tilikum wrote: »

Always do it....beat into me as a child so now I don't really even think about it.

Pint glasses too.

upbringing can play a part I think

Winterlong

Sure it's only manners to be cleaning up after yourself in a fast food place or a cafe.

Adyx

There's a fairly obvious rule here I think: If you bring the food to a table yourself (McDonalds etc) then you clear the table. If someone brings the food to you, they clear the table. There will be exceptions I'm sure.

Personally, I prefer if customers don't attempt to clear the table or stack dishes.

4ensic15

If you trip carrying plates in a restaurant you will not be insured if you trip and are injured.

FortySeven

I always clear up in places like McDonald's.

Not in restaurants. I worked hotels for years and can completely clear a table in one go if nobody has tried to help. The stacking of plates can ruin my system and I end up making two or three trips to the kitchen instead of one. Best left to the professionals.

FizzleSticks

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ToddyDoody

Or, be like the students and stash them in your bag. Tee hee.

Robsweezie

I've never done it restaurants afaik, I would agree that there is a certain amount of table service you'd want in the swankier places where the food is pricey, you'd want to be looked after a fair bit. I haven't had a proper meal out in ages.

In a cafe I frequent I hand the dishes over the counter to the cashier when paying ( I've been told it's appreciated), and for mcdonalds I clear the tray and often pop it back up on the counter. I also put the dishes on the counter after pub grub the other day which was met with a genuine "thanks buddy"

I've also been told "Ah sure leave it I'll do that!" by another lady in the cafe and in mcdonalds. So it varies.

NiallBoo

Robsweezie wrote: »

In a cafe I frequent I hand the dishes over the counter to the cashier when paying ( I've been told it's appreciated).

But they're never going to tell you to feck-off, now are they?

Robsweezie

NiallBoo wrote: »

But they're never going to tell you to feck-off, now are they?

no, but she did seem genuinely relieved, and surprised at the gesture

[Deleted User]

In the likes of burger king etc i will always put my rubbish into the bin and leave the tray on top. Its normally appreciated by the staff.

In a restaurant , if i was expected to do it i would not be returning to said restaurant.

But, when i was in china, i ate at a KFC one day (urges got to me after eating food i wasnt too used to for 2 weeks.) When i finished i was getting up tray in hand to go to the bin when a clearner for kfc raced over to me and grabbed the tray with rubbish, insisting she cleaned up.

When i questioned this later to a friend of mine there , he said its because its her job to clean up that i shouldnt do it. Weather thats him being lazy or that is her job that they are very efficient about, i don't know.

FizzleSticks

This post has been deleted.