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If a restaurant owner could say or post one thing for customers as they enter their restaurant this holiday season, what would it be? —Georgiana W., St. Louis
The question arose in response to many customers’ lack of sympathy, empathy, and general concern for the plight of the struggling restaurant industry and its collective staff.
In truth, restaurateurs are aware of the problems at hand—lack of labor, rising food prices, medical recommendations and mandates, and especially the surliness of customers—but are powerless to do anything about them.
In gallows humor fashion, one restaurateur joked that he would post a quote from Dante's Inferno: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”
Should owners make light of the dilemma and say something rhetorical, such as, “It's the holiday season. You’re all going to be nice tonight, right?” with a big, disarming smile across their face? Or should they take a more direct approach, like the brewpub in Erie, Pennsylvania that posted a bold four-word missive on its front door: "BE KIND OR LEAVE"?
We asked a few St. Louis chefs and restaurant owners for their thoughts:
Ben Grupe, Tempus: "We are all human beings—each of us a unique person with their own foibles, quirks, and idiosyncrasies—and every person, whether a guest or a member of the staff, deserves respect."
Tim Metz, Timothy's: "Truly embrace what the holiday season means: Be patient and kind. Restaurants are going through challenging times, with inflated pricing, lack of products, shut-downs, and even short staffing. Kindness is the true meaning of the season."
Chris Meyer, Kounter Kulture, Songbird: "Welcome—we are thrilled you're here. Leave your stress at the door, and let's all share the holiday spirit."
Brad Merten, Narwhal's, Loaded Elevated Nachos: "Especially during this holiday season, we ask our guests to remember what they were taught growing up: simply to treat others as they would like to be treated. Our stated goal with staff has always been to go above and beyond and wow our customers. It's always quite refreshing when a customer can wow us with a little extra patience and understanding."
John Perkins, Juniper: "THANK YOU! For choosing to dine with us. We are so thankful for your business."
Ben Poremba, Bengelina Hospitality Group: "To make people feel welcomed and worthy and appreciated, this holiday season I would share a quote by Maya Angelou: 'People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'"
Mark Hinkle, Olive + Oak, O+O Pizza, Clover and The Bee, Perennial on Lockwood: "We're happy you're here."
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