Working in the service industry is not for the faint of heart. Servers often work long hours, deal with a range of moods in customers, and have to navigate the volatile nature of tipped work.
In fact, a 2021 study found a significant prevalence of poor mental health among servers, with 38% showing signs of depression and 52.3% reporting anxiety.
It’s no surprise, then, that mistakes such as mixing up an order, forgetting which table ordered what, or failing to ring in a meal happen from time to time.
New York-based Hooters server and TikTok creator Lexi (@lexiwells05) posted a short skit illustrating just how heart-sinking a feeling that can be.
In the clip, which has garnered over 10,900 views, Lexi writes on-screen, “pov: you forgot to ring in their food.”
Using the TikTok-popular soundbite from Parks and Recreation, “Well, that’s interesting…” she pretends to stand in front of a customer asking about their food before quickly running away, presumably to the kitchen to finally ring in the order.
“Always blame the kitchen,” one viewer chimed in in the comments.
What Happens When A Server Forgets To Ring In Your Food?
As servers report online, very rarely will the customer realize exactly why their food is late. Of course, sometimes it’s due to a server’s mistake, but it could also be a backed-up kitchen or a particularly busy night that’s to blame.
Either way, servers say they try to improve the customer’s experience during the wait by topping off drinks and reassuring them that the food is on its way.
One server on r/TalesFromYourServer even shared a full routine they follow when they know it may take a while for the kitchen to send out food. It includes spacing out table touches, offering samples of the daily soup, or bringing refills of bread to buy time.
Can You Get Your Meal Comped Due To Server Mistakes?
Occasionally, a restaurant may comp the meal or offer a free dessert to make up for the inconvenience.
Another server on r/TalesFromYourServer shared a story about a manager offering a customer an entire free dinner after they had a less-than-ideal experience.
Depending on the restaurant’s policy, this could also mean the server has to pay for the mistake out of pocket, or the cost is deducted from their pay. It’s unclear what Hooters’ policy is on the matter.
BroBible has reached out to Hooters via email and Lexi via TikTok messages and comments.