I have one significant flaw as a server. Well there is more than one, but one that is the standout among the flaws. I have no ability to hide an emotion on my face. Sure I can pretend to be happy if I am having a bad day, but in the instant you say something [...]
Welcome to Restaurant Laughs
Restaurant Laughs spotlights the lighter side of life in a restaurant. Written from a server’s point of view, you will find humorous insights on dealing with unreasonable guests, crazy co-workers, and even some of the strangest tales from restaurants around the country. All of this is shared with a love for the industry and a great deal of affection for all of the guests that make serving so rewarding. This site is more than a waiter rants and tirades. It is a genuine opportunity to look at ourselves and laugh at the absurdity of it all. These are the true tales of life inside a restaurant.
Restaurant Laughs is just one of a series of sites collectively known as The Hospitality Formula Network. This network is comprised of websites to help restaurant industry professionals advance in their careers and assist restaurant guests in understanding our industry. The Manager’s Office, Tips Squared, Foodie Knowledge and Restaurant Marketing Plan all provide great insights on the business side of things. This site is designed for comic relief. After working a long shift or recalling a horrible dining experience, we could all use a good laugh.
Restaurant Laughs, and the entire Hospitality Formula Network, are written by David Hayden. Mr. Hayden is a restaurant industry consultant, blogger, and server. His first book, Tips2: Tips For Improving Your Tips, was released in 2011 and provides restaurant servers with the knowledge they need to improve their incomes. With 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he shares his knowledge and stories with readers through his blogs and books. His hope is that they provide both servers and guests the opportunity to share a laugh and understand each other better.
Most Recent Posts
Random Thoughts From A Server 52: Desserts
Very rarely do I come up with words that I think will be remembered long after I am gone. This post will be the exception. In all of my years in the business, I dont think I have ever come up with a thought more profound than this one. Um well except for all the [...]
13 Restaurant Secrets They Don’t Want You To Know
I am often asked by friends and in interviews what are the restaurant secrets they should know about before dining out. This usually causes a chuckle. I eat out as much as anyone I know. After working in over a dozen restaurants, I don’t feel enough fear to avoid them. The cooks will not mess [...]
T Shirts For Servers 7: For a slow week
Everyone has had one of those weeks. No one is coming in the restaurant, the entire staff is hurting for cash, and the manager cannot even find a volunteer for taking a Saturday night off. This is even worse when the slow week is the last night of the month and rent is coming due. [...]
T Shirts for Servers 6- For The Waitresses
Want humorous pictures about serving in your Facebook newsfeed? Of course you do. The best way to do that is to check out the Restaurant Laughs Facebook Page and like it. There are lots of fun graphics to share with your friends. They range anywhere from moderately amusing to F’n hilarious. So go check it [...]
Random Thoughts From A Server 50
This note was jotted down after a particularly fun coffee adventure. I personally prefer my coffee slightly above body temperature. I drink coffee for caffeine. If it is too hot, then I must wait to drink it. This is a horrible tease and one that stretches the limits of my patience. This is the strongest [...]
Random Thoughts From A Server 49
Pavlov trained his dogs to salivate anytime a bell rang. The way he did it was to ring a bell and then feed the dogs. Eventually, they salivated at the sound of the bell even when food was not provided. This is now called a Pavlovian response. A bonus piece of kibble should be provided [...]
Vintage Posts: Why Not To Date Co-Workers
This post caused me so much grief that I almost deleted it. I have written posts attacking mega companies like Darden and Groupon with less reaction. I have written posts going after TV stars and major TV networks with less reaction. I have written posts calling out my boss (at the time) with less [...]
Random Thoughts From A Server 48
Allergies have become a hotter issue in restaurants than at any time I can recall. While I have great sympathy for those that are allergic to food items, the abuse of the word by picky eaters has made it more and more difficult for those with legitimate allergies. Restaurants will bend over backwards for people [...]
The Best Restaurant Show You Haven’t Seen
I don’t like restaurant shows (except Bar Rescue because John Taffer is the real deal). I groaned through Waiting. I blame Gordon Ramsay for the most annoying guest traits. Don’t even get me started on restaurant dirtbag Willie Degel and his fake Restaurant Stakeout. I dread any conversation with a guest that begins with, “I [...]
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About The Author
David Hayden was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He took his first serving job in 1996. Since that time, he has worked for over a dozen different restaurant companies. He has held both hourly and salaried positions at independent and corporate restaurants. He has waited on over 100,000 guests and trained hundreds of servers. He has been named "Best Server in Kansas City" the last three years by the local weekly paper.
