I work as a server and for the entire time I’ve worked there they keep at least 2 servers until closing time — it’s a busy chain restaurant. I’m also notoriously a great “schmooze” and squeeze out unusually large tips from tables that have expendable income to tip with.
Tonight was the first time I’ve ever seen the manager phase out all but 1 person around 40min before closing, and that person was me. Minutes later a 7 top walks in. I’m about to start them while finishing 2 other small tables, then a couple 2 tops arrive, and finally a huge 9 top at about 30min before closing. I literally can’t physically handle this and I’m visibly panicking a bit, so a server who was about to go home came back and helped do the small tables. Before I could finish the 7 tops drink orders, the 9 top had gotten up and complained to management that they didn’t feel welcome after a busboy “gave them side-eye” and they heard me say in the side station I can’t do this alone.
I was written up for this before I clocked out, and was already absolutely furious because it was the managers fault for phasing the other 2 closers to cut costs. The real reason I’m considering quitting though?
The 9 top was a group with a lineman for the Green Bay Packers, who was specifically excited to eat at this chain after a long flight. If another server was still on to take the 7, since it wouldn’t have been mine in the rotation anyways, the 9 top would have rightfully been mine. It was also a literal perfect storm situation for me to guarantee the biggest tip I’ve ever received. The cards were aligned, and I got fucked by that managers decision. Then he has the audacity to write me up and take no accountability.
Should I let this go because I genuinely do like what I do and the people I work with, or should I say fuck this and not take that disrespect?