How to Complain in a Restaurant

Nobody likes to have a bad experience while out dining with friends or family. From cold food to mixed up orders to rude servers, it's better to complain than to just suffer through the problem. Managers need to know what their guests think of their restaurant and more than likely, they'll be happy to fix the problem for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Explain the problem to your server. Being polite is crucial; being rude only serves to frustrate everyone involved. Be specific and don't whine.

2. Offer a solution. After explaining your concerns, make a specific recommendation as to what you would like to be done about the problem. For example, if your food is cold, ask the server to heat it up or have it remade. If you've received the wrong food or your food wasn't made to your specifications, tell your server that you need the proper dish to be made for you.

3. Assert yourself. If the server cops an attitude or starts backtalking, firmly tell him that you'd like to see the manager. It's not worth it to argue with the server when he's obviously not going to be helpful. If it's the server himself that's the original problem, immediately ask to speak to a manager, bypassing Step 1 and Step 2.

4. Tell the manager your predicament, again using a polite tone of voice. There's no need to offer solutions this time as the manager will likely respond to your problem without prompting. In most cases, the manager will immediately correct the issue and discreetly reprimand the employees involved.

5. Contact the franchise operator or corporate office. If the restaurant manager doesn't handle the problem to your satisfaction, ask for the contact information for her boss. If she refuses, look up the company on the Internet and email the district manager or owner that way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're extremely upset and feel that you'd make a scene by speaking with the server or manager, find the corporate contact information online and submit a complaint that way. Usually, the corporate office will send you a voucher for free food and an email apologizing for your bad experience.
• Note the names of all employees involved. That way, you can be specific when referencing the players in the situation.
• Don't be quick to put the blame on the server. The cause of the majority of complaints stems from the kitchen messing up orders and the server has no control over this. Tip according to the experience the server provided; don't take your frustrations out on him if he was apologetic and took care of the problem quickly and effectively.