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A Poll Regarding Soda and Toddlers
Backstory: on Friday night, we went out to dinner with my sister, BIL, and their three boys (ages 9, 6, and almost 2). We ordered water for Ellie, and they ordered water for Sayre, and sprite for the two older boys. All of the kid's drinks were brought in plain white styrofoam cups with lids.
About 30 minutes after the waitress brought the drinks, my 6 year old nephew piped up and said that the waitress had brought him water (instead of sprite). My BIL called the waitress over and asked her to bring him a sprite, and she said "oh, I must have mixed up the cups." I took a drink out of Ellie's cup, and sure enough, she had been drinking sprite.
I said to the waitress, "yes, she has sprite. please bring her a water." and the waitress, instead of going to get the water like I asked, said "oh, it's not going to hurt her."
And then my head exploded.
I remained very calm, but I told her that it was not for her to decide whether or not my 2 year old could have sprite, and that in the future she should mark the cups if she can't keep up with what is in them.
I was very dissatisfied with the service all around, not just this part, but my BIL talked me out of complaining to the manager because he's friends with the manager and the owner and he didn't want me to embarrass him (his words).
So, what do you think? Was it a big deal? Should I have complained regardless of the risk of embarrassing my BIL? What would you have done?
Re: A Poll Regarding Soda and Toddlers
OK, I give you major props for not jumping across the table at that woman. Regardless of the situation at hand, she has NO right to tell you how to parent your child, nevermind the fact that soda was involved. And if she had been doing her job right this wouldn't have been an issue in the first place. I hope you cut her tip in half.
I understand not wanting to embarrass your BIL, but I still think the manager should know how his staff is treating customers. Could an anonymous call or letter be made/sent informing him of the situation?
updated 10.03.12
I would have complained regardless.
It's not up to the waitstaff to decide what's ok for YOUR child.
I wouldnt have given a crap what your BIL said. She was rude and out of line and a bad waitress.
I bet Ellie would have voted to give her a double tip though. Wheeee Soda!
She was WIRED, dude. She was like wheeeeeee!
I would have gotten snappy with the waitress, but not complained to a manager. I waited tables for years, and I'm just not one to call a manager over, unless like my stuff is raw. She probably gives her kids Sprite and was thinking "oh it's not like I'm charging her" so she thought it was NBD.
I always want to yell at people who don't let their kids have soda but think Sprite is fine. It still has calories, sugar, and carbonation. People act like caffeine is the only thing to be concerned about. I had to train Robin with this knowledge, too. He thinks Sprite is diet.
I would have said something.
But I am one that will call out bad service and never have any issue complaining to the manager when necessary. I used to be a waitress, so I get that sometimes you can get flustered, but being flat out rude is uncalled for.
It's too bad Ellie didn't tell* you sooner about the Sprite. :P
ETA* missing words
My Acme Box last update 3/28/11
I agree with MB. I would have been LIVID ! Who cares what the drink was, she has no friggin' right to tell you that it's ok for your kid to have it. For some reason, I doubt your BIL will say something to the manager. I woudl definitely give him a call. If your BIL was concerned with you making a scene, then you making a call shouldn't get his panties in too much of a wad.
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Do you remember me talking about my reaction towards Chris when I found out he gave Sam a sip of Pepsi?? And that was to my husband! A perfect stranger telling me its ok? Oh no, sister... we be fighting.
updated 10.03.12
Lol yup! I actually thought of that as I was reading Ames' post!
LOL whatever dude, she was going to town on it. i remember thinking "damn, she must've been thirsty!" and then when I realized it was sprite I was like oooooh so THAT's why she was sucking it down so fast....
This 100 times over. I cook part time at a local restaurant and even though I bitche and moan about special orders, I still do my best to make them the way the customer wants/needs them.
I would have been upset as well. Not so much for the mix up, but for the waitress's attitude.