Service

                I occasionally get up and walk out of restaurants if I’m not happy with how fast I’m waited on.  I think I’m pretty generous with how long I will wait, but there comes a point where it’s just time to leave.   It’s usually about 10 – 15 minutes for me.   If you can’t get to my table in that amount of time, then I don’t need to patronize your establishment. 

                I’m traveling today and I decided to sit down and have breakfast at the airport.  The service was pretty slow.   There aren’t a lot of options at PDX though, and I didn’t quite hit the 10 minute mark, so I ultimately ordered my breakfast.   She had to come back and ask some clarifying questions after my initial order.  It was okay.  She did seem busy. 

                While I was eating my two sides of bacon I noticed a guy sit down next to me.   He had his iPad out and seemed content to wait.   It took a while for her to get to him.   I saw him look around a few times as if he was wondering when she would come.  He would then look back down at his iPad.   She finally got to him and he ordered.   She then went over and took someone else’s order.   After getting that one, she came back to him with a clarifying question.   He seemed really pissed.

                “You know what, NEVERMIND!   I’M DONE HERE!”  He stormed out.

                “Okay”, she said, “Bye”

                I found the whole thing very amusing.  I could easily have been in the same place.   If I was in a hurry, or more frustrated for whatever reason, I could see myself reacting in a similar way.   It’s funny to see someone else do it.  I guess people probably chuckle to themselves when they see me walk out of places.   Oh well, patience is a virtue, but bad service is inexcusable.